International Finance and Administration Qualifications

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Overview

We developed our International Finance and Administration (IFA) qualifications in response to the increasing complexity of providing financial services across borders, as well as the growing demand for greater transparency.

The result? A suite of qualifications that mixes robust core modules with optional elements tailored to your expertise, experience and goals.

Recognised globally, including by regulators in Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and the British Virgin Islands, an IFA qualification is a great way to increase your employability – wherever you work, and whatever stage you’re at in your career.

Choose from self-study or tuition led
Study support webinars
No previous qualifications needed for IFA Level 4
Affiliated membership eligible

“The IFA qualification gave me the understanding I needed for my day-to-day role and helped me develop technically.”

IFA qualification delegate, 2024

What you’ll learn

Core modules:

The offshore finance and legal environment
Products and services
Regulation
The management of trusts and companies

With many optional modules to choose from, including:

Reporting
Governance
Fund administration

Which IFA qualification is right for you?

IFA Level 4

Our introductory course for anyone who aspires to work within the global market. Start at IFA Level 4 if:

You don't have any previous finance qualifications
You have some industry experience, but no formal qualifications
You want to change career

IFA Level 5

An advanced course for those with existing qualifications. Start at IFA Level 5 if you already have one of the following:

The Level 4 Certificate in International Finance and Administration
The Certificate in Offshore Finance and Administration (COFA)
A relevant degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution
A Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Diploma in International Trust Management
Certificate in Offshore Finance and Foundation Programme, delivered by Highlands College

About the course
Delivery	Self-study or tuition provider led — choose whichever method works best for you.
Length	Around 200 hours (8 - 9 months of study), including webinars, assessment exercises, and exam.
Assessment	You’ll sit an exam at the end of each module. Level 4 exams are at a similar level to those in the first year of an undergraduate degree, while Level 5 exams are at a similar level to those in the second year of an undergraduate degree. Exams are held at our regional centres and take place in June and November each year.
Cost	The costs for an IFA qualification range from £1,281 to £2,496, depending on the number of modules you study.

IFA 4 Certificate

Your final qualification reflects your module choices, so you start with the core module then add further specialisms, to work towards the Subsidiary Certificate or Certificate qualifications.

Package Prices

	Level 4 Award in International Finance and Administration £1,281
	Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Accounting and Administration £1,596
	Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Investment and Administration £1,596
	Level 4 Certificate in International Finance and Administration £1,922

IFA 5 Diploma

Your final qualification reflects your module choices, so you start with the core module then add further specialisms to work towards your chosen qualification.

Package Prices

	Level 5 Advanced Certificate in International Finance & Administration £1,412
	Level 5 Subsidiary Diploma in International Finance & Administration £1,922
	Level 5 Diploma in International Finance & Administration £2,426

What you’ll get

Award: Level 4 or Level 5 Certificate
Registration, exam and certification fees covered
Copies of the syllabus, materials and study text
Digital textbooks for each of your chosen modules
Study skills and exam techniques webinars
A comprehensive study skills book
CGIUKI student membership throughout your course
MyCG access — member-exclusive online portal with past papers, mark schemes and other study materials
Eligible for CGIUKI affiliated membership upon completion

IFA Level 4 modules

Module			Qualification awarded
Core (compulsory)	Accounting	Investment
Required			Level 4 Award in International Finance and Administration
Required	Required		Level 4 Subsidiary Certificate in International Finance, Accounting and Administration
Required		Required	Level 4 Certificate in International Finance, Investment and Administration
Required	Required	Required	Level 4 Certificate in International Finance and Administration

IFA Level 5 modules

You can take the Advanced Certificate first and add other modules later. If you complete the full programme, you’ll receive the Level 5 Diploma in International Finance and Administration.

Module				Qualification awarded
Core (compulsory)	Optional module	Optional module	Optional module
Required	Required			Level 5 Advanced Certificate in International Finance and Administration
Required	Required	Required		Level 5 Subsidiary Diploma in International Finance and Administration
Required	Required	Required	Required	Level 5 Diploma in International Finance and Administration

Take a closer look

Explore the modules, a study text chapter excerpt, sample exam papers and tuition options.

View the IFA Level 4 discovery pack

View the IFA Level 5 discovery pack

Find a tuition provider

Once you’ve applied to study your IFA qualification, we strongly recommend using one of our registered tuition providers to help structure your study. You’ll find tuition options to suit your location, situation and budget, including classroom courses and distance learning.

Find a tuition provider

Everything else you need to know...