A new level 4 Financial Planning & Advice exam launched by the CISI has won the FCA’s approval.

The professional body said the regulator’s green light gives it a “clear qualifications pathway to global CFPTM certification”.

The exam will sit within the CISI’s level 4 Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) and will also become the first unit of the CISI Certificate in Paraplanning.

Candidates can now be offered an FCA approved, RDR-compliant direct study pathway leading to the level 6 Diploma in Financial Planning and the globally recognised CFPTM certification, which the CISI described as “the pinnacle designation for Financial Planning”.

The FCA this week approved the exam, confirming it meets the needs of employees advising on retail investment products and friendly society tax-exempt policies (FCA activities 4 and 6) when taken as part of the CISI’s Investment Advice Diploma (IAD).

Candidates who achieve the new IAD pathway (Financial Planning & Advice) will meet the eligibility requirement for the CISI level 6 Diploma in Financial Planning of holding an RDR compliant qualification, which leads to the CFPTM certification. They will also have already completed the first unit of the Diploma, therefore having only the financial plan assessment to complete.

Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI and CISI chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have received FCA approval now for our new level 4 Financial Planning & Advice exam, which provides core knowledge in the areas of financial protection, pensions, retirement and financial planning skills for those individuals advising on retail investment products.

“Financial planners, Paraplanners and wealth managers wishing to become a CFPTM professional can be assured that our financial planning pathway meets FCA approval. It therefore provides financial services professionals with specialist knowledge and expertise to foster strong careers in all areas of financial planning.

“Those CISI members who attain the CFPTM designation can be confident in the knowledge that they are highly skilled professionals who can help clients take control of their finances, joining a global community of 160,000 CFPTM professionals.”