The Certificate in Securities and Certificate in Securities - Retail have been developed to provide employees advising and/or dealing in securities on behalf of professional or retail clients respectively with the knowledge and skills required for their job roles.
SII has redeveloped the Certificate Programme with representatives from leading global financial services firms, both wholesale and retail, and input from the Exchange LIBA, FOA and Accredited Training Providers to meet the needs of the changing industry. SII has also ensured these qualifications are globally portable, addressing the needs of the modern international securities markets.
The Certificate in Securities comprises the following units:
Securities A 2 hour paper consisting of 100 multiple choice questions
The Certificate in Securities - Retail additionally includes:
Investment & Risk
A 1 ½ hour paper consisting of 60 multiple choice questions, for those candidates advising retail clients
Key Features - Securities
Syllabus tailored to meet the needs of employees advising both professional and retail clients
Globally portable - internationally focused reflecting the needs of an international market place
Streamlined syllabus focusing on key concepts and principles relating to the creation, valuation, trading and management of financial instruments
Comprehensive coverage of equities, debt securities and prime brokerage including primary and secondary markets
Enhanced coverage of valuation and accounting analysis as well as the risk/reward relationship of investment strategies
MiFID Compliance
As a result of MiFID, firms may find that a number of their clients, which they treat as wholesale clients, seek reclassification as retail clients, to gain the additional protections to which retail clients are entitled. Employers advising retail clients must obtain the retail version of the qualification. SII has adapted all regulatory examinations to ensure they are MiFID compliant.
Additional Exam Information
Entry requirements
There are no formal prerequisites for the Certificate in Securities. Experience in the industry will help candidates relate what they are learning to the job they are doing but it is not a requirement of taking the qualification. Examination entries are accepted from private individuals as well as via an employer.
Syllabus Information on the current syllabus can be found under the Syllabuses page
Examiner's Report A report reflecting candidates' performance on Unit 2 Securities together with a suggested revision plan
Studying, Training, Booking your exam:
SII's Certificate workbooks are written by investment professionals and trainers with the candidate in mind, using worked examples, self-test questions and revision points. Order your book to start studying NOW
In addition to using the workbook, candidates can train with one of our Accredited Training Providers (ATPs), click here to find your nearest training centre
The certificate is examinable via Computer Based Testing (CBT). Candidates sit their exams at one of the many CBT test centres located worldwide. Candidates receive instant results when leaving the test centre.