Overview
The Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation is for people who advise on or sell retail financial products in Ireland. It is built on the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice, which is taught by the Institute of Banking (IOB) and awarded by University College Dublin. The diploma sits at Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 30 ECTS credits.
The programme is delivered online and runs over three trimesters. According to the IOB, it meets the Central Bank of Ireland's Minimum Competency Code for five categories of retail financial product, including life assurance, pensions, savings and investments, housing loans and consumer credit.
Who can apply
The IOB lists these entry requirements.
Six passes in recognised Leaving Certificate subjects, including Irish (unless exempt), English and Mathematics.
Equivalent qualifications are accepted from international applicants.
Mature candidates aged 23 or over are considered.
Applicants must also hold active Institute of Banking membership for the calendar year (January to December).
Exam pattern
The diploma has six modules. Each module is assessed by a two-hour online exam at the end of the trimester.
| Module | Assessment |
|---|---|
| QFA Regulation | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| QFA Investment | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| QFA Life Assurance | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| QFA Loans | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| QFA Pensions | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| QFA Financial Planning | Written case study and essay-style questions |
Important dates
For 2026-27, the IOB offers five intakes, each ending in an exam session. Registration closes on 4 November 2026, 10 February 2027, 10 March 2027, 12 May 2027 and 7 July 2027. Not every module runs in every intake: the second and fourth intakes cover only Regulation, Loans and Investment. Check the programme page for exam session dates.
Fees
As listed on the IOB site in 2026, the fee is 470 euro per module plus an annual study fee of 80 euro. Confirm the current amounts on the IOB programme page before registering.
How to apply
Enrolment requires active IOB membership for the calendar year. See the IOB programme page for the registration steps.
After the exam
Graduates of the diploma are invited to apply for the Qualified Financial Adviser designation. QFA holders also receive the European Financial Advisor designation through the IOB's agreement with EFPA. Holders must complete annual continuing professional development (CPD) hours to keep the QFA designation.
Preparation tips
Plan your module order across the trimesters. To enrol for Financial Planning you must already be enrolled for, have passed or be exempt from the other five modules.
Practise multiple-choice questions under a two-hour time limit for the five objective modules.
For Financial Planning, practise writing structured case-study answers.
What does QFA stand for?
Qualified Financial Adviser. It is a professional designation based on the Professional Diploma in Financial Advice.
How many modules are there?
Six: Regulation, Investment, Life Assurance, Loans, Pensions and Financial Planning.
Who awards the diploma?
University College Dublin awards it. The Institute of Banking provides the programme.