The CFP^CM Certification 
The letters "CFP" stand for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^CM. The CFP^CM mark is an internationally recognized professional designation and is the most highly sought after designation by professional financial planners globally. The CFP^CM certification identifies individuals who have both academic and practical training and are qualified to provide advice with regard to all aspects of financial planning and to write comprehensive financial plans that meet international standards. CFP^CM practitioners are dedicated to the highest level of professionalism.

Financial planners who are CFP^CM practitioners are highly sought after for their advice as the credential assures the public that they have agreed to adhere to high standards of competence and ethical practice.

The strength of the CFP^CM certification lies in the fact that it is a broad-based qualification, independent of any one industry, and therefore CFP^CM practitioners are acknowledged to be objective professionals.

Individuals who wish to attain the CFP^CM certification must meet all four of the certification requirements, namely the four E's:

• Education
  Successful completion of an approved educational program. Fulfillment of annual continuing education requirements to keep abreast of planning strategies and trends
• Experience
  A minimum of three years works experience in a financial planning related position
• Examination
  Successful completion of all FPAS required examinations
• Ethics
  Adherence to a professional Code of Ethics and Practice Standards as stipulated for all FPAS members

Individuals who wish to attain the AFP^CM designation must meet the certification requirements relating to education, examination, and ethics but there is no work experience requirement.

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• The CFP^CM Professional License
• The Program
• Who Should Enroll?
• Benefits of the CFP Program
• Study Methods

The Program

A Singapore localized and comprehensive curriculum devoted to all areas of financial planning that are essential to developing a sound, client-based financial plan. The six course modules are:

The basis for the CFP^CM Program is a client-centred, problem-solving approach emphasizing practical applications by using real-life case studies. Equal emphasis is given to all financial planning disciplines. Students gain technical knowledge and proficiency in these disciplines and are then well equipped to engage in the financial planning process on behalf of their clients.

Who Should Enrol? 

For individuals who wish to stand out and gain credibility amongst the public and their peers with the highly respected professional AFP^CM, AWP^CM and CFP^CMdesignation(s) in the following capacities such as:

• Consumer Bankers
• Private Bankers
• Financial Advisors / Consultants
• Wealth Managers
• Insurance Advisors
• RetirementSpecialists
• Accountants
• Trust Officers/ Estate Planners
• Lawyers
• Investment Advisors/ Portfolio Managers

For individuals seeking highly rewarding career opportunities in the financial advisory and wealth management industries.

For individuals who are keen to gain insights of securing and fulfilling their own lifestyle or their loved ones’ financial dreams are highly encouraged to join this program as the certification provides an excellent opportunity for non-industry participants to be exposed to the more sophisticated tools of financial and wealth planning.

• Learn and apply all aspects of the financial planning process.
• Develop special expertise in insurance, investments, retirement, tax and estate planning.
• Obtain the most internationally prestigious and highly recognized financial planning designation
• Earn your credibility with the public
• Increase your work productivity and efficiency
• Enchance your career growth and professional experience

Study Methods

To cater to the different needs of students, FP offers a choice of 3 study options:

Classroom Based (Highly Recommended for Part-Time Students)

The Classroom Based Learning Method caters to students who prefer a structured education program, by attending a series of evening tutorial workshops for each module. The workshops are designed to reinforce the student’s understanding of the required course content, with additional quiz questions focusing on key areas of the syllabus. Students can also experience a mock exam review, which includes step- by-step solutions and evaluation of answers. The workshops are conducted by FP’s most dedicated and experienced lecturers who have a genuine interest in the student’s success.           

Self-Study Based

The Self-Study Based Learning Method caters to busy working individuals and students who are unable to commit to a fixed classroom structure or who prefer to study independently. This Self-Study option is also very popular for students who are based overseas and travel frequently. They will receive a comprehensive Study Guide and CD-Rom that includes learning goals, practical case studies, study plan, review questions, exam tips and exam-style MCQ mock exam questions.        

Accelerated CFP^CM Program (NEW!)

The CFP^CM Accelerated Learning Method tailored for both new and continuing students is a fast track route for students who want to be CFP^CM certified within the shortest time frame. Students can complete Modules 1 to 6 within an 8-month period instead of the usual 12 to 18 months. Each module is conducted over 2 full days. An exam briefing by the FPAS Certification Committee is also included for the students. Students will also enjoy a 15% reduction on FPAS exams fees.

• Singapore Localized Materials
• Comprehensive Study Guides
• Review Questions & Answers
• Sample Examinations
• Study Guide
• Textbooks
• FP's Newly Enhanced Learning Tools

Singapore Localized Materials 

The CFP^CM Program is  unique in that for the first time, Singaporeans can learn the financial planning process based upon locally produced study materials. This will greatly assist students in directly applying the knowledge acquired in their working environment. Financial Perspectives, with the assistance of Arthur Andersen and other industry experts, have produced the comprehensive Study Guides, some of which were first developed by the College for Financial Planning in America, to meet the syllabus requirements as established by FPAS.

Each course module is a self-contained learning experience with comprehensive Study Guides being the focal point for student learning. The format of each Study Guide makes learning easy, as you are guided by the following step-by-step process:

1. The Introduction to each assignment gives you a concise preview of the assignment contents.

2. The Learning Objectives guide you through each assignment, by clearly stating the topics you are expected to master.

3. Key concepts are clearly illustrated based on the Learning Objectives.

4. In certain cases, textbook readings interact with the Study Guide, providing you with supplemental information about the topics covered.

5. Each Case Analysis demonstrates the practical application of course principles and concepts to hypothetical client situations, giving you a hands-on approach to the material.

6. Answering the Review Questions at the end of each assignment builds your understanding of the Learning Objectives - you answer questions that test your knowledge, then compare your answers to those provided.

7. Taking the Sample Examination provided in each Study Guide lets you test your knowledge, in an examination format

Review Questions & Answers

The assignments contained in the Study Guides each include review questions and answers that seek to build students' understanding of the Learning Objectives.

Sample Examinations 

To assist students in preparing for the FPAS administered examinations, the Study Guides include Sample Examinations. The objective is to assist students in determining their own comprehension of the course contents and to identify weak areas - essential preparation for passing the examinations.

A Singapore Guide to Personal Financial Planning
Ong, A, Lee, D, Aw, T C, et al. 1999, A Singapore Guide to Personal Financial Planning, Financial Perspectives Pte Ltd in assoc. with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

A Singapore Guide to Personal Financial Planning is the required textbook for the AFP Program/ CFPTM Program Module 1: Foundations in Financial Planning. The textbook, which is used to supplement the Study Guide, can be purchased at any of the major bookstores (S$88.00) or it can be purchased through Financial Perspectives at a student price (S$70.00).

Investments - Fifth Edition Frank K. Reilly, Edgar A. Norton. Copyright 1999 by The Dryden Press.

The pleasure of authoring a textbook comes from writing about a subject that you enjoy and find exciting. As authors, we hope that we can pass on to the reader not only knowledge but also the excitement that we feel for the subject. In addition, writing about investments brings an added stimulant because the subject can affect the reader during his or her entire business career and beyond. We hope what readers derive from this course will help them enjoy better lives because they will have learned how to manage their resources properly. The purpose of this book is to help you understand how to manage your money that you will derive the maximum benefit from what you earn. To accomplish this purpose, you need to learn about the investment alternatives that are available today and, more importantly, to develop a way of analyzing and thinking about investments that will remain with you in the years ahead when new and different investment opportunities become available.

Investments - Fifth Edition is a recommended textbook for the CFPTM Program Module 4: Investment Planning. The textbook, which is used to supplement the Study Guide, can only be purchased through Financial Perspectives at a student price of S$45.00 (excluding delivery) and S$50.00 (including delivery).

STUDY MATERIALS

FP’s highly commendable study materials include a self-contained comprehensive Study Guide (originated and adapted from the U.S. College of Financial Planning founded in 1972) and CD-Rom for each module. Our proven study materials include essential theories and actual case studies to ensure technical and practical competencies. Useful exam strategies and techniques, mock questions are also provided to ensure a rewarding and successful learning experience for our students. The assignments contained in each of the Study Guides include review questions and answers that seek to build students' understanding of the Learning Objectives. These will help to assist students in determining their own comprehension of the course contents and to identify weak areas. This is essential preparation for passing the examinations.

• Redesigned to be more student friendly
• Enhanced by including more learning goals and glossary of key terms
• Expanded to include details   on exam structure and guidelines and study planning strategies
• Enhanced review questions for each lesson
• Newly developed, exam- style