What is the AWP^CM certification?

A mid-level professional certification for practitioners with key portfolios in retirement planning and wealth accumulation in addition to their capability to recommend general financial planning strategies.

What is the difference between the AFP^CM, AWP^CM and CFP^CM Program?

The AFP^CM Program is not a separate program but rather the first module of six course modules comprising the CFP^CM Program, i.e. Foundations in Financial Planning. It is a broad-based module touching on all aspects related to personal financial planning that form the foundation of a working financial advisor.

The AWP^CM Program consists of Modules 1, 4 and 5 of the CFP^CM Program. It is a mid-level professional certification for practitioners with key portfolios in retirement planning and wealth accumulation in addition to their capability to recommend general financial planning strategies.

The CFP^CM Program is an in-depth curriculum that provides a broad-based and comprehensive foundation in financial planning. It is the most internationally recognized designation for a financial planner. You will gain technical knowledge in all relevant areas and be well equipped to write comprehensive financial plans to international standards.

How do I obtain the AWP^CM certification?

To become an AWP^CM practitioner, the individual must be a FPAS member who has completed the CFP^CM Certification Program Modules 1, 4 and 5 (Foundations in Financial Planning, Investment Planning and Retirement Planning respectively).

Why are Modules 1,4 and 5 the prerequisites?

Being an intermediate designation catering to the Singaporean heartlanders, the AWP^CM practitioners need to possess knowledge on the fundamentals of financial planning with emphasis and depth in areas of investments and retirement planning.

What are the benefits of becoming an AWP^CM practitioner?

This mid-level designation will lead you one step closer to complete the CFP^CM Certification Programme if you are working towards attaining the prestigious CFP^CM designation. Individuals will be included in FPAS’ Directory of AWP^CM practitioners and you may therefore, identify yourself to the public as an AWP^CM practitioner.

Why AWP^CM practitioners are needed and is there a rising demand for them?

Many Singaporeans may only have a need for general financial advice but may require specialist advice related to retirement issues and investments. As the responsibility for meeting life goals and planning for retirement increasingly shifts from government and employers to the individual themselves, so too the rising need for trustworthy and fully qualified professionals that consumers can go to for advice on retirement plans, wealth accumulation and preservation strategies and products.

Can a Student register for the three modules in one examination sitting?

New entrants into the CFP^CM Certification Program are allowed to attempt up to 3 new modules, where Module 1 is compulsory.

The exams will be held in April, July and October each year. If a student fails an exam paper, he may choose to re-sit for the examination again in the following semester. The student may also attempt new additional papers in the following semester whilst taking the re-sit paper.  There is no limit on the number of attempts for the examinations but you will be required to complete the CFP^CM Program within 7 years according to FPAS regulations.

What are the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for an AWP^CM practitioner?

The AWP^CM practitioner is required to attend 20 CPD hours within each 2-year reporting period. Inclusive of this would be attendance to FPAS Code of ethics and Professional Standards Workshop.

Upon expiry of the AFP^CM  certification, the AWP^CM certification and its attending CPD requirement will set in, i.e., if your AFP^CM reporting period is up on 31st Dec 05 and you successfully apply to be AWP^CM on 1st July 05, the 20 CPD hours requirement is applicable for the reporting period of 1st Jan 06 – 31st Dec 07.