How to become a financial advisor?

How to become a financial advisor?

• I am currently in yr 10, taking my GCSE's. My courses are business studies, german, IT and history. At A-level I plan to take english lang&lit, maths, business and computing. I want to become a financial advisor. I understand that I will need a Certificate in Financial Planning and a Diploma in Financial Planning. However I have researched, and can't seem to find anywhere that I can take these courses. So if anyone knows any necessary knowledge on becoming a financial advisor or where I can take these courses, please answer. Thankyou.

• Answer:

  You don't mention taking maths at GCSE. Did you just not mention maths or english because they're compulsory? Because I don't think you would be able to take maths at A level without doing it at GCSE first. And obviously A level maths would be essential to a career in finance. I am fairly sure that you can't take the Certificate in Financial Planning etc at college like an ordinary degree course, I think you have to work in the financial services industry first and then study for these qualifications while you're working. So I suppose you could either go straight into work in the financial industry after A levels, in an entry level position, and work your way up, or you could do a degree in economics or finance and then enter the industry at a higher level and then eventually qualify as an independent financial advisor (IFA). There is an Association of Independent Financial Advisors (www.aifa.net) Your best bet would be to ask them what to do. You could also probably find out useful info through the Financial Services Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk).