Training Courses for Certificates in Financial Planning

Certifcate programs for financial planners prepare individuals to become certified.

Financial planners help clients create programs that will allow them to meet their financial goals through investing, insurance decisions and knowledge of tax laws. They must understand the unique needs of each client and explain the fundamentals of financial planning in a clear, comprehensible manner. It is important that consumers trust their financial planner to make the right suggestions for them, so many financial planners choose to become certified as a demonstration of their professional competency. Training courses for certificates in financial planning provide individuals with the necessary education for certification.

Description

Training programs for certificates in financial planning prepare individuals for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification Examination. They are may be credit or non-credit courses of study that culminate in a certificate, and take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete. Most training programs for certificates in financial planning require a four year undergraduate degree, and professional experience in the financial field may also be required. These training programs are primarily geared toward financial planners, but stockbrokers, banking professionals, accountants, insurance agents and other financial professionals may also take the courses. Some training programs for financial planners are available online, which may be more convenient for those who work full time.

Curriculum

Students in training programs for certificates in financial planning take classes in a variety of subjects to prepare for the CFP Certification Examination.They study the basics of financial planning, including financial calculator pool, financial analysis and ethical issues in financial planning. Students are also instructed in insurance planning, investment planning, taxation planning, estate planning, retirement planning and employee benefits. Some training programs may also include courses in financial planning case studies and more general financial topics such as business and financial mathematics. Classes in stock and real estate investing may also be included.

Exam

Once students have completed their training program for a certificate for financial planning, they must sit for the CFP Certification Examination given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. if they wish to use the CFP credential. The exam covers all the main topics taught by certificate training programs for financial planners in a series of multiple choice questions. Given three times annually, the CFP Certification exam is a 10-hour test, but is administered in three sessions.

Certification

Certification as a financial planner has educational and experience requirements as well. The CFP Board of Standards requires all CFPs to have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, candidates must also complete a CFP Board-Registered training course, such as a certificate program. CFPs must also have at least three years of full time professional experience, and agree to uphold the CFP Board of Standard's code of ethics. A background check may also be performed to ensure that candidates meet the Board's fitness standards.

Benefits

Training courses for certificates in financial planning are helpful for anyone seeking a career as a CFP. In these programs, individuals gain the understanding and skills necessary to administer effective financial advice to clients. They are also able to meet the CFP Board's education requirements and are prepared to take the CFP Certification Exam, so students may go on to gain certification as CFPs. This designation alerts consumers that a financial planner has meet professional and ethical standards in the practice of financial planning. As a result, CFPs often enjoy increased employment opportunities and a larger pool of clients.

References

• Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.: Guide to CFP Certification
• The Florida State University: Certificate in Financial Planning, Frequently Asked Questions
• UC Irvine Extension: Personal Financial Planning, Overview & Details
• Emory University: Financial Planning Certificate Course Topics
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Personal Financial Advisors