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What is the AWPCM certification?
The letters "AWPCM" stand for Associate Wealth Planner. The AWPCM mark is a professional designation that is awarded to students who have successfully completed Module 1 (Foundations In Financial Planning), Module 4 (Investment Planning) & Module 5 (Retirement Planning) of the CFP® Certification Program. It is a mid-level professional certification for practitioners and individuals with key portfolios in retirement planning and wealth accumulation in addition to their capability to recommend general financial planning strategies.
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What is the difference between the AFPCM, AWPCM and CFP® Programs?
The AFPCM Program is not a separate program but rather the first module of the six comprising the CFP® Program, i.e. Foundations in Financial Planning, Module 1. It is a broad-based module covering all aspects related to personal financial planning that form the foundation of a working financial advisor. Individuals who have attained the AFPCM certification have been thoroughly trained and are competent to recommend general financial planning strategies and to advise on the appropriate selection and use of various financial products.
The AWPCM Program consists of Modules 1, 4 and 5 of the CFP® 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 full CFP® Program is an extensive in-depth curriculum that provides a broad-based and comprehensive education in financial planning. It is the most recognized global designation for a financial planner. You will gain technical knowledge in all aspects of financial & wealth planning and be well equipped to write comprehensive financial plans that meet strict international standards. CFP® practitioners are dedicated to the highest level of professionalism.
CFP® practitioners are highly sought after for their trained ability to provide the public with comprehensive and holistic financial advice. Their credential assures the public that they have agreed to adhere to high standards of competence and ethical practice. The strength of the CFP® certification lies in the fact that it is a broad-based qualification, independent of any one industry.
Therefore, CFP® practitioners are acknowledged to objective professionals because of their unbiased and practical approach.
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How do I obtain the AWPCM certification?
The individual must be a FPAS member who has completed Modules 1, 4 and 5 (Foundations in Financial Planning, Investment Planning and Retirement Planning respectively) of the CFP® Certification Program.
If you have already completed the AFPCM Program, you will only need to complete the remaining Module 4 & Module 5 papers.
The AWPCM license does not impose minimum working experience.
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Why are Modules 1, 4 and 5 the pre-requisites?
Being an intermediate designation catering to the Singapore heartlanders, the AWPCM practitioners and individuals need to possess knowledge on the fundamentals of financial planning with emphasis and depth in areas of investments and retirement planning.
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What are the benefits of becoming an AWPCM practitioner?
You will be competent to recommend general financial planning strategies and have key portfolios in retirement planning and wealth accumulation.
This mid-level designation will lead you one step closer to complete the CFP® Certification Program if you are working towards attaining the prestigious globally recognized CFP® mark.
Individuals will also be included in FPAS’ Directory of AWPCMpractitioners and you may therefore, identify yourself to the public as an AWPCM practitioner .
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Why AWPCM 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 a specialist's 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 do the rising need for trustworthy and fully qualified professionals.
Consumers need to be assured that they can go to a trusted financial advisor for advice on retirement plans, wealth accumulation and preservation strategies and products.
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Can a Student register for the three modules in one examination sitting?
New entrants into the CFP® Certification Program are allowed to attempt up to 3 new modules' examinations, where Module 1 is compulsory.
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When are the exam periods and how many times can I retake the examination for each module, if I fail?
The exams will be held in March/April, July/August and November each year. If a student fails an exam paper, he may choose to re-sit for the examination again in the following exam cycle. The student may also attempt new additional papers in the following exam cycle 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® Program within 7 years according to FPAS regulations.
Read more at www.fpas.org.sg
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What are the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for an AWPCM or AFPCM practitioner?
AFPCM and AWPCM practitioners are not required to fulfill CPD hours w.e.f. 30th August 2010. Contact FPAS for further information.
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Course Information 
marks. The CFP® certification is granted only by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd and Financial Planning Association of Singapore to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this FPAS’ Education Provider, have met the ethics, experience and examination requirements.