SII Diploma in Investment Operations

SII Diploma in Investment Operations FAQ's

Exam specific

• How many exams do I need to pass to complete the SII Diploma in Investment Compliance?
  To obtain the SII Diploma in Investment Operations qualification, you will need to pass all of the following exams:

  • Module 1 – Operational Risk, Global Securities Operations OR Collective Investment Schemes Administration (see IAQ™ section section for more details)
  • Module 2 – Advanced Operational Risk, Advanced Global Securities Operations or Advanced Investment Schemes Administration (see Investment Operation section section for more details)
  • Module 3 - Global Securities Operations (existing paper from the SII Diploma)

• Which exam board administers the Securities & Investment Institute Certificate examinations and can you book me on my exam?
  The Securities & Investment Institute administers the examinations. Enrolling on one of our SII Diploma in Investment Operations courses does not mean you are registered for your exam. To register for your exam, you need to contact the Securities & Investment Institute direct on +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or email clientservices@sii.org.uk

• Is the exam cost included in your course prices?
  No. The exams are an additional cost. For details of the latest costs for each SII Diploma in Investment Operations examination, contact the Securities & Investment Institute direct on +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or email clientservices@sii.org.uk

• What is the deadline for booking on the exams?
  The exam booking deadlines are available from the SII website.  Click here to visit this page.

• When and how do I get my exam results?
  Because Module 1 is examined via Computer Based Testing (CBT), the results are available immediately after the exam.  For the second and third module, your results will be available approximately 9 weeks after your exam. The results for Module 3 are published in the Financial Times as well as sent to you in the post.

• How often do the exams take place?
  Exams for Module 1 are available on a daily basis at one of SII’s exam centres.  The exams for Module 2 and 3 take place twice a year in June and December.  The latest dates for Module 2 and 3 are available from the SII Website and can be viewed:

  • Module 2 exam dates – click here
  • Module 3 exam dates – click here

• How long is each exam?
  The exam for Module 1 is an hour and comprises 50 questions, examined via Computer Based Testing (CBT).

  The exams for Modules 2 and 3 lasts 3 hours and are written exams.

• Where can I get a copy of the syllabus?
  The syllabs for the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma in Investment Operations is available from the Securities & Investment Institute website.

• Am I exempt from any part of the SII Diploma in Investments exams?
  You need to check with the Securities & Investment Institute on +44 (0)20 7645 0680 or your Compliance Officer for details on exemptions you may be entitled to.

• What comparable alternatives are there to this qualification?
  The CFA® examination program is an alternative, more globally recognised professional level qualification for the financial services industry. We provide tailor-made study solutions for all three levels of the CFA Program.

  The Corporate Finance (CF) qualification is another alternative for those wishing to specialise in corporate finance but seeking a globally recognised professional level qualification. We provide tuition for all three stages of the CF qualification.

• Will this designation help my employment prospects?
  Although not essential, it may look favourable to prospective employers if you have gained the Securities & Investment Institute Diploma in Investment Operations qualification. It demonstrates high standards of performance, considerable breadth of understanding and clear career commitment.

• How long will this qualification take to complete?
  This qualification can be completed within 12-18 months.

• How often can I take the exam?
  You can sit your exam as many times as you need to.

• What are the major requirements to achieve the MSI and FSI designations?
  Student or Affiliate members passing the Diploma in Investment Operations and demonstrating 3 years of continuing learning can apply for full membership of the Securities Institute (MSI).  Obtaining a pass in two further Diploma papers and demonstrating a further 3 years of continuing learning leads to fellowship of the Institute (FSI).  The definition of continuing learning includes further relevant examinations and/or evidence of attendance on courses and seminars, participation in professional activities sponsored by the Institute or other relevant organisations.