How to become a paraplanner
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to be a paraplanner.
Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Certificate In Regulated Financial Services Operations
- T Level in Finance
- Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could do a Paraplanner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This will take around 2 years to complete and will include a mix of learning on the job and studying at college.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You could join a company as a trainee and learn on the job.
Your employer might want you to do qualification while you train, such as the CISI level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning.
More Information
Professional and industry bodies
You can join a professional body for training opportunities and professional development.
Organisations include:
- The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
- The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI)
- The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF)
Further information
You can find more information about working in financial services from The London Institute of Banking and Finance.