Self-test: Is the "Financial Advisor IAF" course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as a financial advisor with an IAF certificate (Interest Group Training in the Financial Sector) suits you and whether an in-service training course is the right path for you.
Your advantages with our self-test:
- For each answer option "Yes", "Partly", "No", you will receive further information tailored to it.
- The final result will provide you with an overview of suitable providers / schools.
- Finally, we also provide you with helpful tips for finding the right school.
Financial Advisor IAF: What does your day-to-day work look like?
Financial advisors spend a significant part of their working time talking to clients. These can take place at the financial advisor's workplace, e.g. in a bank or insurance company, or on the financial advisor's own premises, e.g. if he or she runs an agency or his or her own fiduciary office. However, the financial advisor often combines the meeting with a personal visit to the client, where he can also gain a personal impression of the client's life and living situation.
For new customers, the first step is to take a comprehensive inventory of their life situation, financial goals and wishes as well as possible changes and further development of their professional and personal circumstances. On this basis, the financial advisor develops concrete proposals on how the client can optimize their financial situation or achieve their goals. This may relate to questions of asset management, the financing of specific projects, occupational or private pension provision and the tax situation.
In the next step, the proposals are discussed and adapted together with the client until an optimal solution is found, which the financial advisor then implements. After that, his or her task essentially consists of regularly reviewing the solutions found and maintaining personal contact with the client. If there are changes in the client's professional or private situation, the financial advisor will analyze the situation again and check whether adjustments are necessary.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a Financial Advisor IAF?
Great! Then you've come to the right place with this course. We wish you lots of fun and success.
If you only like the job to a limited extent or only individual parts of it, you could think about what interests you the most. And then look at subsequent training courses to see if there is one that appeals to you even more:
- Clerk in various areas
- Employee benefits specialist (BP)
- Specialist in finance and accounting (BP)
- Financial planner (BP)
- Health insurance specialist (BP)
- Social insurance specialist (BP)
- Trustee (BP)
- Insurance specialist (BP)
- Expert in financial market operations (HFP)
- Expert in accounting and controlling (HFP)
- Finance and investment expert (HFP)
- Financial analyst and asset manager (HFP)
- Real estate trustee (HFP)
- SME financial planning expert (HFP)
- Pension fund manager (HFP)
- Pension insurance expert (HFP)
- Tax expert (HFP)
- Fiduciary expert (HFP)
- Certified Public Accountant (HFP)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection at Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch (/finanzen-info.asp).
Are you still looking for your vocation? OurGuide "Finding your own calling"can support you in this.
Target group and skills: Who is the Financial Advisor IAF training course suitable for? What qualities and skills are required?
The Financial Advisor IAF training course is aimed at the following target groups:
- People who work in banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions and advise people on financial matters
- Persons who advise and support private individuals in financial matters as part of a self-employed activity
- Career changers in the financial sector who would like to acquire the skills needed to work in fund sales and insurance brokerage
The following personal qualities and skills are required to be able to perform the job successfully:
- Communicative, open personality
- Ambition, commitment and determination
- High social competence and ability to work in a team
- Good manners
- Sense of responsibility
- Ability to deal with conflict
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great! On to the next point in the test...
- If you don't have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you won't be happy in this role. Look out for training opportunities that offer a technical specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are suited to such a job, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Requirements for admission to the Financial Advisor IAF training course:
In order to be admitted to the Financial Advisor IAF training course, the following conditions must be met:
- Apprenticeship qualification with federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent qualification* and at least one year of professional experience after graduation
Or
- At least five years of professional experience
Proof of professional experience must be provided by the start of the examination.
* The following are considered equivalent qualifications:
- Diploma from a federally recognized business school
- Matura
- Certificate of completion of a teacher training seminar
- Diploma from a higher business and administration school (HWV)
- Federal diploma of a higher commercial examination
- University degree
- Qualification "Insurance broker VBV"
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great! You can start your training at the earliest possible date.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you are not yet of legal age, please ask the school. You may simply have to have reached the age of majority by the time you complete the course and can therefore start the IAF financial advisor training course even if you are not yet of legal age at that time.
- If you do not have a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) or equivalent basic vocational training, you still have the opportunity to catch up now. You can find out more about catch-up training for adults in ourGuide "The Swiss education system at a glance".
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you are not yet of legal age, please ask the school. You may simply have to have reached the age of majority by the time you complete the course and can therefore start the IAF financial advisor training course even if you are not yet of legal age at that time.
Subject matter and content of the training
Schools that offer preparatory courses for the Financial Advisor IAF exam follow the guidelines of the Interessengemeinschaft Ausbildung im Finanzbereich (IAF) when compiling the course material.
The following topics are covered in five modules in the IAF financial advisory training course:
- Module 1: Assets (incl. FIDLEG)Direct financial instruments, collective investment schemes, investment advice, taxes, legal norms for client advisors
- Module 2: Pension provision (personal and social insurance)Specialist knowledge (basics of the Swiss three-pillar concept, etc.), taxes, pension advice
- Module 3: Insurance (property and asset insurance)Expertise, insurance advice
- Module 4: Real estateExpertise, taxes, financial advice
- Module 5: Basic knowledge of financial adviceThis module is not examined separately, but is integrated into modules 1-4. Basic knowledge includes the following areas: taxes, legal topics for financial clients, legal topics for financial advisors (general legal topics, law in the area of combating money laundering, investments and pensions and insurance)
By the way:
Modules 1-5 are part of the course to become a financial planner with a federal certificate. This means that you have already completed the first of two stages leading to the federal certificate.
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of the Financial Advisor IAF training course, take a look at other training and further education courses in related areas. You may find a course that suits you better.
Here is a selection:
- Clerk in various areas
- Employee benefits specialist (BP)
- Specialist in finance and accounting (BP)
- Financial planner (BP)
- Health insurance specialist (BP)
- Social insurance specialist (BP)
- Trustee (BP)
- Insurance specialist (BP)
- Expert in financial market operations (HFP)
- Expert in accounting and controlling (HFP)
- Finance and investment expert (HFP)
- Financial analyst and asset manager (HFP)
- Real estate trustee (HFP)
- SME financial planning expert (HFP)
- Pension fund manager (HFP)
- Pension insurance expert (HFP)
- Tax expert (HFP)
- Fiduciary expert (HFP)
- Certified Public Accountant (HFP)
Obviously, the typical subject areas of the IAF financial advisor training course are not your cup of tea. Take a look at other training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
Depending on the provider, duration and format of the course, the costs of the Financial Advisor IAF training vary slightly. On average, you can expect to pay these amounts:
- Course feesbetween CHF 8'900.- and CHF 9'100.-
Note: Members of the Kaufmännischer Verband receive a 10% discount on the course costs.
In addition: If you continue after completing the "Finanzberater IAF / Finanzberaterin IAF" course up to the "Finanzplaner / Finanzplanerin" professional examination, you will receive around 50% of the course costs back from the federal government on application (regardless of the examination result). You will find a helpful link to this in the answers. - Examination fee:CHF 2'100.-. If modules are completed individually: For each written module: CHF 400 and for the oral examination: CHF 500 (as of March 2024).
The examination fee is set by the IAF. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed. - Extra costsSome schools do not include the costs for enrolment fees, teaching materials, training documents, simulation exams, school diplomas, etc. in the course fees. Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect for the IAF financial consulting course.
Question 5:
Are you able to pay for the course?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance.
You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support from the federal government is availablehere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
- Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
- Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
- Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an educational loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the professional examination with the federal contribution.
- You can find information on financial support options from your employer, the federal government, the canton, foundations or loans from the EducaSwiss Foundation in ourGuide "How to finance your further training properly".
- Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of teaching hours, training options, teaching format and learning effort
- DurationThe Financial Advisor IAF training course is modular and designed to be taken part-time. It usually lasts 1.5-2 semesters (depending on the provider and course offered).
- Number of lessonsThe training comprises between 240 and 270 lessons.
- Lesson timesWhen the lessons take place is decided by the schools themselves. Lessons are often offered on two afternoons or evenings per week and/or on Saturdays.
- Teaching formatsThe course is offered by many schools both in classroom teaching and in an online format (online teaching, hybrid teaching, blended learning). Please contact the school of your choice directly to find out which teaching formats are offered.Hereyou will find a good overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different teaching methods.
- Learning effortThanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen your knowledge immediately in practice. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your previous knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than 2 semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The IAF Financial Advisor examination takes place once or twice a year, provided that a sufficient number of valid applications have been submitted in accordance with the invitation to tender. It can be taken in German, French or Italian; at least 10 valid applications must be submitted for the respective official language.
Candidates are notified at least 14 days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (with details of the place and time of the examination as well as permitted aids) and the list of experts.
The subject examination covers the following modules:
- Module 1: Assets (incl. FIDLEG): written, 90 minutes
- Module 2: Pension provision (personal and social insurance), written, 90 minutes
- Module 3: Insurance (property and asset insurance), written, 90 minutes
- Module 4: Real estate, written, 90 minutes
- Module 5: Financial advice, oral, 30 minutes
Diploma and title
Graduates of the professional examination receive the IAF certificate and are entitled to use the title "dipl. Finanzberater IAF / dipl. Finanzberaterin IAF".
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Financial Advisor IAF training course?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school or the IAF. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams.
If you are not at all confident about passing the final exam but would like to complete the training, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or the IAF. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the IAF certificate as a financial advisor does not suit you. What a pity? - Maybe not, because there are so many other options for further training. One or the other will certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Financial advisor training is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: The financial advisor training with IAF certificate does not seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't suit you or doesn't fit well in terms of organization?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Financial advisor training is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin