Which CISI qualification is right for me?

Are you looking to boost your CV, advance your career, broaden your knowledge, or gain specialist knowledge of financial services?

Our Qualifications Navigator is designed to make it easier for you to navigate through our world-renowned qualifications and study pathways.

We'll ask you some simple questions about your experience and interests to suggest CISI qualifications that may be suitable for you.

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Do you have any previous experience working in the financial services sector?

I have no experience Yes, I have some experience Yes, I am experienced

Which area of financial services are you interested in?

Wealth Management Financial Planning Capital Markets & Corporate Finance Operations Compliance & Risk Islamic Finance
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Where are you based?

Within the UK or Crown Dependencies Outside the UK
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I have some knowledge of working in financial services and would like to start with a benchmark wealth management qualification I already hold a Level 4 benchmark retail qualification and am looking to further my knowledge I have significant experience or knowledge of working in wealth management and am interested in a post-graduate level qualification I would like to become a Chartered Wealth Manager
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I have some knowledge of working in financial services and would like to start with a wealth management qualification I already have significant experience working in financial services and would like to further my knowledge in wealth management I would like to become a Chartered Wealth Manager
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I am interested in becoming a Financial Planner I am interested in becoming a Paraplanner I am already working in the financial planning profession and would like to consolidate my knowledge with a qualification I have significant experience and knowledge of financial planning and would like to further my knowledge I require an appropriate qualification that meets FCA Activities 4 & 6
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I would like to deal in securities or derivatives, either for myself or the wholesale market I am already working in wholesale securities markets but would like to further my knowledge I would like to understand wealth management and/or how to invest on behalf of clients I would like to work in corporate finance, or I am already working in corporate finance
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I would like to enhance my knowledge and skills of Operations in the financial services sector with a benchmark qualification I have a benchmark qualification in Operations and would like to further my knowledge I have significant experience or knowledge of working in Operations I am interested/work in specific technical areas of Operations
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Within the Operations sector, I am interested in

Client Money and Assets Financial Crime, Cybersecurity or the IT functions Derivatives Financial Compliance Securities Operations Risk or Operational Risk Asset Servicing or Platforms
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I have some experience or knowledge in compliance/risk and would like to build up my knowledge I have significant experience in compliance/risk and would like to further my knowledge
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Which of the following best describes your situation?

I would like to develop my fundamental knowledge in Islamic Finance I am looking to consolidate and benchmark my knowledge of Islamic Finance
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Which area of financial services are you interested in?

Wealth Management Financial Planning Capital Markets & Corporate Finance Operations Compliance & Risk Islamic Finance
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Where are you based?

Within the UK or Crown Dependencies Outside the UK
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Where are you based?

Within the UK or Crown Dependencies Outside the UK
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You may be interested in

Investment Advice Diploma

Develop a sound grounding in UK financial services and consumer relationships, macro-economic environment, settlement and more.

Specifically developed to comply with the examination standards of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and it appears on the FCA’s Appropriate Qualification tables.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams3
Entry RequirementsNone
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Private Client Investment Advice & Management

Demonstrate a broad understanding of the principles of private client investment advice within the context of the current regulatory environment.

Learn how to structure a suitable portfolio from a range of financial products which meets client objectives, based on the key principles of Know Your Customer (KYC). Ensure you continue to meet client objectives by learning how to undertake regular portfolio reviews and evaluations.

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams1
Entry RequirementsYes
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Chartered Wealth Manager Qualification

A post-graduate level specialist qualification which encompasses the breadth of knowledge required to provide the highest calibre of service to your clients.

After achieving this qualification, you can apply to use the Chartered Wealth Manager title to become part of an elite group of CISI Chartered Wealth Managers, similar in standing as other Chartered professionals with a specific occupational role, such as Chartered Surveyors.

Level
7
MembershipMember
Exams3
Entry RequirementsYes
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management

This qualification covers the essentials of financial planning, private client asset management, fund management, advisory functions and investment analysis from a global perspective.

Learn about the range of assets and investment products available in the market and you will gain the knowledge to provide financial advice and find appropriate solutions to meet the investment, retirement and protection planning needs for your clients.

Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Arabic Mandarin Spanish
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Certificate in International Advanced Wealth Management

Focuses the wide range of assets and investment products available in the market at an advanced level. Gain the knowledge to assess a client’s current financial position, make suitable investment recommendations, and respond appropriately to the changing needs of the client and circumstances of the market.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams2
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Spanish
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Investment Advice Diploma (Financial Planning & Advice)

Develop a sound grounding in UK financial services and consumer relationships, macro-economic environment, settlement and more.

The Financial Planning & Advice unit of this qualification provides you with a core knowledge within the areas of financial protection, pensions, retirement and financial planning skills for those individuals advising on retail investment products.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams3
Entry RequirementsNone
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Diploma in Advanced Financial Planning

The gold standard qualification for financial planners in the UK which leads to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Provides you with the necessary skills to build trust and help consumers in an increasingly complex advice world.

After achieving this qualification and meeting the relevant requirements, you can apply to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, allowing you to use the globally recognised, CFP™ after your name.

The CFP designation is only available to UK candidates. For international candidates, visit the FPSB's website to see whether it is offered in your region.

Level
7
MembershipMember
Exams2
Entry RequirementsYes
Find out more
Certificate in Paraplanning

Developed in conjunction with paraplanners and financial planners to test the application of the skills and technical knowledge required by paraplanners. Enhance your financial planning skills and prove you can apply technical knowledge in financial planning situations.

After achieving this qualification, you can apply to become an Accredited Paraplanner, allowing you to use the designation APP after your name.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams2
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Pension Transfers & Planning Advice

With the spotlight on pensions, especially with auto-enrolment, the average working adult will have several job changes. By the time they reach retirement age, they may have multiple pension pots and will require regular, high-quality advice on their pension options.

This qualification, combined with ANY qualification that enables you to obtain a Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) for Retail Investment Products will allow you to undertake the activity of a pension transfer specialist (FCA Activity 11).

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Capital Markets Programme

A flexible study pathway for practitioners to benchmark their knowledge in the capital markets wholesale sector. Choose to study units covering Securities or Derivatives. Developed with representatives from leading global financial services organisations.

Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams2
Entry RequirementsYes
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Diploma in Capital Markets

A specialist qualification designed to help you develop practical techniques and skills to demonstrate a very high level of competence. Candidates will be better prepared to progress to more senior management positions.

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams3
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Certificate in Investment Management

A specialist qualification designed to provide candidates with a rigorous level of understanding of the key areas of investment management, it assesses a range of core concepts that establish key value drivers, valuation techniques and performance measurement across asset classes and portfolios. Candidates will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding in a range of analytical scenarios.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams2
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Certificate in Corporate Finance

Develop the essential foundation knowledge required to work in the corporate finance sector. Explore corporate finance legislation, regulation and techniques and understand how corporate finance transactions are developed to meet client needs.

Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams2
Entry RequirementsNone
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
Diploma in Corporate Finance

Develop an advanced level of knowledge, skills and expertise for the corporate finance sector. Enhance the value you bring to organisations you work with and accelerate your career. Developed by corporate financers to ensure it is work-related and transaction-oriented.

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams2
Entry RequirementsYes
Find out more
Investment Operations Certificate

An established benchmark qualification developed to enhance your knowledge and skills of the administration and operations areas of the financial services sector. This qualification will provide you with an overview of the financial services sector, its regulations and will allow you to choose from a technical discipline relevant to your role.

Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams3
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Investment Operations Certificate+

An established benchmark qualification developed to enhance your knowledge and skills of the administration and operations areas of the financial services sector. This qualification will provide you with an overview of the financial services sector, its regulations and will allow you to choose from a technical discipline relevant to your role. The IOC+ is achieved by completing one extra paper within the IOC.

Level
3
MembershipSuperman
Exams4
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Managing Operational Risk in Financial Institutions

A higher-level qualification for candidates looking to equip themselves with the knowledge and practical techniques to investigate an operational risk incident, manage operational risk long-term, model appropriate behaviours to support operational risk management in the workplace, and effectively contribute to measures to enhance an operational risk and management culture in the workplace.

Level
4
MembershipAssociate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Diploma in Investment Operations

A specialist qualification designed to help you develop an advanced level of knowledge, skills and expertise for the operations sector to demonstrate a very high level of competence. Specialise in the administration of investment funds and custody and settlement and learn best practice to tackle the challenges faced in an operational role. Candidates will be better prepared to progress to more senior management positions.

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams3
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Client Money and Assets

Receive an introduction of the concepts and processes required to understand the importance of client assets and how they must be adequately protected under the FCA's client assets (CASS) regime.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
IT in Investment Operations

Developed for IT staff working in financial services looking to develop their knowledge and understanding of IT needs specific to the financial services sector. This qualification aims to address the challenges of managing IT systems and covers best practice techniques used in the profession.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC). Can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or combined with others.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Derivatives

Receive an introduction to derivatives, specifically the necessary knowledge and skills required for your role.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Global Securities Operations

Receive an introduction to global securities, focusing on the main participants, settlement characteristics, other investor services and aspects of taxation and risk.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Operational Risk

Receive an introduction to the main types of risk (credit and market) and explores the rise in importance of operational risk controls.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Asset Servicing

Receive a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of asset servicing concerning operational and administrative functions.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Platforms, Wealth Management and Service Providers

Receive an introduction to the services offered by Platforms, Wealth Managers and related Outsource Service Providers as far as this relates to operations and administration staff.

One of the technical units available as part of our well-established Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Risk in Financial Services
Gain a comprehensive introduction to the major risk areas in the financial services sector. This qualification addresses international issues, reflects the needs of a global market, and explores principles of the risk management framework, corporate governance and risk oversight.
Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English
Find out more
Global Financial Compliance

Gain a broad understanding of the compliance issues that arise within the financial services sector. Learn techniques used to implement a successful compliance function in a bank and receive a comprehensive introduction to the issues a global Compliance Officer may face.

Level
3
MembershipAssociate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Combating Financial Crime

Learn about practical defences, the Bribery Act (2010) and focus on how laws, regulations and best practice continue to evolve across the entire spectrum of associated activities. Developed in collaboration with QCo to provide a global view of transnational crime.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Managing Cyber Security

Equip yourself with the essential knowledge of the threat of cybercrime. Learn how to evaluate the risks to the financial services sector and develop effective security solutions to prevent, detect and mitigate cyber-attacks.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Find out more
Diploma in Investment Compliance

A specialist qualification designed to provide candidates with a thorough understanding of the financial services regulatory environment globally. Understand the regulatory, specialist and advanced aspects of compliance, allowing you to pursue senior management roles in the compliance profession.

Level
6
MembershipMember
Exams3
Entry RequirementsYes
Find out more
Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Finance

An essential first step in developing the basic knowledge required for working in the Islamic Finance sector. Develop your essential knowledge of the philosophy of Islamic banking and finance such as Islamic economics and its worldview, infrastructure and history, Islamic business ethics, and Shariah and Fiqh principles.

Level
2
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Arabic
Find out more
Islamic Finance Qualification

Develop your understanding of Islamic finance from both a technical and a Shariah perspective, including the influence of Shariah in a business context. This is the first international benchmark in the area of Islamic finance.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Arabic
Find out more
Fundamentals of Financial Services

Learn essential basic knowledge about the professional sector, commonly used financial products, such as shares and bonds, and gain an understanding of financial terminology.

Level
2
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Arabic French
Find out more
Introduction to Investment

A broad introduction to the financial services sector, with a specific focus on investments. It is the foundation exam for many higher-level CISI qualifications.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more
International Introduction to Securities & Investment

A broad introduction to the financial services sector, with a specific focus on investments from a global perspective. It is the foundation exam for many higher-level CISI qualifications.

Level
3
MembershipAffiliate
Exams1
Entry RequirementsNone
Available Languages
English Arabic French
ESMA/MiFID II compliant
Find out more

Why choose a CISI qualification?

Ever since we formed in 1992 by London Stock Exchange practitioners, we have been supporting professionals, like you, throughout their career.

Our world-renowned qualifications are designed by senior practitioners to help you meet the requirements of markets and regulators across the globe and achieve core competence for your job requirements. We offer comprehensive study pathways in Wealth Management, Financial Planning, Capital Markets and Corporate Finance, Operations, Compliance and Risk and Islamic Finance to help you can gain a competitive edge over your peers.

Over 40,000 CISI exams are sat in more than 80 countries each year, with major banks and financial institutions choosing CISI qualifications to benchmark the knowledge of their staff.

Here’s what our recent exam takers told us about CISI qualifications.1

90%

Believe CISI qualifications helped their career excel

77%

Felt more confident in their role

96%

Would recommend CISI exams to others

"The CISI qualifications have enabled me to expand my mental horizons exponentially with respect to international regulations, financial compliance, securities, ethics and risk management.

I am now a global professional with relevant knowledge and cutting-edge expertise to make an indelible positive footprint in the financial services sector."



Dr Jonah Kangogo, Chartered MCSI
Senior Risk & Control manager and Acting Chairman of the Governing Council of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology

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Once you book your CISI exam, you'll have access to our first-class learning resources to help you successfully prepare for your exam.

 


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This Digital Qualifications Navigator Tool is for informational purposes only, is general in nature, and does not guarantee offers of employment should a CISI examination be completed after using the tool.

1In a survey of 500 CISI exam achievers in 2019.
2Revision Express must be purchased separately within the UK.