Financial Markets Practitioner (FMP) Qualification

Qualification ID 117238 Occupational Certificate: Financial Markets Practitioner (NQF Level 7)

Financial Markets Practitioner (FMP)

The SAIS has developed the Financial Markets Practitioner (FMP), an entry level qualification, for those wishing to move into this sector. 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.

The OC:FMP qualification consists of three components: Knowledge, Practical skills, and Work experience.
  • Knowledge
  • Practical skills
  • Work experience

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.

Content of the Qualification

Knowledge modules

The Knowledge modules provide the learner with the correct theoretical underpinnings and understanding of concepts in the financial markets.

ModuleNQF LevelCredits
Introduction to Financial Markets65
Asset Class - Equities Securities712
Asset Class - Interest Bearing Securities78
Asset Class - Derivative Securities75
Asset Class - Alternative Securities75
Basic Economics710
Asset Class - Foreign Exchange73
The Regulation of the Financial Markets712
Client Service and Investment Advice712
Trading710
Settlement of financial markets transactions710
Corporate Actions77
Investment Vehicles65

Practical modules

The practical modules allow the learner to put the theory into practice, most often in a simulated environment.

ModuleNQF LevelCredits
Analyse, evaluate and review equity securities for investment purposes78
Analyse, evaluate and review interest bearing securities for investment purposes73
Apply economic knowledge to the investment environment73
Examine the regulatory and legislative landscape applicable to financial markets73
Prepare investment advice in a simulated environment78
Use a simulated trading system to apply trading knowledge74
Explain the settlement process to a controlled and non-controlled client73
Interpret corporate action announcements and process the resulting transactions73
Apply the unitisation concepts75

Work Experience

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):

Work Experience AreaCompulsoryElective
Prepare and present research reports
Do financial markets presentations
Evaluate the organisation's control environment
Evaluate a stock and prevailing market conditions for trading purposes
Perform settlement activities
Complete clients’ take-on processes
Perform a client needs analysis
Re-balance client portfolios
Prepare client feedback reports
Perform administration of corporate actions

Entry Requirements

  • NQF Level 6 qualification in finance or a related field of study; or
  • NQF Level 6 qualification with three years’ relevant assessed work experience in financial markets; or
  • Five years’ relevant work experience in financial markets.

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.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (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).

Important EISA Exam Dates

Semester 1

EISA ActivityDate
Exam Prep Session for Paper 1 (Virtual session with subject expert)29 April 2025
Exam Prep Session for Paper 2 (Virtual session with subject expert)30 April 2025
EISA Exam - Paper 119 May 2025
EISA Exam - Paper 220 May 2025

Semester 2

EISA ActivityDate
Exam Prep Session for Paper 1 (Virtual session with subject expert)28 August 2025
Exam Prep Session for Paper 2 (Virtual session with subject expert)04 September 2025
EISA - Exam Paper 16 October 2025
EISA - Exam Paper 27 October 2025

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Learnership

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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.

Learnership

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.

Accredited Skills Development Providers (SDPs)

Please note: SAIS (as AQP) cannot accredit SDPs. Accreditation is done solely by the QCTO, and SAIS cannot endorse providers.

Skills Development Provider (SDP)Contact DetailsAccreditation NumberAccreditation Period
ASISA Academy NPCe: learn@asisaacademy.org.za
t: +27 21 673 1626
w: www.asisaacademy.org.za
01-QCTO/SDP100621-20509 June 2021 - 8 June 2026
Catalyst AI (Pty) Ltde: csmith@apexu.co.za; byron@apexu.co.za
t: +27 73 574 9438
w: ApexU | Sustainable transformation in South Africa
07-QCTO/SDP28042312254828 April 2023 - 27 April 2028
Novia One Group (Pty) Ltde: info@noviaone.com
t: +27 11 783 9390
w: www.noviaone.com
07-QCTOSDP01191120-186127 October 2021 - 26 October 2026
The Sherq Centre of Excellence (Pty) Ltde: info@futurebanker.co.za
t: 087 807 8564
w: www.futurebanker.co.za
07-QCTO/SDP0301230635351 March 2023 - 1 February 2028
Felix Risk Training Consultants CCe: info@frtc.co.za
t: 031 207 3245
w: Contact Us - Felix Risk Training Consultants
05-QCTO/SDP14092417254113 September 2024 - 12 September 2029