The Certificate in Investment and Retirement Planning (CIRP) is a professional certification programme that teaches financial service professionals the full spectrum of investment products available in the Indian market — from Fixed Deposits, Recurring Deposits, and Post Office Schemes to Shares, Mutual Funds, and Home Loans.
Beyond investment knowledge, CIRP covers the crucial concept of Retirement Planning: understanding the need for planning ahead, selecting products best suited for retirement goals, and effectively marketing these solutions. The programme also covers the remuneration structure for advisors in this space.
With India's mutual fund industry witnessing exponential growth over the past decade, there is huge scope for professionals who can confidently advise clients on investment and retirement planning. CIRP prepares you to seize this opportunity.
The CIRP programme comprises the following two subjects:
Programme Details
Candidates must be members of LUGI in good standing and employed directly or indirectly in the Indian Financial Services industry.
Insurance advisors, mutual fund distributors, financial intermediaries, bank employees in financial services, and employees of asset management companies are all eligible to enrol.
Applicants should hold at least a Secondary School Certificate (SSC / 10th pass) or equivalent and demonstrate commitment to professional growth in investment advisory.
The CIRP curriculum is structured around two core subjects:
Subject A — Investment Planning:
- Fixed Deposits and Recurring Deposits
- Post Office Savings Schemes
- Equity Shares and Stock Markets
- Mutual Funds — Types, Features and Selection
- Home Loans and Real Estate as Investment
- Portfolio Construction and Risk Assessment
- Marketing Investment Products and Remuneration
Subject B — Retirement Planning and Tax Concept:
- Need and Importance of Retirement Planning
- Retirement Products — NPS, EPF, PPF, Annuities
- Tax Concepts Relevant to Retirement Planning
- Marketing Retirement Solutions to Clients
- Remuneration Pattern for Retirement Advisors
The programme is delivered in a classroom-based, part-time format tailored to working professionals in the financial services industry.
Teaching methods include lectures by industry practitioners, product demonstrations, case study analysis on client retirement scenarios, and group workshops to simulate real advisory situations.
Study materials are designed to be practical, concise, and aligned with the day-to-day realities of advising clients on investment and retirement needs.
The structured curriculum enables candidates to balance their professional commitments while progressing through the programme. LUGI chapter networks offer peer support and mentorship throughout.
Classroom sessions are held at authorised LUGI chapter locations across India, scheduled on weekends or evenings to suit working professionals.
Each subject concludes with a review session to consolidate learning and prepare candidates for their examination.
Examinations are conducted periodically throughout the year. The schedule is announced by the LUGI Secretariat and communicated directly to all registered candidates in advance.
Results are published on the LUGI website and sent to candidates individually. Successful candidates receive their certificate along with the CIRP designation.
Candidates are required to complete both subject examinations within the stipulated time frame as prescribed by LUGI.
Re-attempt provisions are available for candidates who do not pass on their first attempt, subject to applicable fees and scheduling arrangements.
Enrolment is open to eligible LUGI members. Candidates can contact their nearest LUGI chapter or reach the LUGI Secretariat at info@lugi.org to begin the enrolment process.
Completed enrolment forms along with required documents must be submitted before the commencement of each batch.
Programme fees are payable to LUGI as per the current fee schedule. Fees cover study materials, classroom instruction, examination registration, and certificate processing upon successful completion.
Payment can be made by demand draft, online transfer, or other modes specified by the Secretariat. Contact info@lugi.org for the current fee schedule.
Candidates are bound by the Code of Ethics of LUGI throughout the programme and after receiving the CIRP designation.
LUGI reserves the right to amend programme terms, fees, and schedules with reasonable notice to enrolled candidates.
CIRP is one of the four modules required to earn the prestigious FChFP (Fellow, Chartered Financial Practitioner) designation, awarded jointly by LUGI and ICSB (International Certification Standard Board) of Singapore.
Completing CIRP along with CIP, CITEP, and FPA qualifies you for the FChFP designation — an internationally recognised credential across Asia Pacific member countries.