The Professional Certificate for Financial Advisors (Cert. FA) is a self-study certificate programme. It equips finance professionals with the skills required to provide sound financial advice to clients on the products and services that can help them achieve their financial goals. The programme is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Cert. FA Programme consists of three specializations: Banking, Mutual Funds and Securities. Each specialization consists of three levels, with Level 1 being the foundation for all specializations.
Download our brochure for more details.
International Accreditation
Professional Certificate for Financial Advisors Programme is now internationally accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute.
Read more here.
Registration
Registration Deadline: 3rd, March 2023
To register for the Cert. FA Programme, please download, print and complete each of the following forms and return them to our office along with complete payments of the registration, annual membership subscription and programme fees.
- IBF Examination Registration Form
- Cert. FA Programme Application Form
- IBF Membership Form
- April 2023 Enrollment Promo
The Cert. FA Prospectus and the Cert. FA Student Handbook are also available for download and give students more detailed information on the programme.
Testimonials
Banking Specialization
Level One – Introduction to Financial Services and Products
- Financial Planning
- Economic Environment
- The Regulatory Context for Financial Service Sales
- Banking Services of Financial Institutions
- Time Value of Money
- Taxation
Level Two – Financial Products
- Insurance
- Mortgages
- Consumer Credit
- Financial Products & Markets
- Retirement
Level Three – Case Book: Client Assessment and Advice
Mutual Funds Specialization
Level One – Introduction to Financial Services and Products
- Financial Planning
- Economic Environment
- The Regulatory Context for Financial Service Sales
- Banking Services of Financial Institutions
- Time Value of Money
- Taxation
Level Two – Financial Products
- Mutual Funds – An Introduction
- Types of Mutual Funds
- Mutual Funds Risks
- The Mutual Fund Organization
- Fees and Expenses
- Fund Pricing
- Returns and Performance
- Marketing of Mutual Funds
- Mutual Fund Customers
- Financial Products and Markets
- Retirement
Level Three – Case Book: Client Assessment and Advice
Securities Dealers Specialization
Level One – Introduction to Financial Services and Products
- Financial Planning
- Economic Environment
- The Regulatory Context for Financial Service Sales
- Banking Services of Financial Institutions
- Time Value of Money
- Taxation
Level Two – Financial Products
- Introduction to Capital Markets
- Types of Securities
- New Issues
- Primary and Secondary Markets
- Special Regulatory Requirements
- Accounting Analysis
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Fixed Income Securities Analysis
- Fundamental and Technical Analysis
- Investment Management
- Financial Products and Markets
- Retirement
Level Three – Case Book: Client Assessment and Advice
Entry Requirements
To register for the Cert. FA Programme, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- A minimum of two CAPE/GCE Advanced Level passes and five CXC/GCE Ordinary Level passes, including English Language, Mathematics or a Mathematics-related subject. CXC Grade III accepted from 1998. OR
- An appropriate mix of work experience and training in the financial services sector. Candidates may be considered on the basis of their work experience, training and educational background, as deemed relevant by the Institute to be equivalent to the above for the purpose of study.
- Candidates must become members the Institute and maintain an up-to-date membership subscription throughout course of study.
Academic Guidance
The Cert. FA Programme was developed for self-study and as such, taught classes are not offered by the IBF. However, if you are interested in accessing taught classes for the programme, please contact our office to find out more about our recommended tuition providers.
Examinations
Examinations are held twice per year in the months of April and September.
Please read our Response to the Corona Virus as it relates to upcoming examinations sittings.
Programme Resources
- IBF Fee Structure 2022
- Cert. FA Programme Brochure
- Standing Order Form
- Cert. FA Handbook – Rev. 2020 (For Levels 1, 2 & 3 Students)
- Finance Ethics Prospectus 2020
- Students’ Disability Policy and Procedure
- Code of Online Examinations Guidelines for Students
- Code of Take-Home Assignments and Exam Guidelines for Students
Payment Method
- Direct Deposit
- Linx
- Credit Card
- Certified or Managers Cheques
* Personal Cheques and Cash is not accepted
