The next version of the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) (Version 3) has taken a major step forward. While the qualification was approved by NZQA late last year, progress depended on finalising the transition from 18 unit-standards to 13 new skill-standards. That work is now complete and NZQA has signed off on the changes. Strategi Institute is now underway with content development, with the goal of launching the new version in late 2025.

What does this mean for existing advisers?

If you’re already a qualified financial adviser, there’s no need to obtain Version 3 of the qualification. However, you will eventually need to demonstrate that your competence, knowledge, and skill meet the updated standard. The good news is this can be achieved through structured CPD, and Strategi Institute will, in due course, release targeted CPD modules to help existing advisers upskill smoothly and stay future-ready – without needing to start from scratch.

If you have any questions or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you – just get in touch.