DiPPP Courses Information

DiPPP Courses Information

DiPPP – Diploma in Paraplanning – LIBF Course Information

Please Note: This qualification is being withdrawn by the LIBF. The last date to register is 5th August 2024, for the course start date of 12 August 2024.

The Diploma in Paraplanning (DipPP) is a QCF Level 4 benchmark qualification; it is also recognised as an appropriate Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) qualification in order to become a paraplanner. The level of expertise required to be a paraplanner is on a par to a financial adviser and the qualification will provide the learning and the understanding to succeed in that role.  DipPP will explore all the various financial products, covering the technical aspects and suitability to meet client needs. The qualification will cover regulation, taxation, risk, ethical issues, as well as the legal aspects applicable to the industry. DipPP will also provide the knowledge and skills required to complete accurate suitability reports.

On completion of the LIBF Diploma, qualified professionals can go on to work in financial services as a paraplanner, completing research and report writing for a financial adviser. This qualification only takes 9 months to complete, offering a direct route into the finance industry. DipPP is a professional qualification (level 4), but without the hefty course fee attached. There are four registration periods during the year.

The DipPP qualification comprises of 2 modules. The first module Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (FSRE) covers UK regulation assessed by one 2 hour multiple choice exam undertaken at a Pearson Vue test centre, these are located all over the UK.  The LIBF have now rolled out the ability to sit the professional exams via remote proctoring,  this enables students to sit the exams from the comfort and safety of their own homes.  Module 2 – Paraplanning (PARA) has two coursework components covered over 6 months (3 months each).  To achieve your DipPP qualification candidates will need to register with the London Institute of Banking and Finance for the DipPP. The registration includes all exam fees and the awarding of the qualification on successful completion of both units. The current LIBF exam fee is £1,005.00 and is payable directly to them.

The LIBF Diploma in Paraplanning (DipPP) is split into 2 units:

• Module 1: Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics – FSRE (Units 1 and 2) – Skill: Understanding Regulation (Exam: Two hour multiple-choice exam (1 hour each):
  • 25 multiple-choice questions (on each unit)
  • 3 case studies with 5 linked multiple-choice questions on each unit
  • Total marks = 80 marks (70% pass mark on both units)

  Overview: FSRE® is the regulatory foundation module required for any professional qualification. The module helps candidates understand how financial markets and products work. It covers:

  • Financial Services – by looking at the financial services industry and regulated financial products
  • Regulation – by looking at how UK financial services are regulated and the role and objectives of the regulators
  • Ethics – by looking at how regulation can encourage ethical behaviour in firms and those who work in the firms, as well as the qualities and personality traits required for those who work in certain roles.

• Module 2: PARA section (2 separate coursework pieces) of the DipPP. There are quarterly registrations.
• PARA 1: Coursework (Skills: Communication, technical and research skills) (3000 word dissertation). Assessed: 3 months to complete – Submitted electronically. 50% pass mark required.
• Overview: DipPP PARA 1 covers all the relevant technical areas required to understand financial planning. Students are expected to submit a 3000 word dissertation after 3 months, where they must research and understand technically the topic area given. Students must also submit a reference list if any quotes have been used. Communication is tested by the student’s ability to communicate the piece to the selected target group.

• PARA 2: Coursework (Skills: Communication, technical and report writing skills) (3000 word suitability report). Assessed: 3 months to prepare – Submitted electronically. 50% pass mark required.
• Overview: DipPP PARA 2 looks at applying the knowledge gained in the previous units and testing the ability to formulate the knowledge via a suitability report (apply the knowledge). This is based on a case study provided as a fact find given 8 weeks before the submission date. Students must formulate their recommendations via a report within the time frame and submit it online. Students must also submit a reference list if any quotes have been used.

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