The Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services 2025 has been in force since 1 November 2025, and the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) has now been updated to Version 3. Strategi Institute has a clear plan to make sure every current student completes the right version of the qualification, with a smooth and supported transition. 

What this means for current students 

Version 2 remains a valid qualification, but it will be replaced by Version 3 from 4 February 2026. If you are already studying under Version 2, you can continue with it. All Version 2 assessments must be submitted by 1 March 2026, which allows time in March for any resubmissions. Version 2 will close on 1 April 2026. 

After 1 March, all students will move to Version 3. If you are partway through Version 2 when the change takes place, any completed and achieved assessments will be credited towards your Version 3 qualification. No progress will be lost. 

How the transition works 

If you are close to finishing Version 2 

• Carry on with your current work and submit all Version 2 assessments by 1 March 2026. If achieved, you will graduate with the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) Version 2. 

If you have just started your Core strand 

• You will continue your Core strand under Version 2. After 4 February 2026, you will move to Version 3 for your second (specialist) strand. Any Version 2 assessments submitted before 1 March 2026 and achieved will be cross credited to your Version 3 qualification. 

If you have completed your Core strand (Version 2) and are working on your specialist strand 

• You may need to complete an additional Closing the Gaps module, which takes around 1.5 hours. This will be provided at no charge. We will let you know directly if this applies to you. 

From 4 February 2026 

• All new students will automatically enrol in Version 3. 

Our commitment to you 

Whether you complete Version 2 or transition to Version 3, we will make sure you graduate with a qualification that meets the requirements of the 2025 Code of Professional Conduct. If you have any questions about your study plan or what version applies to you, our Student Support team is here to help.