How the SJP Academy supports you through a career change

How does the Academy support you?

The programme is built around a three term structure, guiding individuals step by step from learning to practice. Rather than facing an unstructured transition, you are supported throughout, with a blend of:

• digital and on demand learning
• live, trainer led sessions
• practical, workplace experience

This structured approach ensures that career changers can build knowledge, develop key skills, and gain real world experience in a logical and supported way.

Term 1: Gaining Professional Qualifications

For those new to financial advice, the journey begins with Term 1: Gain professional qualification.

During this stage, you work towards the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, delivered in partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Over approximately three months, you will:

• build core technical knowledge
• complete structured learning modules
• receive dedicated support to prepare for your exams

This stage is essential, as a Level 4 qualification is required to give financial advice in the UK. By the end of Term 1, you have the formal qualifications needed to progress into practical training.

Term 2: Developing Client Advice Skills

Once qualified, you move into Term 2: Train to advise clients.

This nine week stage focuses on developing the core skills needed to work with clients effectively. Through a trainer led, interactive programme, you will:

• practise delivering financial advice
• build confidence in client conversations
• develop commercial awareness and business skills

This stage bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you apply your knowledge in real world scenarios while continuing to receive guidance and feedback.

Term 3: Achieving Competent Adviser Status (CAS)

The final stage, Term 3: Achieve competent adviser status, is where you transition into a practising adviser.

Over a period of up to 12 months, you will:

• begin advising clients under supervision
• take part in structured workplace learning
• develop your expertise through observation and real client interactions

It is during this term that you work towards and ultimately achieve Competent Adviser Status (CAS) — the professional standard required to provide advice independently in the UK.
For career changers, this stage is particularly important. It allows you to gain hands on experience in a supported environment, building confidence and competence before working independently.

Graduation and beyond 

After successfully completing all three terms, you will graduate from the Academy with a large celebratory event — but the support doesn’t stop there.

As a newly qualified adviser, you will benefit from:

• ongoing professional development
• continued mentoring and guidance
• access to further programmes, including the Early Years and Partnership Development Programmes

This ensures that your transition doesn’t stop at qualification, but continues as you build and grow your career.

A fully funded route into financial advice

One of the key barriers to career change is the cost of retraining. The Academy Programme is fully funded by St. James’s Place, removing upfront financial barriers and making it easier to focus on learning and development.

This support, combined with structured learning and ongoing development, offers clarity, guidance, and a clear route to becoming a qualified financial adviser.

Find out more about the opportunity here at the St James’s Place Academy.