Choosing your course

"Which course should I choose?" We are often asked this question. Here you will find some criteria to help you make your decision.

Federal diploma for financial analyst and portfolio manager/CIIA Federal diploma for expert in finance and investments/CIWM
Professional groups:
  • Financial analysts, credit analysts and investment fund analysts
  • Wealth managers
  • Economic researchers (economists, currency forecasters etc.)
  • Asset managers
  • Portfolio managers
etc.

Sometimes this course is also taken by IT specialists, journalists and lawyers who work in the financial sector.

Professional groups (more front-end professionals):
  • Account managers in private banking
  • Investment counsellors
  • Relationship managers
  • Wealth managers
  • Investment managers
  • Asset managers
  • Portfolio managers
etc.

Sometimes this course is also taken by IT specialists, journalists and lawyers who work in the financial sector.
In comparison with the Federal diploma for experts in finance and investments/CIWM this course focuses on financial analysis. In comparison with the Federal diploma for financial analysts and portfolio managers/CIIA this course has a stronger focus on the questions that arise when counselling and advising customers.
Duration of course: identical
Timetable and number of hours: identical
Venue: identical (in Zurich sometimes in other locations)
Lecturers: partly identical, depending on subject
Examination dates: identical

The first semester is identical for both courses. If you are uncertain which course is the right one for you, there is no need to worry as you can easily change during the first semester.


Links

SFAA - Swiss Financial Analysts Association

ISFA - Information System For Analysts