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

The Certificate in Securities comprises the following units:

• Securities -  2 hour paper consisting of 100 multiple choice questions
• FSA Financial Regulation OR Principles of Financial Regulation - 1 hour paper consisting of 50 multiple choice questions

The Certificate in Securities - Retail additionally includes:

• Investment & Risk -  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.

source :CISI website