What information will I need to apply?

Full details of what is required can be found by reading the application form. We would encourage you to familiarise yourself with the questions before beginning the process of application. During the application you will need to upload the following items:

  • Statement of Professional Standing
  • Evidence of competence status
  • Learning Statement (optional)
  • Financial qualification certificate
  • Pension qualification certificate
  • CPD log for the twelve months, having highlighted items directly related to advising older clients on pensions and retirement planning.

Supportive Environment guidance

A supportive environment is where there is provision of, or access to, technical and practical information allowing you to acquire, maintain and improve your relevant knowledge and advice skills in the area of later life lending advice. This standard is designed to demonstrate the environment in which you work and how this supports you and assists you in providing advice in the later life sector. This could be through:

  • Access to your own firm’s internal training and knowledge resources
  • Use of external training courses
  • Web based ‘know how’, updates, online forums
  • Links with relevant trade bodies or industry groups relevant to later life lending advice
  • Access to other knowledge based resources such as industry journals
  • Membership of appropriate organisations

If you are employed, you will need to demonstrate how your firm supports yourlater life, pensions and retirement planning knowledge and skills. For sole traders, there must be a commitment to provide a supportive environment showing that you allocate both time and resources to support yourself with this.

For more guidance about the information required for the supportive environment section, please read this guide: 

Read our supportive environment guide

CPD guidance 

CPD records for the previous 12 months should be submitted in whatever format your records are maintained. This should ideally be uploaded as a PDF file. 

Application results 

 Once your application has been reviewed we will be in touch with you via email to confirm that you have been awarded the SOLLA Retirement Advice Standard.  We will also then send you a certificate and pin badge, give you details about how to update your website directory listing etc, and how to make the most of your SOLLA standard.  

Queries or questions? 

If you have any questions or require any further information whilst applying, please contact us at info@retirementstandard.co.uk or telephone 0333 2020 455.

Start Retirement Advice Standard application