Study with LIA FAQs

A designation (e.g. QFA, APA) represents a professional standard and signifies that you meet the competency requirements to sell and advise on certain financial products, as regulated by the Central Bank's Minimum Competency Code. A qualification, awarded by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, represents the academic achievement you receive after completing an educational programme. 

The QFA designation qualifies professionals to advise on five of the eight retail financial product categories specified by the Central Bank’s MCC. This course comprises six modules, five of which are assessed through multiple-choice exams. The final one, QFA Financial Advice, is a written exam. 

• QFA Life Assurance 
• QFA Pensions 
• QFA Loans 
• QFA Regulation 
• QFA Investment 
• QFA Financial Advice 

The APA designations are stepping stones, as well as incremental credentials, that meet the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC). They serve as a pathway to achieving the full QFA designation. You can obtain one or more APA designations by completing QFA Regulation and one or more of the following: 

• QFA Life Assurance 
• QFA Pensions 
• QFA Investments 
• QFA Loans

APA designations are incremental credentials that meet the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code on the journey to achieving the full QFA designation. The QFA allows you to advise and sell five of the eight categories of retail financial products set out in the Code, while an APA allows you to advise and sell only the retail product that you hold the APA in (e.g. APA Loans).

The CUA designation meets the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) requirements for: 

Consumer Credit Agreements and Associated Insurances, and Term Deposits 
Credit Unions acting as Insurance Intermediaries 

Modules to complete: 

• Credit Union Practices 
• QFA Regulation

The CUG designation is ideal for members of Credit Union Boards of Directors, Board Oversight Committees, and Credit Union Managers. 

Module to complete: 

• Credit Union Governance and Risk

The CUC designation is ideal for those in compliance or risk management roles within Credit Unions. 

Modules to complete: 

• Credit Union Governance and Risk 
• QFA Regulation 

Completing the exams ensures that you meet the requirements set out by the Central Bank’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC) to sell and advise on financial products in Ireland. 

Two modules: 
FA Regulation, plus 

• One of the following: QFA Loans, QFA Investment, QFA Life Assurance, or QFA Pensions 

Six modules: 

• QFA Regulation 
• QFA Loans 
• QFA Investment 
• QFA Life Assurance 
• QFA Pensions 
• QFA Financial Advice 

Two modules: 

• DC Pension Scheme Trustee Principles* 
• DC Pension Scheme Trustee Practices 

*Exemption: Holders of the QFA designation, Associates and Fellows of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland, and Members, Associates, and Fellows of the IIPM may apply for an exemption from this module. 

Two modules: 

• QFA Regulation 
• Credit Union Practices

One module: 

• Credit Union Governance and Risk

Two modules: 

• QFA Regulation 
• Credit Union Governance and Risk 

If you are a student and not already paying an annual LIA membership fee, you are required to pay a study fee (currently € 110) when booking your first module. This covers a 12-month period i.e. you can enrol on any number of modules during that time without being charged the study fee again. If you are a member of LIA, you are not required to pay the study fee if enrolling on modules. 

Please click here to view our exam timetable.

First time registrants will need to create a visitor profile by setting up an account via the LIA website, click here.

Once you have received your LIA member number you can enrol on any LIA programme by clicking on the ‘Sign in’ tab on our website and selecting the relevant course. 

No, some of our courses are specifically designed to introduce students to financial services, such as our short courses. Many of our students also complete courses as part of a career change or due to an interest in the financial services industry. 

Please click here to view minimum requirements for our Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) course. 
Please click here to view minimum requirements for our Pension Trustee Practitioner (PTP) course. 
Please click here to view minimum requirements for our Certificate in Credit Union Operations course. 
Please click here to view minimum requirements for our Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning course.

Please email education@lia.ie and we will contact you to discuss your options. You may be required to provide supporting documentation. 

LIA seeks this information as an authorised agent on behalf of ATU Sligo, a specified body under Schedule 5 of the Social Welfare Consolidations Acts. ATU Sligo require this information to comply with its obligations under the Higher Education Acts. This information is stored in an encrypted manner until it is transferred to ATU Sligo and is then deleted. LIA has no access to the unencrypted information and it is collected solely for the purposes of performing its contractual obligations with ATU Sligo. 

Once you enrol, you will receive the following learning resources: 

• Module textbook (physical copy) sent by post within 7-10 working days 
• Immediate access to E-Learning Resources, including: 
• Online module textbook (soft copy) 
• Micro-webinars
• Take a Test / Sample Questions / Past Exam Papers
• Exam Success Handbook 
• Exam Preparation Masterclass 
• Pre-recorded lectures 

Yes, for multiple choice style exams you will be provided with sample exam papers, which can be 
found in your online Study Hub. 

For written exams you are provided with past papers in your online Study Hub. 

Exams are held online.

Once you register for an exam you will receive a textbook in the post within 7-10 working days. While you wait for your textbook to arrive you will have immediate access to a wide range of our E-Learning Resources, including a soft copy of the textbook. 

All LIA courses have a pass rate of 40%. 

Level 9 
Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning 
Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Planning 
Master of Business in Financial Planning and Sustainability 
Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Management and Sustainability 
Micro-Credential Course - Retirement Planning 
Micro-Credential Course - Tax and Estate Planning 
Micro-Credential Course - Risk Management and Insurance Planning 
Micro-Credential Course - Investment Management 
Micro-Credential Course – Sustainable Finance 
Micro-Credential Course – Client Management 

Level 7 
Certificate in Professional Financial Advice | QFA 
Certificate in DC Pensions Scheme Trusteeship | PTP 
Certificate in Credit Union Operations | CUA | CUG | CUC | APA Loans 

Yes, you can. If you need to re-register for a later exam term, simply notify LIA at education@lia.ie. The re-registration fee is € 205. If illness prevents you from sitting your exam, the fee is reduced to €150 upon receipt of a medical certificate. If you're deferring your exam to a new academic year, you will also need to purchase a new textbook. Our office will be happy to assist you with this. Please note, LIA exams are non-transferable and non-refundable.

The following five QFA exams are assessed using 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with a time limit of 2 hours. 

The Defined Contribution Pension Scheme Trustee Principles module is assessed with 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and has a time limit of 1.5 hours. 

The Defined Contribution Pension Scheme Trustee Practices module is assessed with 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and has a time limit of 2 hours. 

This course is assessed using 75 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with a time limit of 1.5 hours. 

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning course is assessed through a combination of written exams and assignments, depending on the module. Specific assessment methods may vary by module, with details provided in each module's study guide. 

Negative marking applies to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) exams only. 

Exams are marked as follows: 

• 3 marks for a correct answer 
• -1 for an incorrect answer 
• 0 for ‘I don’t know’. 

• Computer/laptop with microphone (a working microphone is required so we can pick up on sound in your room on the day of the exam)
• If you are using a work laptop / computer please download the TestReach application in plenty of time as you may need support from your IT department depending on the security constraints in place.
• Webcam (to allow you fully show your desk and surrounding area when asked to do so on the day of the exam).
• Photo ID (must match the name you provided when registering for your exam).
• Internet Access (Strong, stable internet connection)
• Only one monitor/screen is permitted for use throughout the exam.

• Desktop or laptop computer with a working webcam, microphone and speaker.
• Windows 10 or MacOS 11 or higher.
• Minimum 4GB RAM, stable internet connection.
• If you are using a work laptop you may need admin rights to install the TestReach application.
• Important Mobile phones, tablets, Chromebooks are not supported.

You do not use a web browser (such as Chrome or Safari) to sit your exam.

You must download and install the TestReach application in advance of your exam, download here

You’ll be required to complete a system check within the app to confirm your device meets all technical requirements

(including camera, microphone, and internet connection).

A strong, stable internet connection is required. We recommend a minimum of 1.5Mbit/s upload, 10Mbit/s download, ping under 25 ms. Check your internet speed here. 
The onus is on the student to comply with all technical specifications and testing required. 

Simply visit this page and follow the instructions. If you see your image, you’re all set! 

Simply visit this page and follow the instructions. If you can see a wave, you’re all set!

You will receive an email from TestReach with your:

• exam start time and
• access code to your exam and
• a link to download the TestReach application to your computer

Once you have downloaded the TestReach application and logged in using your access code you can then complete your system checks.

If you encounter any issues or are unable to complete your system checks, please contact Testreach:

• Email: support@testreach.com
• Phone: +353 (0)1 6991385 (IRE) or +44 (0) 2034758685 (UK).

Click here to access our Online User Guide. 

• Photo ID (this must be any form of official ID containing a photo and in the name your exam is registered in)
• Calculator 
• Bottle of water – must be a clear bottle of water with no label 
• Pencil/pen 
• 1 sheet of A4 paper to use for rough work (notebooks are not permitted) 
• Dictionary (please get permission from LIA prior to sitting your exam to use a dictionary) 
• Mobile phone must be on silent and at arm’s length away from your desk

Provisional results for LIA Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exams are emailed to students by close of business on the Monday following the exam. These results are subject to ratification by ATU and the ratified results dates are available on LIA’s exam timetable. 

Transcripts for all modules completed after September 2017 can be accessed through your LIA online account. For modules completed before this date, please contact education@lia.ie. 

• QFA – Qualified Financial Adviser 
• APA – Accredited Product Adviser 
• CUA - Credit Union Adviser 
• CUG - Credit Union Governance
• CUC - Credit Union Compliance
• FPRA - Financial Planning Risk Adviser 
• RPA - Retirement Planning Adviser 
• SIA - Specialist Investment Adviser

Provisional results for our Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exams are issued by email within 48 hours of the exam sitting.

Ratified results for both MCQ and Written are available online in your LIA account 5-7 weeks after your exam. The timetable above outlines the results release dates for each exam term.

Click below to access the exam timetable and results release dates. Your results will be made available in your LIA online account.

For all exams post September 2017, transcripts can be found in your LIA online account on your dashboard page.

For exams pre September 2017, please email education@lia.ie and we will email you a copy of your transcript.

*Designation received here depends on the combination of modules completed. 

• Click here to access our exemption document for the Certificate in Professional Financial Advice. 
• Click here to access our exemptions document for the Certificate in Defined Contribution Pension Scheme Trusteeship. 

• Click here and complete an exemption application form, return to education@lia.ie with a copy of your transcript/certificate (screen shots are not accepted). 

• Holders of the AITI Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification qualify for an exemption from the Tax and Estate Planning module. 
• Holders of the SIA designation qualifies for an exemption from the Investment Management module. 
• Students who completed modules under the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning with the Institute of Bankers (IOB) are exempt from the equivalent modules on the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning with LIA. 

LIA offer an amnesty against two credit union designations.

The Diploma in Credit Union Governance, offered by ILCU (Irish League of Credit Unions) and UCC, contained 60 ECTS credits and was a Level 7 Diploma on the NFQ. If you have completed this programme, LIA will give you an exemption against the Credit Union Governance & Risk module and award the CUG designation.

The Diploma in Credit Union Operations, offered by ILCU (Irish League of Credit Unions) and UCC, is recognised in the MCC for the activity of “credit union acting as an insurance intermediary” (as is CUA). The Diploma contained 60 ECTS credits at Level 7 on the NFQ. LIA will give you an exemption against Credit Union Practices and QFA Regulation and award you the CUA designation. 

Email cpd@lia.ie with a copy of your transcript or qualification. 

1. The successful candidate must have completed all modules applicable to the qualification / 
   award within the past 2 academic years, and in order to qualify, have completed at least 1 of 
   the 6 modules within the current academic year. 
2. The successful candidate must have completed all modules on the course, i.e. no exemptions 
   permitted (if the course structure has changed over the two years, the award is applicable 
   to whichever modules the person was required to complete to achieve their qualification / 
   award, i.e. may be a combination of modules). 
3. The successful candidate will be the person achieving the highest overall marks across all 
   modules, subject to the minimum mark of 80% (average across all modules). 
4. The successful candidate must be a holder of the QFA designation on the date the applicants 
   are drawn from the database. 
5. Candidates cannot  be in the running for two Gold Medals if using a module common to both 
   programmes. 

1. The successful candidate must have completed all modules applicable to the qualification / award within the past 2 academic years; and in order to qualify, have completed at least 1 of the 2 modules within the current academic year. 
2. The successful candidate must have completed all modules on the course, i.e.no exemptions permitted (if the course structure has changed over the two years, the award is applicable to whichever modules the person was required to complete to achieve their qualification / award i.e. may be a combination of modules). 
3. The successful candidate will be the person achieving the highest overall marks across all modules, subject to the minimum mark of 80% (average across all modules). 
4. The successful candidate must be a holder of the PTP designation on the date the applicants are drawn from the database. 
5. Candidates cannot be in the running for two Gold Medals if using a module common to both programmes. 

1. The successful candidate must have completed all modules applicable to the qualification /award within the past 2 academic years; and in order to qualify, have completed at least 1 of the 2 modules within the current academic year. 
2. The successful candidate must have completed all modules on the course, i.e. no exemptions permitted (if the course structure has changed over the two years, the award is applicable to whichever modules the person was required to complete to achieve their qualification / award, i.e. may be a combination of modules). 
3. The successful candidate will be the person achieving the highest overall marks across all modules, subject to the minimum mark of 80% (average across all modules). 
4. The successful candidate must be linked to a credit union, i.e. be an employee of, or volunteer for, a credit union. 
5. The successful candidate must be a holder of the CUA /CUC designation on the date the applicants are drawn from the database. 
6. Candidates cannot be in the running for twoGold Medals if using a module common to both programmes

1. The successful candidate must have completed all modules applicable to the qualification /aw
   ard within the past 2 academic years; and in order to qualify, have completed at least 1 of the 2 modules  within the current academic year. 
2. The successful candidate must have completed all modules on the course, 
   i.e.no exemptions permitted (if the course structure has changed over the two years, the award 
   is applicable to whichever modules the person was required to complete to achieve their quali
   fication / award, i.e. may be a combination of modules). 
3. The successful candidate will be the person achieving the highest overall marks across all modules, subject to the minimum mark of 80% (average across all modules). 
4. The successful candidate must be linked to a credit union, i.e. be an employee of, or 
   volunteer for, a credit union. 
5. The successful candidate must be a holder of the CUA /CUC designation on the date the appl
   icants are drawn from the database. 
6. Candidates cannot be in the running for twoGold Medals if using a module common to both programmes.

1.  The successful candidate must have completed the relevant CU module within the current academic year. 
2. The successful candidate must have completed the relevant CU module, i.e. no exemptions or amnesty individuals permitted. 
3. The successful candidate will be the person achieving the highest overall mark, subject to a minimum mark of 80%. 
4. The successful candidate must be linked to a credit union, i.e. be an employee of, or volunteer for, a credit union. 
5. The successful candidate must be a holder of the CUG designation on the date the applicants are drawn from the database. 

The student who holds the overall highest GPA on the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning 
will be awarded The Daniel Grimes Gold Medal Award.