The SAIS has developed the Financial Markets Practitioner (FMP), an entry level qualification, for those wishing to move into this sector.
The OC:FMP qualification consists of three components: Knowledge, Practical skills, and Work experience.
Education
Qualification ID 117238 Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner (NQF Level 7)
The Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner (OC:FMP) is aimed at providing learners with entry-level knowledge, practical skills and experience in key functions in the financial markets.
Delivery of the Qualification
The Knowledge and Practical Skills components are delivered by Skills Development Providers (SDPs) who have been accredited by the QCTO for the OC: FMP. The accredited SDPs are listed lower down on this page and can also be found on the QCTO website.
Knowledge modules provide the learner with the correct theoretical underpinnings and understanding of concepts in the financial markets. Practical modules allow the learner to put the theory into practice, most often in a simulated environment.
Introduction to Financial Markets
6
5
Asset Class: Equities Securities
7
12
Asset Class: Interest Bearing Securities
7
8
Asset Class: Derivative Securities
7
5
Asset Class: Alternative Securities
7
5
Basic Economics
7
10
Asset Class: Foreign Exchange
7
3
The Regulation of the Financial Markets
7
12
Client Service and Investment Advice
7
12
Trading
7
10
Settlement of Financial Markets Transactions
7
10
Corporate Actions
7
7
Investment Vehicles
6
5
Learners need to acquire actual experience in the workplace to complete eligibility criteria for the EISA. The work experience must be gained at an accredited workplace. A fee is charged for workplace accreditation. A minimum of 6 months’ work experience is required. Learners must attain experience in 9 areas (7 compulsory and 2 elective)
Prepare and present research reports
Do financial markets presentations
Evaluate the organisation's control environment
Perform settlement activities
Complete clients' take-on processes
Perform administration of corporate actions
ENTRY
For candidates requiring three years’ relevant assessed work experience, this can be assessed through a Performance Appraisal Portfolio of Evidence.
A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) comprising a minimum of three years of performance appraisals must be submitted. The assessed work should link to the Work Experience Areas of the OC: FMP, evidencing all compulsory areas and two
elective areas.
If the employer is an Accredited Workplace for the OC: FMP, the PoE can confirm Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), exempting the six months’ work experience requirement.
EISA
Only once Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience are completed can learners enrol for the EISA. A successfully completed EISA is required to obtain the qualification.
The EISA consists of two examination papers. For a successful EISA, both exams must be passed with 50% for each. A single-paper pass is held in credit only until the next session.
Once the OC: FMP has been obtained, successful candidates may apply for the designation CFMP(SA) – Certified Financial Markets Professional (South Africa).
Students are reminded that Exam Prep Session dates may change. The SAIS team will alert candidates of any changes.
The Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Work Experience components can be achieved through RPL. SDPs assess RPL for Knowledge and Practical Skills, and accredited workplaces assess RPL for Work Experience.
A learnership has been registered against the OC: FMP qualification through FASSET. SAIS does not place learners into employment for completion of the qualification or learnership.
Employers must conclude a work-based learning programme agreement. Two categories exist: previously employed learners and previously unemployed learners as defined by the Skills Development Act.
Learners on the learnership are deemed normal employees and must follow workplace policies. Employers are obligated only for learnership duration and are not required to place learners on a learnership.
Please note: SAIS (as AQP) cannot accredit SDPs. Accreditation is done solely by the QCTO, and SAIS cannot endorse providers.
