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CISI Investment Operations Certificate (IOC)

A globally recognised qualification that’s taken in over 50 countries worldwide. You can also use the IOC qualification as an FCA appropriate qualification for the operations sector.

IOC is an excellent induction qualification if you’re starting a career in retail or wholesale financial sectors. If you already work in operations, the qualification will provide useful background and context, as well as detailed specifics relevant to your specialism. It can also act as a lead into studying for higher level CISI qualifications in their operations stream of exams.

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Individual unit price, excluding exams: help_outline

£139.20 - £780 (inc. VAT)

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1. Structure

To gain the IOC you need to pass three units. Delegates normally complete two core units (Introduction to Securities and Investment, and UK Financial Regulation). The third unit is then a choice of one of the specialised technical units.

Entry requirements

This qualification is suitable for anyone working, or aspiring to work, in the administration and/or operations sector and no previous qualifications are required.

Syllabus

Core units:

 
Core
Introduction to Securities and Investments

A stand-alone qualification, as well as the introductory unit of the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) programme, this exam provides an overview of all areas of investment to new entrants to the financial services industry.

£378.00 - £798.00
(£315.00 - £665.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Core
UK Financial Regulation

The regulations and legislation that underpin financial markets in the conduct of investment business in the UK.

£378.00 - £576.00
(£315.00 - £480.00
excl. VAT) Buy now

Technical unit

Please choose one technical unit from the following based on the most appropriate fit to your job role:

Technical
Asset Servicing

The fundamentals of asset servicing in relation to operational and administrative functions.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Client Money and Assets

An introduction to the concepts and processes necessary to understand the importance of client assets and how they must be adequately protected under the FCA’s client assets (CASS) regime.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Collective Investment Schemes Administration

The fundamentals of collective investment schemes in relation to operational and administrative functions.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Global Financial Compliance

You’ll be introduced to international compliance, including the international regulatory environment, the compliance function, managing the risk of financial crime, ethics, integrity and fairness, and governance, risk management and compliance.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Global Securities Operations

You’ll explore and understand global securities services and administration in relation to the needs of operations and administration staff.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
IT in Investment Operations

A stand-alone qualification, as well as a technical unit within the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC) programme, this exam provides those engaged in IT with a broader understanding of the information technology needs of firms in the financial services sector.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Operational Risk

A broad introduction to the main types of risk (credit and market) and explores the rise in importance of operational risk controls.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Transfer Agency Administration and Oversight

A detailed overview of Transfer Agency processes and related activities as well as the responsibilities of Transfer Agencies with respect to the Retail Distribution Review, ISA regulations, FCA sourcebooks and the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR).

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Platforms, Wealth Management and Service Providers

The aim of this unit is to ensure that you have an introduction to the services offered by platforms, wealth managers and related outsource service providers in relation to operations and administration staff.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now
Technical
Risk in Financial Services

A stand-alone award but also part of the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC), this exam offers practitioners a broad understanding of the key risks that arise within financial services, covering business risk, corporate governance, regulation, risk management and includes operational, credit, market, investment and liquidity risks.

£139.20
(£116.00
excl. VAT) Buy now

2. Study methods

We will help you maximise your time and make revision easier.

grid_on Study method comparison table

Core units

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Live Online

Live Online is an interactive way to study wherever you are. Live Online offers you the benefits of the traditional classroom but with the flexibility of the online environment. The lessons are fully interactive, delivered live by our expert lecturers following the same exam focused material and structure as traditional classroom courses.

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Distance Learning

Study at your own pace from wherever you like. Our Distance Learning study option offers maximum flexibility for independent study and comes with MyKaplan study materials helping you to study on the go.

Technical units

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Distance Learning

Study at your own pace from wherever you like. Our Distance Learning study option offers maximum flexibility for independent study.

Timetables - Live Online

Introduction to Securities and Investment takes place over 5 days from 12pm to 2pm.

UK Financial Regulation takes place over 4 days from 12pm to 2pm.

Inhouse training

We also offer inhouse training, allowing bespoke exam courses to be designed specifically for your staff. Please contact us on 020 7920 3060 or email us at citybookings@kaplan.co.uk to find out more about how we can help train your team.

3. Exams and sittings

Each IOC unit comprises a one hour, 50 question multiple choice exam (except for UK Financial Regulation which is 1½ hour 75 question exams, and the Global Financial Compliance and Risk in Financial Services, which are 2 hour 100 question exams).

The exams are based on published syllabi, which are reviewed annually to reflect changes in the industry and the regulatory environment.

All IOC exams are delivered by computer based testing (CBT) on demand and can be sat globally. You'll need to register with the CISI directly for exam entry.

You will be given your exam results as soon as you’ve completed your computer based exam. They will also be available online within 24 hours.

How long does it take to pass?

The CISI recommends 80 - 100 hours of study time per unit over a period of 3-4 months before you take an exam.

Are there any exemptions available?

You may be eligible for an exemption from one or more of the exams depending on your prior qualifications. Please see CISI’s exemptions page for further details.

4. Study Materials and Delivery Costs

Study Materials

Our Distance Learning study option includes both online and printed study materials.

Materials included

Core units

  • Full Study Guide

    Emailed to you on booking, and also available on MyKaplan, the study guide pulls the hard copy and online study materials together into a recommended study approach.

  • CISI Official Learning and Reference Manual

    Written by the CISI, these manuals cover all the syllabus and only the syllabus, and are the official reference document for real exam questions. They satisfy the compulsory purchase requirement of the CISI, so you'll be able to exclude the workbook fee when booking your exam.

  • Question and Answer Book

    Contains printed chapter questions and mock exams to test yourself and check your progress.

  • Access to MyKaplan

    Our online learning portal with everything you need to prepare for your exam.

Technical Units

  • CISI Official Learning and Reference Manual

    Written by the CISI, these manuals cover all the syllabus and only the syllabus, and are the official reference document for real exam questions. They satisfy the compulsory purchase requirement of the CISI, so you'll be able to exclude the workbook fee when booking your exam.

  • CISI Revision Express Interactive

    Written by the CISI, this is an online study portal including exercises and questions to help you prepare for your exam.

Delivery costs

How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.

UK and NI - £12.50 per unit up to a maximum of £25.00 (including VAT)
EU - £20.00 per unit up to a maximum of £40.00 (including VAT)
Rest of World - £30.00 per unit up to a maximum of £60.00 (excluding VAT)

Materials are delivered to the address you provide us, within the following timescales:

UK – 3 to 5 working days
EU – 5 to 7 working days
Rest of World - 5 to 14 working days

5. MyKaplan: Online Learning Portal

MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your core unit exams.

Online Features

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    Study Guide - a helpful guide that outlines the order of topics you should study, including which questions to practice, and which videos to watch.
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    Exam Syllabus - a complete breakdown of what you’ll be studying.
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    Tutor Recordings - watch and replay classes whenever you like.
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    Classroom Slide Pack - your central reference point for note taking. It integrates the CISI Institute material to aid the note taking process, which provides you with more time to practice questions.
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    Workbook - helps you keep all your notes in one place to improve revision.
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    Chapter Questions - see how much you’ve learnt at the end of every chapter.
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    Mock Exams - test your knowledge with mock exams, mirroring the real exams.

Access duration

You can access your online content for 12 months from your enrolment date.

computerMinimum system requirements for MyKaplan

6. Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your studies. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need, with a response time of within 48 working hours. Please contact us at citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.

7. Course pricing and enrolment options

Pricing structure

Units are all priced individually, so you can purchase them altogether or separately as you need them.

  Live Online (price per unit) Distance Learning (price per unit)
Introduction to Securities and Investments (core unit) £798 inc. VAT £665 exc. VAT £378 inc. VAT £315 exc. VAT
UK Financial Regulation (core unit) £576 inc. VAT £480 exc. VAT £378 inc. VAT £315 exc. VAT
Technical units n/a n/a £139.20 inc. VAT £116 exc. VAT

Payment options

Employer sponsored ›

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you’re already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You’ll need to speak to them to see if you’re eligible and confirm that they’re happy to pay for your studies.

Payment plans ›

Our IOC materials are covered with our interest-free payment plan, providing the total cost is £500 minimum (including VAT). The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over a period of time, with no extra costs.

Apprenticeships ›

You may eligible for an Apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. Speak to your employer to find out more.

How to enrol

Enrol online or call us on 020 7920 3060.

Why study IOC with Kaplan?

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Trusted expertise

We’re a CISI Premier Accredited Training Provider (ATP), based on pass rates and student service.

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Practice makes perfect

Large question banks, with a unique mix of CISI and Kaplan tutor created questions to use on the go.

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Expert support

Tutors available to help when you need them, so you will feel confident in the exam.