Three Benefits of Two-Semester Financial Planning Certification
Speedy entry into the workplace: Because
this offering is designed for mature students who have completed a
college diploma or university degree in any discipline, it only takes
two semesters to complete. Upon Financial Planning program completion,
grads may find jobs at banks, credit unions, financial planning
companies, life insurance companies, mutual fund companies and
investment dealers. Interestingly enough, a 2009 report by the Toronto
Board of Trade states that, with demographic changes and the need for
regulation and associated trained professionals, there will be an
increasing demand for graduates from undertakings such as the Centennial
College Financial Planning program. It is also worth noting that
although applicants should have completed a post-secondary program, be
able to prove English proficiency and complete an assessment of numeracy
skills, applicants with partial post-secondary and relevant work
experience (transcript and resume review is required) may also be
selected for the Financial Planning program.
Vast range of skills: Although it is
only two semesters the Financial Planning certification is fast-paced
and, therefore, covers a wide range of topics. Among these Financial
Planning certification areas are: accounting for managerial decision
making, tax planning, estate planning and risk management, retirement
financial planning, marketing, financial management, corporate credit
management, crafting and executing strategy, ethics and stakeholder
management and more. Because of the range, students gain all the skills
they need to be successful upon graduation. As such, they have the
know-how to: Integrate economic and personal information necessary for
effective financial planning decisions and also integrate ethical
decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning
profession; adhere to financial planning principles and industry
standards; compare, contrast and select financial products and services,
investment planning and counselling services for clients, while
adhering to the aforementioned industry standards; manually and
electronically prepare accurate and relevant financial plans,
effectively market financial services to clients to gain new and renewal
business; and lastly recognize potential tax and legal implications
within a financial planning situation.
Numerous accreditations: Aside from receiving their Financial Planning certification
in the form of an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, students also
obtain all of the educational requirements to challenge the Certified
Financial Planner (CFP) exam. That’s because the Financial Planning
program uses instruction materials from professional bodies to deliver
the courses and in the process prepare students. It’s worth nothing that
material license fees for the courses (and examination fees) are
mandatory, and in addition to the regular tuition fees. Additionally,
accreditations gained as a result of successful completion of Financial
Planning program courses and industry exams include: Canadian Securities
Course and Wealth Management Essentials.
