A Scot, a Londoner and a Somerset trainer have become the first to pass the CISI’s new Level 6 Certificate in Advance Financial Planning, the first of two steps to holding the UK’s highest level qualification for financial planners.
London based David Hearne CFPTM, Chartered FCSI of Satis Wealth Management, Scot John Reynolds Chartered FCSI of Expert Pensions Advice based in West Lothian and Somerset based trainer Crispin Glascow of Glascow Consulting Ltd Chartered FCSI began studying for the new CFPTM pathway, Level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning, receiving their result in July 2019. The pilot exam was sat by David as an existing CFP professional and a number of Accredited Training Providers to ensure that the new CFP pathway materials and exam are robust for candidates to sit from September 2019. All three are now on track, having passed their Level 6 exam, to complete the CISI Level 7 case study assessment, thereby achieving outright the Level 7 Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning.
John Reynolds, Chartered FCSI, in addition to running his own business has also trained 4,000 financial advisers and financial planners. He is also a Chartered Financial Planner but he felt that the CISI Level 6 Advanced Financial Planning exam has complemented and stretched his skill set perfectly:
“I feel that as a Chartered Financial Planner I certainly have the technical capability and therefore I was seeking more structure and guidance in the financial planning area. To test my perceived knowledge of cashflow modelling and financial planning I therefore wanted an independent accreditation where I could combine the technical with financial planning.
“The enlightened approach which the CISI Level 6 exam brings is exactly in line with the FCA thinking on proper, deeper, critical pension analysis. The exam and case study prepares us brilliantly to write transparent, client-focused, suitability reports to enhance our advice and help improve client’s understanding.”
John also sees the new CISI Level 7 pathway as a catalyst for planners to future-proof their businesses: “I would urge my colleagues and peers to consider taking their technical knowledge and complimenting it with the deeper, practical financial planning critical analysis which this new CISI exam provides. It will help kit out your business for the future.”
David Hearne CFPTM Chartered FCSI decided to undertake the study and exam in order to challenge himself, as he was already a holder of the CFPTM designation. He said: “I have always wanted to maintain the highest professional standards as a financial planner. Taking this exam and the case study that follows will ensure that I am up to date on the latest thinking and best practices. It will also enable me to support my colleagues and future recruits at Satis Wealth Management to do the same.”
Crispin Glascow, Chartered FCSI said: The Advanced Financial Planning exam acts as an excellent bridge between the Level 4 financial planning and advice exam paper and the case study report required to achieve the Level 7 financial planning qualification.
“Following completion of the exam, we were able to debrief the CISI on our perceptions of the paper overall and the robustness of the questions.
“It is always hard to recreate “real life” with qualifications but this exam helps to test candidates on both the technical and practical skills required of an expert financial planner. I was delighted to find that I had passed first time with distinction.”
Jacqueline Lockie CFPTM, Chartered FCSI, said: “We are so very pleased to see John, David and Crispin’s successes in our new CFP TM pathway. As a global certification there is nothing which matches the CFPTM designation for the breadth and depth of financial planning knowledge.
“John, David and Crispin’s clients can be assured that these expert’s financial planning guidance will have their well-being at the very heart of their process.”
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