Andrew Woolhouse

AF1 (Personal Tax and Trust Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal tax and trusts.

AF3 (Pension Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to personal and corporate pensions.

AF4 (Investment Planning)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop in depth financial planning skills related to investments and the management of investment portfolios.

AF5 (Financial Planning Process)

This examination assesses the candidate to develop an understanding of the financial planning process when giving advice to clients.

J01 (Personal Tax)

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: the basic structure of the tax system and self-assessment; the main taxes on income and capital that may be charged on individuals, the self-assessment system and how tax liabilities are computed; impact of residence and domicile on an individual’s liability to UK tax.

J04 (Pension Funding Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: main tax and legal frameworks that govern the accumulation phase of building up retirement benefits under registered pension schemes; features of defined contribution and defined benefit pensions; choices faced by early leavers and use of transfer value analysis; State retirement benefits available, including the risks and suitability of contracting out of the State Second Pension.

J05 (Pension Income Options)

At the end of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the: process of decumulating pension funds and the main issues for clients and advisers; main choices facing members of pensions schemes during decumulation; features, risks and tax treatment of the secured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of the unsecured pension option; features, risks and tax treatment of phased retirement; features, risks and tax treatment of the alternatively secured pension option.

R02 (Investment Principles)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the application of the investment advice process.

R08 (Pension Update)

This qualification focuses on pension reforms and how they affect advice, including the new legislative, compliance and reporting requirements.

CF1 (UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics)

This qualification develops an understanding of the financial services industry, including regulation and legislation.

CF2 (Investment and Risk)

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of investment products and the risks involved.

CF3 (Financial Protection)

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of financial protection plans.

CF4 (Retirement Planning)

This examination assesses a knowledge and understanding of the various pension products, the pension tax regime and retirement needs.

CF5 (Integrated Financial Planning)

This examination demonstrates a solid grounding in the financial services industry and its regulation.

CF6 (Certificate in Mortgage Advice)

This qualification assesses a knowledge and understanding of the UK regulation environment in the financial services industry, mortgage products, repayment options and the giving of mortgage advice.

Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning

This qualification enables professional advisers to develop specialist planning capabilities, covers topics such as: personal tax and trust, business financial, pension and investment planning.

Diploma in Financial Planning

This level 4 diploma meets the FCA’s qualification requirements for retail investment advisers, demonstrating core technical knowledge and financial planning capabilities across six core areas.

Award in Pensions Update

This single unit qualification develops and tests knowledge of pension reforms and how they impact at-retirement advice.

Certificate in Mortgage Advice

The level 3 certificate in Mortgage Advice meets the FCA’s qualification requirements for mortgage advisers. It develops an understanding of the sector and the mortgage process, enabling advisers to meet individual client needs.

Certificate in Financial Planning (Life & Pensions route)

The life and pensions route builds knowledge and understanding of the sector’s role and its activities. It considers important customer needs, solutions and products, and how individuals and organisations work within the regulatory and legislative environment.