Why work with the CISI?
Our partnerships with education centres enable educators and the professional sector to work together to disseminate knowledge and offer real world learning experiences to encourage and develop the next generation of financial services talent.
Our qualifications, approved for delivery at GCSE (level 2) and A level (level 3) can be seamlessly embedded into your curriculum and aim to develop students’ knowledge of the financial services sector and its functions and challenge them to think about implications for their own personal finance decisions.
Level 2
Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services
(Total Qualification Time: 101 hours)
Level 3
Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment
(A Level Equivalent - Total Qualification Time: 364 hours)
Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment
(A/S Level Equivalent - Total Qualification Time: 201 hours)
Recognition & employability
Our certificates are recognised by banks and organisations as the preferred professional qualifications for professional practitioners.- Up to 120 UCAS points can be gained and our qualifications will be recognised on the DfE Performance Tables.
- Free CISI Student membership – students are associated with a chartered professional body and are able to take advantage of an extensive range of benefits.
- Work experience placements via our Investing in Futures scheme will enable your students to combine learning with on the job, real world experience.
- Annual prizes are available to the best performing student undertaking CISI qualifications at your school/college.
- Recognition for the overall highest achieving student(s) each year at our prestigious Annual Awards Ceremony, hosted by a representative of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.
Accessible & affordable
- Flexible teaching structure and the functionality to hold exam testing at your school/college.
- Free teacher training, the services of a peripatetic teacher and provision of teaching materials.
- Educational bursaries of up to £900 are available, as well as Government funding opportunities.
Connections & opportunities
- Our connections with financial services organisations, our 45,000 members and our branches in your local area can offer you added value and the opportunity to build partnerships, via practitioners to support classroom teaching, career presentations or mentoring.
- Links with over 40 UK universities which we’ve recognised as leading institutions in financial services education.
Connect your students to a career in financial services
If your school is interested in joining our network please contact our Education Development team:
+44 20 7645 0714
educationdevelopment@cisi.org
Our team will help you through the registration process, arrange a site visit to discuss your application and approve your test centre so you can get started. Once your school/college is registered you will be recognised as a centre accredited to teach and test CISI qualifications.
CISI Level 2 Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services
View the syllabus
Learning objective
To provide an understanding of financial services and an overview of key concepts and terminology relating to it.
Students will gain a broad insight into the fundamental components of the financial services sector. This would include looking at different types of banks, commonly used financial products, such as shares, bonds and insurance, as well as an introductory understanding of markets and how they work.
Syllabus summary
- Ethics and integrity in financial services
- Introduction – saving and borrowing
- Banking
- Equities
- Bonds
- Markets
- Other areas of financial services
Assessment
- Total Qualification Time: 101 hours (Total Qualification time is a term that Ofqual require awarding organisations to use. It is an estimate of the total time a candidate might typically take to complete the qualification. It includes Guided Learning Hours and any other time a candidate is likely to spend in studying for the qualification.)
- Delivered over 1 year
- Online exam graded pass/fail
CISI Level 3 Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment
(A/S Level equivalent - Total Qualification Time: 201 hours)
The Certificate is gained by achieving two units:
Financial Products, Markets & Services
Extended Project (Certificate)
Declared purpose
The CISI Level 3 Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment (Qualification Number: 500/6267/0) is an Applied General Qualification within the area of financial services (Accounting & Finance). It has been specifically designed to be taught in schools and colleges to equip post 16 learners with a broad range of transferable knowledge and skills gained through applied learning to enable progression into Higher Education or employment.
The qualification will provide candidates with an introduction to the financial services sector with a focus on investments. It will also enable candidates to expand their skills in planning, collecting, analysing, managing, evaluating and presenting information. It consists of two mandatory units which candidates must achieve in order to complete the qualification.
It supports progression to a range of finance and business related higher education courses when combined with other qualifications.
Subjects which will complement this qualification are Mathematics, Economics, and Business Studies.
The Certificate is regulated by Ofqual as a level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Progression to higher education
The Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment is recognised by higher education institutions as fulfilling entry requirements to a range of finance and business related higher education courses when combined with other qualifications, including:
Referencing
It is a requirement of the Extended Project that all reference sources and their annotation in the project report should follow a consistent referencing format for texts, journals, website pages etc.
Candidates are free to choose their own system of referencing, however the following links to the Harvard referencing system may be useful for you.
University of Exeter: Referencing -The Harvard System
University of the West of England: UWE Harvard: Referencing guidance
Birmingham University: Harvard: reference list and bibliography
Supporting documentation
CISI Level 3 Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment (DipFRI)
(A Level equivalent - may also be taken as part of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme - Total Qualification Time: 364 hours)
Learning objective
To provide an understanding of the key characteristics, mechanisms and influences on financial markets and institutions. Students will gain an insight in to data analysis, investment appraisal and accounting and the role and responsibility of financial services in society.
Declared purpose
The CISI Level 3 Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment is an Applied General Qualification within the area of financial services (Accounting & Finance). It has been specifically designed to be taught in schools and colleges to equip learners with a broad range of transferable knowledge and skills gained through applied learning to enable progression into Higher Education or employment.
The qualification will give candidates an understanding of the key characteristics, mechanisms and influences on financial markets and institutions, and includes a grounding in data analysis, investment appraisal, accounting and the role and responsibility of financial services in society as a whole.
It supports progression to a range of finance and business related higher education courses when combined with other qualifications.
The Diploma is regulated by Ofqual as a level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Qualification structure for academic year 2016/17
The Diploma is gained by achieving four units:
Unit 1
Money, Economies & Uncertainty**
Unit 2
Investment Decision Making, Accounting & Governance**
Unit 3
Financial Products, Markets & Services
Unit 4
Extended Project (Diploma)
** On successful completion of Units 1 and 2, a candidate will achieve the CISI Level 3 Certificate in Finance, Risk and Decision-Making (Total Qualification Time: 163 hours)
Supporting documentation
Information for candidates sitting during academic year 2015/16
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We are delighted to be partnering with the International Baccalaureate (IB) on their Career-related Programme (CP), and have agreed a finance pathway for 16-19 year olds that is being piloted in a number of schools, as follows:
+
IB CP Core
+
CISI Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment
**The third IB Diploma may be chosen from the following subject groups:
The above combination of IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses enables students to demonstrate numeracy skills, IT skills, as well as communication skills – all considered key by financial services employers – and provides a broad base to complement the specialist CISI unit in finance, risk and investment. However, this combination is not prescriptive and other subjects may be considered.
“The package enables students to achieve a maximum of 200 revised UCAS points, while also gaining valuable personal and interpersonal skills, helping students to secure university places, apprenticeships or jobs in the finance sector.”
Dr Peter Fidczuk, UK Recognition and Development Manager, International Baccalaureate
Progression to higher education
The Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment is recognised by higher education institutions as fulfilling entry requirements to a range of finance and business related higher education courses when combined with other qualifications, including:
Teaching Resources and Support for Student Learning
For Schools
Classroom resources
Teacher portal
- Online teacher portal providing teaching materials and CISI updates
Teacher training
Financial services practitioner presentations
- We can contact CISI members in your local area to arrange for them to come in and talk to your students about working in the professional sector
For Students
Resources
- CISI textbook
- Financial Services Jargon Buster– a glossary of professional terminology
- Free access to member only areas of the CISI website, as well as free Student membership of the CISI, including member benefits
Opportunities
- Work Experience opportunities and Insight days through our 'Investing in Futures' initiative, which partners financial services firms with CISI schools/colleges
Exemption from professional qualifications
Career Insight
Get into Finance
- Get into Finance is a who, what, why and how introduction to financial services. The guide includes case studies as well as CV and interview advice.
Personal finance books
- #yourmoney provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of money for 16 to 25 year olds, meeting a pressing need to provide straightforward information on key financial facts for young adults as they take on responsibility for their personal finances.
A community partnership is developing the next generation of finance professionals in Liverpool
An initiative between the CISI, Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool Learning Partnership is encouraging Merseyside young people to aspire to careers in financial services.
Through a teaching post sponsored by the CISI, sixth form students at local schools and colleges are coming together to study for our Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment. This AS equivalent Level 3 qualification comes with UCAS points and a pathway into the professional qualifications required when joining the sector, either at apprenticeship or graduate entry.
The initiative is very well supported by local practitioners, who host lessons at their firms’ offices on a monthly basis, delivering a practical spin on the theory learnt in those lessons, and mentor students completing an Extended Project. Local firms also offer work experience to the CISI students and host and support a “Careers in Investment Management” conference annually.
James Charlton, Investment Manager at Tilney Bestinvest and President of the Liverpool, Chester & North Wales CISI Committee said “The programme has been extremely successful in fostering links between students at local schools studying for CISI qualifications and local financial services employers. The branch committee work tirelessly to create opportunities for students, and our members have been a tremendous support. Their participation has been fundamental to the success of the programme."
"It’s widely recognised that if you’re seeking a career in Wealth Management, outside of London, Liverpool is the place to be and we are committed to educating, developing and retaining the next generation of talented investment professionals in our city.”
Costs & Funding
Qualification Costs
The CISI is committed to making its courses accessible, we provide students in full-time education with a 50% discount. The breakdown of costs (including the discount) per student for the 2014/15 academic year is as follows:
| Level 2 Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services (for 16-19 year olds) |
Exam fee |
Workbook price |
Total cost |
| Fundamentals of Financial
Services |
£30.00 |
£40.00 |
£70.00 |
| Level 3 Diploma in Finance, Risk and Investment (A Level equivalent) |
Exam fee |
Workbook price |
Total cost |
| Money, Economies and Uncertainty |
£40.00
|
£40.00
|
£120.00
|
| Investment Decision Making, Accounting and Governance |
£40.00 |
| Introduction to Investment |
£40.00 |
£40.00* |
£120.00
|
| Extended Project |
£40.00 |
n/a |
Students benefit from one free exam resit for all modules.
Government Funding
The qualifications are listed as eligible for funding as defined under Section 96 of the Department for Education's (DfE) Learning and Skills Act 2000. Search for these qualifications on the Learning Aim Reference Application:
- Award in Fundamentals of Financial Services - 60134847
- Award for Introduction to Investment - 50107823
- Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment - 50062670
- Certificate in Finance, Risk & decision Making - 60079782
- Diploma in Finance, Risk & Investment - 60078339
CISI Educational Bursary
The CISI's Educational Trust sponsors a bursary scheme for students aged 16-19 studying at schools or colleges undertaking CISI qualifications. An award can be made for a maximum of two pupils at each centre teaching CISI qualifications per academic year, a maximum of 30 weeks at £30 per week, per student, a total of £900.
Money, Economies & Uncertainty
Learning Objective
This unit provides an overview of all areas of investment and the role of financial services in the UK.
Syllabus Summary
| The nature of money |
Concept of fiat money and that fiat money has no intrinsic value, how money is created in a modern financial system and the relationship between money supply and the erosion of wealth. |
| The economy |
How the price mechanism allocates scarce resources between competing users and how that pricing mechanism can sometimes break down; awareness of the need for savings to be mobilised for investment and the intermediary role that financial services play in that process. |
| Governments and the economy |
The role of governments – not just as regulators but as active participants in economies. |
| The international dimension |
A system of trade and exchange is necessary to enable the benefits of division and specialisation of labour to be realised and distinguish comparative advantage from relative advantage. |
| Analysing and interpreting data |
Basic techniques for the analysis and interpretation of data and applying the knowledge gained to data in spreadsheets. |
| Risk and uncertainty |
The impact of risk and uncertainty on investment appraisal, basic forecasting techniques and calculating basic and combined probabilities. |
Assessment
- Written response: short answer and extended responses based on an unseen case study and essay questions covering the unit syllabus
- 1 hour 45 minute examination
- 80 marks
- 50% of Cert FRD
- Externally assessed
- Available in May and November
Course Duration
Investment Decision Making, Accounting & Governance
Learning Objective
This unit consolidates learning from unit 1 and requires students to apply their acquired knowledge at the micro level, in a business context. It explores the structure of a company and the implications of limited liability for risk appetite. Students will learn to:
- comprehend the difference between assets, profit and cash-flow
- assess and compare different sets of accounts
- appraise investment proposals using payback and discounted cash-flow techniques
- evaluate the social and ethical aspects of financial engineering and corporate governance
- assess the various remedies available to governments
Syllabus Summary
| Incorporation, limited liability and the principles of accounting |
The separate roles of owners and managers of incorporated businesses and the systems of monitoring and control required by this separation, the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation and analysis of company accounts. |
| Balance sheet and income statement |
Components of a balance sheet statement and an income statement. |
| Analysing accounts cash-flow, working capital and liquidity |
Calculating a cash-flow statement for a business, including calculating 12 different profitability, liquidity and shareholder ratios. |
| The sources and cost of funds |
Characteristics of equity and debt, the cost of equity and the cost of debt and calculating the weighted average cost of capital of a company. |
| Return on investment and opportunity cost |
Why investors measure returns on their investments and investment appraisal techniques, including discounted cashflow methods. |
| Valuation of securities |
Basic techniques for the valuation of securities, including modern portfolio theory. |
| Derivatives, asset-backed securities; ethical issues of financial engineering |
The role of derivatives in financial markets and the way that financial engineering creates structured, or packaged products tailored to the specific needs of certain classes of investors. Identifying risks that are associated with these types of investment products. |
| Ethics and governance |
The importance of ethics in financial systems and that ethics can never wholly be replaced by government regulation. |
Assessment
- Written response: short answer and extended responses based on an unseen case study and essay questions covering the unit syllabus
- 1 hour 45 minute examination
- 80 marks
- 50% of Cert FRD
- Externally assessed
- Available in May and November
Course Duration
Financial Products, Markets & Services
Learning Objective
To provide a basic introduction to the financial services sector with a focus on investments. Students will learn the nature and purpose of the retail and wholesale (professional) sectors, the main products they sell to customers and market structures for the trading of equities, debt, commodities and derivatives.
Syllabus Summary
| Financial services |
The financial services sector and key investment distribution channels within it, distinguishing between retail and professional business. |
| Economic environment |
Understanding financial assets and markets. |
| Financial assets and markets |
How a company is formed and the differences between private and public companies. |
| Equities |
The main types of equities and the advantages and disadvantages of investing in different types of equities. |
| Bonds |
The main types of bonds and their characteristics. |
| Derivatives |
The main types of derivatives and their characteristics. |
| Investment funds |
The different types of investment funds and their characteristics. |
| Financial services regulation |
Financial services regulation and its application. |
| Taxation, investment wrappers and trusts |
An overview of investment wrappers, taxation and trusts. |
| Other retail financial products |
Characteristics of other retail financial products such as loans, mortgages and life assurance. |
Assessment
- 50 multiple choice questions delivered by Computer Based Testing
- one-hour examination
- 50 marks
- 40% of Cert ISI
- Externally assessed
- Available all year round
Course Duration
Introduction to Investment (Financial Products, Markets & Services)
Learning Objective
To provide a basic introduction to the financial services sector with a focus on investments. Students will learn the nature and purpose of the retail and wholesale (professional) sectors, the main products they sell to customers and market structures for the trading of equities, debt, commodities and derivatives.
Syllabus Summary
| Financial services |
The financial services sector and key investment distribution channels within it, distinguishing between retail and professional business. |
| Economic environment |
Understanding financial assets and markets. |
| Financial assets and markets |
How a company is formed and the differences between private and public companies. |
| Equities |
The main types of equities and the advantages and disadvantages of investing in different types of equities. |
| Bonds |
The main types of bonds and their characteristics. |
| Derivatives |
The main types of derivatives and their characteristics. |
| Investment funds |
The different types of investment funds and their characteristics. |
| Financial services regulation |
Financial services regulation and its application. |
| Taxation, investment wrappers and trusts |
An overview of investment wrappers, taxation and trusts. |
| Other retail financial products |
Characteristics of other retail financial products such as loans, mortgages and life assurance. |
Assessment
- 50 multiple choice questions delivered by Computer Based Testing
- one-hour examination
- 50 marks
- 40% of Cert ISI
- Externally assessed
- Available all year round
Course Duration