CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP)

With a slew of finance products and services flooding the market, the finance sector needs qualified financial advisors to give tips to clients on the best bets!

The global financial crisis of 2008 impacted people the world over in different ways – some lost their jobs. Some lost their homes and though the emotional and financial repercussions were felt the world over; lucky were those who had managed their money, wisely. In fact, post this bitter experience people the world over realized the benefits of saving and investing for a rainy day.

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification is a mark of excellence granted to individuals who meet the stringent standards of education, examination, experience and ethics. It is the most prestigious and internationally accepted Financial Planning qualification recognized and respected by the global financial community. The CFP Certification wins trust and presents opportunities worldwide. In this era of super specialization, the Professional Certification - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification, gears career aspirants and existing financial intermediaries for giving comprehensive financial advisory services to individuals and make a satisfying career in the financial services industry. Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB India) is the principal licensing body that awards CFP Certification in India through an agreement with FPSB Limited. CFP Certification is the highest level of Certification worldwide in the field of Financial Planning with over 100000 CFP Certificates and widely respected by consumers, professionals & industry. Education is an integral component of the CFP Certification Program and any candidate aspiring to become CFP Certificate has to register himself with any of the FPSB India’s Authorized Education Providers. However, certain candidates having specified qualifications and work experience have an option of applying through Challenge Status pathway wherein they can challenge the CFP Certification Education Program.

Criteria for Initial Certification: CFP Certification worldwide is awarded by FPSB Affiliates to competent & qualifying candidates fulfilling the Criteria of CFP Certification i.e.

Education: A candidate must complete academic coverage of the Financial Planning curriculum by undergoing the 6 Module CFP Certification Education Program through an Authorized Education Provider and pass corresponding Exam 1-4 facilitated by NSE. However candidates applying through the Challenge Status Pathway are exempted from the Education Program considering their higher qualifications & work experience. Education criteria demonstrate to the public that the candidate has acquired the necessary knowledge to become a Financial Planner.

Examination: The CFP Certification Examination (also called Exam 5 based on Module VI-Advanced Financial Planning) is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to apply Financial Planning knowledge to real-life Financial Planning situations. By passing the CFP Certification Examination, the candidate demonstrates to the public that he/she has the required level of competency to practice Financial Planning.

CFPCM Certification program assesses a candidate’s command on all aspects of an individual’s personal finance in six modules:

• Introduction to Financial Planning
• Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning
• Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits
• Investment Planning
• Tax Planning & Estate Planning

Advance Financial Planning

Experience: The experience requirement qualifies work experience that involves Personal Financial Planning. Candidates under the Regular Pathway may complete the experience criteria pre or post appearing Exam 5 however candidates under Challenge Status pathway need to have attained relevant experience before appearing Exam 5. The Experience criterion is designed to provide the public with the assurance that the candidate understands the counseling nature of personal Financial Planning.

Ethics: To get the CFP Certification, candidates after meeting Education, Examination & Experience criteria must agree to abide by FPSB India’s Code of Ethics, Rules of Professional Conduct, and Practice Standards & Disciplinary Rules & Procedures. Careful adherence to these standards of professional conduct helps turn initial consultations into trusted, long term consulting relationships with clients and gain public confidence in the Profession & Certification.