Investment Management Certificate (IMC)

Brum_Man

dunstonh wrote: »

They keep changing the exams so much its a little hard to know where things stand nowadays.

I know what you mean, it's a bit of a joke really! It's hard to know how they compare too if you have only taken one or another, you can't really make a comparision. I only know because I've taken CFP/CeMAP/couple of Dimploma exams and got the IMC material over short-ish period, and apparently the material of got for that has just been majorly revamped for this edition!

sstevieg

Hi.
I started the home study course for the IMC this week. I have no background in financial services, but am looking for an entry level qualification. I had a few final interviews, but failed to secure a job due to a lack of experience. My recruitment consultant told me that the IMC is well thought of and I could also pitch for a higher salary.

The study books and exam have been tailored to include MiFID. Although I have no benchmark for comparison, I'm finding that a lot of the information seems complicated, but makes sense the further in I get. Some of it is also over complicated. The section on data, for example, which is common sense.
It's a bit like learning the basics of a foreign language. If Fabio can do it, so can I.

Brum_Man

sstevieg wrote: »

I had a few final interviews, but failed to secure a job due to a lack of experience.

What types of jobs where you looking at?

cliffsmiff

Hi people, thought I would add to this threat. I have passed CFP and Cemap and am now studing towards IMC and would say that due to the maths elements to it and the importance of understanding how to apply these I personally would say that this is a slightly harder exam. the study book is not fantastic either as it is quite brief.

Am interesting to find out what jobs everyone is looking to do or is doing in relation to the IMC exam.

I am a bank based F.A. working for Abbey. I have taken a career break to do some major DIY at home but also to study towards IMC and JO4+JO5 and AF3 (pension related CII exams). hoping that will give me the ability to become a pension technical specialist. really want to get away from a customer facing role.

what about you guys, what you studying for or currently working towards?

Nixxx

Just thought i'll add a bit on here.

I work for an investment bank and the IMC is practically a pre-requisite if you want to carry out an "authorised activity". i.e Dealing, Advising, Managing shares etc. We make sure all our graduates do this exam.

There is a lot of information to take in if you and if you work in th eindustry you will find it a bit easier with the practical experience.

I think it is also very important to use the right training provider. PM me if you want a recommendation of the ones that i find better than others.

It may take you a couple of months to learn all the matter or alot quicker if you are already familiar with the subject matter.

I cannot compare it to Cemap etc but i would highly recommend it if you want to work in the financial service industry as a starter qualification.

swiss69

I took the IMC in 2000 and found it very difficult. The paper may well be multiple choice but there is a heavy Maths elelment to it and understanding of formulae which I think someone without a good understanding of Maths would find difficult. I passed it but thought that I had failed when i took the paper. It is certainly a much higher level than cefa.

Cliffsmiff - I think if you work for Abbey Bank then you will be very lucky to move into a pension specialist role with them as they no longer have one!

follyflex

Nixxx wrote: »

Just thought i'll add a bit on here.

I work for an investment bank and the IMC is practically a pre-requisite if you want to carry out an "authorised activity". i.e Dealing, Advising, Managing shares etc. We make sure all our graduates do this exam.

There is a lot of information to take in if you and if you work in th eindustry you will find it a bit easier with the practical experience.

I think it is also very important to use the right training provider. PM me if you want a recommendation of the ones that i find better than others.

It may take you a couple of months to learn all the matter or alot quicker if you are already familiar with the subject matter.

I cannot compare it to Cemap etc but i would highly recommend it if you want to work in the financial service industry as a starter qualification.

Just discovered this forum and it is really a great one from the little i've seen.

I'm interested in the training providers that that you might suggest for someone with no experience but great enthusiasim for investment banking/securities.

Nixxx

pm me if necessary as i'm sure i cant suggest on here

Brum_Man

I personally didn't use any training company and just used the book and managed to pass through self study. I did it in 5 weeks so a couple of months should be plenty depending on how familiar you are with that type of material included.

Some of it is quite badly written though, especially the economics section. And as said above, much more of a numerical ability is needed than in CFP so I belive that it is harder in that repect, however there is noway near the amount of material that there is for the whole of the CFP exam taking in to account all 5 exams.

johng_uk

Interesting thread. Thanks to all for the info provided so far.