Career Platform
Sign inGet early access
All careers
📊
Business

Financial Adviser

Financial advisers help people and organisations make informed decisions about investments, savings, pensions, mortgages and insurance. Regulated advisers need an appropriate qualification and must meet FCA professional standards. A degree is not mandatory.

See roadmap
Career fit

Sign in to see how your skills and qualifications match this career.

Entry level
£27,000 (starter)
Mid-career (typical)
£27k – £67k
Senior / lead
£67,000 (experienced)
What you'll do

A day in the life

  • Meet clients to understand their finances
  • Research suitable products
  • Write clear recommendations
  • Review clients' plans regularly
  • Keep records that meet FCA rules
The path

Your career roadmap

Every milestone from school to senior. Track progress as you complete each stage.

  1. 1

    GCSEs

    education
    Usually 2 years at school; resits vary

    Develop numeracy, communication and general study skills through GCSEs, particularly maths and English.

  2. 2

    A Levels or equivalent

    education
    Usually 2 years; Access courses often 1 year

    Complete Level 3 qualifications that meet degree entry requirements; business, economics or maths may be useful but are not universally required.

  3. 3

    Degree

    qualification
    Usually 3 years full-time; 4 in Scotland or with a placement

    Complete a degree in any subject, developing analytical and communication skills and exploring financial services through placements or internships.

  4. 4

    Graduate finance role

    role
    Varies; qualification study may start immediately

    Join a financial planning or advice business in a graduate, administration or support role with opportunities to train towards advising clients.

  5. 5

    Financial advice training

    education
    Often 1–2 years, overlapping Level 4 study

    Train in fact-finding, suitability, ethics and financial products while observing advisers and practising under appropriate supervision.

  6. 6

    Appropriate Level 4 qualification

    qualification
    Often 1–2 years alongside work

    Complete an appropriate Level 4 financial advice qualification covering the retail investment advice activities you intend to undertake.

  7. 7

    Professional standards / approval

    certification
    Varies; SPS renewal is annual

    Obtain a Statement of Professional Standing for retail investment advice and complete your firm's competence assessment and applicable certification checks.

  8. 8

    Financial Adviser

    role
    Ongoing

    Assess clients' circumstances, recommend suitable financial solutions within your permitted scope and maintain accurate advice records and ongoing professional development.

What you need

Skills you'll build

Qualifications
  • Appropriate Level 4 qualification
  • Statement of Professional Standing
Certifications
  • Regulated Level 4 Diploma (e.g. CII DipPFS)
  • Statement of Professional Standing