Level 4 and qualifications Everything you need to know about the ICSA Level 4 and suite of qualifications for those working in the offshore financial services sector
All about our and qualifications ICSA s suite of Level 4 qualifications in international finance and administration provides a broad overview of the offshore financial market and the opportunity to specialise in either accounting or investment. These qualifications give you the underpinning knowledge that you need for a successful career in the offshore financial services sector. Within this booklet you ll find: Who the qualifications are for and their benefits Details of each qualification, what they cover and how they are assessed The different ways to study How much it costs ICSA s student support. By the time you ve finished reading you ll be in a position to choose which qualification is best for you. Crister Dalen, ICSA student 2 3
Everything you need to know about the qualifications and who they re for ICSA s International Finance and suite comprises four qualifications, each set at Level 4 on the higher education framework (the equivalent to first year undergraduate level). ICSA Level 4 Award in and An introduction to the offshore financial environment, including products and services available, how the sector is monitored and regulated, as well as how trusts and companies are created and managed. ICSA Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in, Accounting and Covers the same introduction to the offshore financial environment as the award, and introduces accounting fundamentals and how financial information is created and used. ICSA Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in, Investment and Covers the same introduction to the offshore financial environment as the award, and introduces types of investment products and how they work. ICSA Level 4 Certificate in and This qualification covers the same introduction to the offshore financial environment as the award, plus both accounting fundamentals and types of investment products, as covered in the subsidiary certificates. The different types of qualification in the suite allow you to choose the type of content you wish to study. If you want a general qualification covering the core areas of international finance and administration, the award qualification is for you. If you wish to specialise in accounting or investment, you can do so with either of the subsidiary certificates. If you want a broad overview of all of these areas, you can take the Certificate in and. A more detailed view of what is covered in each qualification can be found overleaf. Who they are for? These qualifications are suitable for those working in finance, accounting, investment and administration in offshore financial centres. They are ideal for employees new to the offshore financial services industry undertaking administrator roles, or those who have been working in the industry for some time with no recognisable qualification. All of the qualifications in the suite are open-entry, meaning you do not need any prior qualifications in order to register for them. 4 5
Everything you need to know about... the qualification structure and content Each of the four qualifications in the and suite is built upon the eight core modules. The and suite of qualifications has a nested structure. This means that all four qualifications cover the same eight core modules. The subsidiary certificates each contain four extra modules covering either accounting or investment. The certificate qualification has 16 modules which comprise the eight core modules, plus all eight of the accounting and investment modules. The table below gives an overview of what each qualification covers. Core modules Accounting modules Investment modules Route Introducing The Legal Environment in the Offshore Financial Services Sector Taxation in Banking in Regulation and Supervision of Creating a Valid Trust Companies and Company Law Other Vehicles and Trust and Company The Accounting Environment Recording Financial Information Accounting Controls Reporting and Analysing Financial Information The Investment Scene Company Formation and Value Markets, Foreign Exchange and Derivative Products Bonds and Investments Award in International Finance and 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Accounting and 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Investment and 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Certificate in and 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 7
Everything you need to know about... assessment and outcomes Everything you need to know about ways to study For each ICSA and qualification, the core modules are assessed by a single three hour exam. The compulsory core modules are assessed by a single three hour exam. To achieve the subsidiary certificates in either, Accounting and or, Investment and you will need to pass the core module exam and take additional specialist modules in either Accounting or Finance. There are four modules in each subsidiary award, both of which are assessed via a single hour and a half exam. You ll need to have passed both the core module exam, plus a subsidiary module exam to achieve your subsidiary certificate. Qualification Award in and To receive the certificate in and you ll need to pass all three exams; the core module paper, plus both the accounting and investment subsidiary papers. When you successfully complete all three, you ll be awarded the certificate and can use the postnominal CertICSA after your name. Assessment There are a number of study options available for all qualifications in the and suite, falling broadly into two categories. 1 Purchase tuition from one of our registered tuition providers Our registered tuition providers offer different options to suit your situation and your budget, including: Distance learning Face-to-face classes Blended learning. See all our registered tuition providers and the tuition they offer at www.icsa.org.uk/ifa-tuition. 2 Self-study If you d prefer, you can simply make your way through your chosen course using the free study materials provided as part of your course. ICSA student support Every registered ICSA student gets the following free study support: Relevant study text book(s) Syllabus and mark schemes Sample assessment papers Study skills guidance Exam techniques webinars. Finance, Accounting and Accounting exam 1.5 hours Finance, Investment and Investment exam 1.5 hours Certificate in and Accounting exam 1.5 hours Investment exam 1.5 hours 8 9
Everything you need to know about costs and extra benefits Everything you need to register You will receive a year s free affiliate membership of ICSA on qualifying to support your professional and career development. The fees for each of the qualifications are found in the table below. If you choose to take one of the smaller qualifications and then decide that you want to top up to a larger qualification by taking some extra modules, you can do so fees for this are also shown below. If you wish to top up, you must do so before receiving your certificate. Qualification Course fee Top up to certificate Award in and Finance, Accounting and Top up to either subsidiary certificate 1,000 500 300 1,250 300 If you ve decided that one of our International Finance and qualifications is right for you, then follow these simple steps to register with us as a student: 1 Choose which of the qualifications you would like to study If you d like to talk to someone to help you decide which qualification would be most suitable for you, one of our friendly client relations team will be happy to help call +44 (0)20 7580 4741 or email supportservices@icsa.org.uk. 2 Complete a registration form and pay The simplest and quickest way to register for any of our International Finance and qualifications is via our website visit www.icsa.org.uk/ifa-register to register online and pay the course fees by credit or debit card. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can download a paper application form and post it to us, enclosing a cheque. Send your application and payment to: Student Registrations ICSA Saffron House 6 10 Kirby Street London EC1N 8TS Finance, Investment and Certificate in and 1,250 300 1,500 Need to know anything else? If you have any questions about any of our and qualifications, please contact our dedicated client relations team by emailing supportservices@icsa.org.uk or calling +44 (0)20 7580 4741. 10 11
ICSA supports governance professionals at all levels with: A portfolio of respected professional qualifications Authoritative publications and technical guidance Breakfast briefings, training courses and national conferences CPD and networking events Research and advice Board evaluation services Market-leading entity management and board portal software. Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators Saffron House 6 10 Kirby Street London EC1N 8TS Phone: 020 7580 4741 Email: info@icsa.org.uk Web: www.icsa.org.uk Twitter: @ICSA_News