Summary
The Certificate in Professional Financial Advise, is a level 7 qualification which awards the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation. This designation is a highly regarded credential for finance professionals in Ireland. It satisfies the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) requirements for advising on and selling five of the eight categories of retail financial products outlined in the Code.
With over 22,000 professionals nationwide holding the designation, the QFA equips you with the knowledge, skills, and accreditation needed to thrive in diverse financial roles while ensuring compliance with MCC standards.
Benefit to you
This programme is designed to provide you with the ability to:
-
assess the needs of consumers for protection policies, including life assurance cover, serious illness cover and business insurances;
-
evaluate the needs of consumers for investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes;
-
appraise the needs of consumers for savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collective investment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferable shares;
-
evaluate the needs of consumers for mortgage credit agreements, housing loans, home reversion agreements, and consumer credit agreements;
-
evaluate the main regulatory requirements relating to the marketing of and sales / advisory process of financial services products;
-
assess the suitability of financial products in meeting the needs of consumers.
Watch the below webinar. presented in collaboration with 360 Search recruiters where we explore the opportunities for those that hold APA and QFA professional designations.
This programme is designed for:
Those looking to build or advance their careers in financial services. It’s ideal for current professionals seeking career progression, career changers entering the sector, and those needing to meet the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) to act as a financial adviser and to advise and sell financial products like Investments, Pensions, Life Assurance, and Loans/Mortgages. This course provides the essential knowledge, skills, and regulatory compliance needed to succeed in the financial services industry.
Delivery and Assessment
All modules are delivered online through distance and self-directed learning, allowing you to study at your own pace from home or work. Participants will receive a textbook and access to a range of learning resources to support their studies.
Each module is worth 5 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), and all exams are 2-hour multiple-choice assessments with 100 MCQ questions with the exception of the QFA Financial Advice module which is a 2.5 hour exam consisting of 3 case study based questions.
This flexible learning approach makes it easier for professionals to balance education with their work and personal commitments
Fee
€360 per module
Award and Designation
Upon completion, you are awarded the Level 7 Certificate in Professional Financial Advice qualification from Atlantic Technological University and the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) professional designation by LIA.
CPD
8 Hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is awarded on successful completion of each module. .
Progression
Find out more
For more information about this course please contact our education team education@lia.ie or 01 456 3890.
Alternatively, you can register your interest here to receive more information.
How to Register
To register for this course, click the link below. Existing LIA members will be directed to the account login page. If you’re new to LIA, follow the on-screen instructions to create a free profile and complete your registration.
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory framework governing financial services in Ireland. Key topics covered include:
-
The rationale for government regulation in financial services.
-
Authorisation and marketing requirements.
-
Best practices for engaging with potential clients and navigating the sales/advisory process.
-
Maintaining accurate customer records and effective complaint handling.
-
Investor protection measures and consumer contract regulations.
-
Legal obligations around whistleblowing.
This modules equips learners with essential knowledge and skills to advise clients on life assurance solutions and protection policies. Key topics include:
-
Assessing personal financial needs and quantifying protection requirements.
-
Understanding life assurance, serious illness cover, and business insurance solutions.
-
Navigating wills, estates, and protection cover comparisons.
-
Exploring investment bonds, savings policies, and taxation considerations.
-
Providing tailored advice, starting policies, and managing benefit payouts.
-
Applying financial mathematics to real-world scenarios.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of investment products and the financial services market. Key topics include:
-
The role of the economy and various investment asset classes, including deposits, shares, and bonds.
-
Exploring collective investment funds, unit-linked policies, tracker bonds, and structured retail products.
-
Employee share incentives, taxation, and financial mathematics.
-
Comparing investment products and adhering to Consumer Protection Code obligations.
To obtain the APA Investment designation, candidates must complete QFA Regulation and QFA Investment.
This module equips learners with the knowledge needed to advise clients on housing loans and consumer credit. Key topics include:
-
Understanding housing loans, associated taxation, and reliefs.
-
Comparing housing loan options and the role of housing loan insurance.
-
Arranging loans, remortgaging, and managing arrears or debt.
-
Exploring consumer credit and best practices for client support.
This module provides comprehensive knowledge on retirement planning and pension products. Key topics include:
-
Understanding the need for retirement planning and the role of state pensions.
-
Personal pension contracts, employer pension schemes, and transfer options.
-
Investment strategies, annuities, and Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs).
-
Taxation, pension adjustment orders, and regulatory considerations.
-
The impact of inflation and compound interest on retirement planning.
-
Comparing pension plans and delivering tailored advice.
The QFA Financial Advice module is the capstone module of the QFA program and must be completed last. It integrates knowledge from the previous five modules to provide a holistic approach to financial advising. Key topics include:
-
Conducting financial planning and effective fact-finding.
-
Reviewing pensions, life assurance, investments, and loans.
-
Assessing product suitability and delivering tailored recommendations.
-
Managing ongoing client reviews and maintaining strong advisory relationships.
Key Dates
We’re committed to providing you with the resources and tools you need to succeed. Your core learning materials include lecture slides, short pieces, suggested readings, and the required reading from the course manual, all designed to support your learning journey.
Upon registration, you will receive a textbook for the module(s) you are studying. This textbook serves as your primary learning resource, providing essential knowledge and guidance throughout the course. The exam will be based on the content covered in the textbook, so it is important to engage with it thoroughly.
In addition to the textbook, supplementary resources will be provided to further support and enhance your understanding.
You will be invited to attend a one-hour online induction, presented by the education team at LIA. This interactive webinar is designed to help you get the most out of your studies by providing essential study tips, effective exam techniques, and a step-by-step walkthrough of the online exam process.
During thewebinar, the education team will also be available to answer any questions you may have, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared as you begin your learning journey.
This study companion is a practical guide designed to support you in preparing for your exam. It provides valuable written tips on effective study techniques, helping you maximise your learning and retention.
Inside, you’ll find essential information on chapter weightings, allowing you to focus on key areas that carry the most significance in the exam. Whether you're looking for guidance on structuring your study sessions, managing your time effectively, or understanding which topics to prioritize, this resource is here to assist you every step of the way.
Our short, focused educational videos are designed to support you in preparing for your exams. These videos cover essential study tips, effective exam strategies, and guidance on how to get started with your study plan.
You'll also gain insights into tackling calculation-based questions, helping you approach them with confidence. Whether you need advice on time management, structuring your revision, or understanding key concepts, these videos provide the practical guidance you need for exam success.
Our expert lecturers deliver short, chapter-by-chapter audio lectures that guide you through the key content of your textbook. These concise lectures provide valuable insights and explanations, making it easier to grasp important concepts.
Perfect for listening on the go, these lectures allow you to reinforce your learning anytime, anywhere!
You are invited to attend a live, two-hour exam preparation masterclass for the module(s) you are studying.
This live, two-hour masterclass is specifically designed to help you prepare effectively for your upcoming exam. Led by our subject matter experts, these masterclasses covers key topics, exam strategies, and common challenges students face. You’ll receive in-depth guidance on how to approach various types of questions, including practical tips on time management and revision techniques.
This interactive masterclass gives you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify doubts, and engage with the content in real time, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared as you approach your exam.
You will be provided with a factsheet, which contains essential tax information directly related to your textbook.
This valuable resource is designed to complement your studies, offering key insights and quick-reference facts to support your learning and exam preparation.
You will have access to hundreds of sample multiple-choice questions (MCQs) through the ‘Take a Test’ feature. This online tool lets you complete practice exams that closely mirror the format and content of your upcoming exam, providing you with valuable hands-on experience.
This resource is used to test your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen your exam preparation, ensuring you feel confident and well-prepared on exam day.
You will be provided with a chapter weighting table that outlines the minimum and maximum number of questions that may appear on your exam paper for each chapter of the textbook that you are studying.
This valuable resource helps you prioritise your study efforts by giving you a clear understanding of the relative importance of each chapter.
You may study for the Certificate in Professional Financial Advice if you meet the minimum entry requirements. The minimum second level educational requirement for entry to the Certificate in Professional Financial Advice is the Irish Leaving Certificate in five subjects, including English and Mathematics, with all five subjects being achieved at Grade O6 or higher or Grade H7 or higher.
Equivalent qualification at the same level (e.g. A levels; Highers/Advanced Highers (Scotland); International Baccalaureate; European Baccalaureate etc) will also meet the minimum entry requirements.
Applications will also be considered from mature applicants who do not have an Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent. Mature candidates will be assessed for entry based on work experience along with a demonstrated commitment towards the academic requirements for the programme.