Individuals in the Americas proceed directly to the Intermediate Stage.

The Certificate will also underpin an individual's application for FSA Approved Person status under Controlled Function 23 - Corporate Finance Adviser Function.

The Certificate in Corporate Finance is awarded by the Securities and Investment Institute and registrations should be made through them. The Certificate is mandatory for all UK candidates (unless you are within an Exempt Category; see list of exemptions below).

Content

• regulatory environment
• conduct of business
• corporate governance and ethics
• takeovers and mergers and rules governing substantial acquisitions of shares
• capital structure
• equity capital markets
• financial statements analysis

Experience level

• new entrants into the corporate finance.

Assessment

• two one-hour examinations consisting of 50 multiple choice questions.

Study time commitment

• up to 100 hours, mostly self study.

Work experience

Practical work experience is integral to gaining the qualification. Candidates will have worked full-time for a minimum of three years, though not necessarily exclusively, in corporate finance. On successful completion of the Advanced Diploma, the details of experience should be reported by the candidate and confirmed by a supervisor, colleague or client.

Exempt categories

Holders of an FSSC Appropriate Examination for advising on investments in the course of corporate finance business, e.g.

• SII Certificate in Corporate Finance
• ACA qualification.

See the complete list

Membership of The Securities & Investment Institute

The Securities and Investment Institute is now the pre-eminent professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK. Over 16,000 members benefit from a programme of professional training and development.

The Institute has five different grades of membership, so whether you are just starting out in the industry and studying for a benchmark qualification, or you are an established practitioner with a wealth of experience and qualifications, there is a grade appropriate for your level.

Further information and apply for membership of the SII