We are replacing our Level 6 Corporate Finance Techniques and Theory (CFTT) exam following the summer 2024 session, The CFTT exam will then be replaced by three on demand exams. Find out more.

Diploma in Corporate Finance

CISI Level 6 Diploma in Corporate Finance

Why study the Corporate Finance Programme?

In partnership with ICAEW, we have created a progressive study programme for the development and recognition of corporate finance expertise and to equip you with practical knowledge and skills, adding to your day to day business experience and enhancing the value you can bring to the organisations you work with.

The programme starts with the Certificate in Corporate Finance and is then followed by the Diploma in Corporate Finance.

Is the Diploma in Corporate Finance right for me?

The Diploma in Corporate Finance, forms part of a joint CISI / ICAEW programme, which will equip you with advanced corporate finance knowledge, skills and expertise. It will enhance the value you bring to the organisations you work with and help accelerate your career.

The syllabus has been developed by corporate financiers to ensure it is work related and transaction-oriented. The Diploma assures a clear progressive path from the Certificate in Corporate Finance and successful completion may lead to full CISI Chartered Member status and the ICAEW Corporate Finance (CF) designatory letters.

It is suitable for corporate finance staff seeking an advanced level qualification. It is particularly appropriate for holders of the CISI Certificate in Corporate Finance or ICAEW ACA qualification.

Key features:

  • Offers a progressive study pathway – the Certificate in Corporate Finance is the first step in the CISI’s corporate finance study pathway and offers access to the higher-level Diploma in Corporate Finance
  • Recognised by the FCA - The Diploma in Corporate Finance features on the Financial Conduct Authority’s Appropriate Qualification Tables
  • Suitable for a wide range of corporate finance staff
  • Free CISI Student membership – become associated with a Chartered professional body and take advantage of an extensive range of benefits
  • Free ICAEW Corporate Finance Faculty Membership- online support and guidance to maintain expertise and leadership is available through the ICAEW Corporate Finance Faculty
  • MCSI designatory letters

Qualification factsheet

Entry requirements and exemptions

There are specific entry requirements for the Diploma in Corporate Finance that must be met before applying to sit the first paper.

Find out if you are eligible

Exemption will only be considered in respect of the Financial Reporting and Financial Statements Analysis unit.

View full details on this exemption

Qualification Structure

The Diploma in Corporate Finance can currently be achieved via two routes. Please note the withdrawal dates before embarking on either route.

The change to the route to the Diploma in Corporate Finance is the result of a practitioner led initiative to modularise the exam into more manageable exams focussed on different parts of the syllabus. The new exams, which will replace the current Corporate Finance Techniques and Theory exam, will provide a more flexible progression from a benchmark level 3 qualification to the existing level 6 Corporate Finance Strategy and Advice exam.

The Diploma in Corporate Finance is regulated by Ofqual as the CISI level 6 Diploma in Corporate Finance. On the European Qualifications Framework, this equates to a level 6 qualification.

Total Qualification Time:
Route 1 – 507 hours
Route 2 – 537 hours

The total qualification time (TQT) for route 1 of this qualification is 507 hours or 537 hours for route 2. TQT is an estimate of the number of hours that a typical candidate might reasonably spend in achieving the qualification. This will vary depending on your previous experience, and includes any formal study as well as self-study and assessment time.

 

Exam Details

Exam Availability

Pass Mark / Pass Rate

The current pass rate for this exam is and the pass mark is .

Regulated Qualifications Framework

credits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework are awarded upon successfully passing this exam

Feedback and Appeals

For further details on how to give us your feedback and / or Appeal your result, please refer to our Exam Policies.

Study support

A CISI workbook is required to be purchased when booking each exam. This is to ensure there is one standard workbook from which all exam candidates can prepare. You can also choose to purchase CISI elearning to support your exam preparation.

 

Examination and Study materials

Route 1 - The Corporate Finance Strategy and Advice examination and Corporate Finance Techniques and Theory (last exam sitting 4 June 2024) examination are open book examinations. You are permitted to bring in texts, articles and notes of any kind. It is your responsibility to bring in any material needed and any such texts brought into the examination venue should be in hard copy only.

Find out more about the examination materials

Route 2 –The Financial Reporting and Financial Statements Analysis (available from July 2024), Sources of Finance, Capital Investments and Valuations (available from July 2024) and Mergers & Acquisitions and Market Regulations (available from July 2024) examinations will be on-demand closed book examinations. Study materials and sample papers will be available closer to the July 2024 launch of the examinations.

The Corporate Finance Strategy and Advice examination is an open book examination. You are permitted to bring in texts, articles and notes of any kind. It is your responsibility to bring any material needed and any such texts brought into the examination venue should be in hard copy only.

Find out more about the examination materials

Book your exam

Complete the booking form and email the completed form to: CorporateFinance@cisi.org

 Diploma in Corporate Finance Booking Form

Accredited Training Partners

You can choose to complete formal training for our exams with a CISI Accredited Training Partner (ATP).

Find an ATP near you

Post Qualification Opportunities

Membership

After successfully achieving the Diploma in Corporate Finance qualification you can join the CISI as a full Member and attain the designatory letters, MCSI. As a Member of the CISI, you will enjoy the recognition of being a professional in a world of increasing competition. The extensive continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities available through the CISI’s suite of membership benefits ensures financial services practitioners can maintain competence and meet the requirements of firms and the regulator.

Higher Level Qualifications

Obtaining the Diploma in Corporate Finance is one of the pre-requisites required for those candidates wishing to pursue the ICAEW Corporate Finance qualification and the accompanying CF designatory letters. Further information is available here.