CFP Certification Progression

AFP^CM – Associate Financial Planner (IBFQ)

Introductory Level

Module 1: Foundations in Financial Planning

The AFP^CM certification is an entry-level certification obtained after the successful completion of the Module 1 of the CFP^® certification education program. It certifies that the individual is competent to recommend general financial planning strategies and advise on the selection and use of appropriate financial products, e.g. insurance, unit trusts and a broad range of securities and banking products.

This entry-level certification is highly recommended for basic level financial literacy for everyone. Lessons covered in this module include understanding the Financial Planning Process, Cash Management & Budgeting, Time Value of Money, Business Statistics & Basic Investment Concepts, Basic Economic Structure, Government Policies and Investment Analysis, Investment Planning Products, Retirement Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Income Tax and Estate Planning, Code of Ethics and Regulatory Controls.

In addition, individuals who wish to be certified as AFP^CM practitioners must meet the following requirements, namely:

Education (Required for all 6 Modules)
Enrol for the CFP^® certification education program with an approved Education Provider and completing a comprehensive course of study that meets standards set by FPAS.
[You can either enrol for classroom tutorial study option or self-study/distant-learning option]  

Examination (Required for all 6 Modules)
Successful completion of all 6 Modules of the CFP^® certification education program within 7 years as required by FPAS. The examination assesses and validates a candidates’ ability to apply integrated financial knowledge to real client situations.

AWP^CM – Associate Wealth Planner

Intermediate Level

Module 1: Foundations in Financial Planning

Module 4: Investment Planning

Module 5: Retirement Planning

The AWP^CM certification is obtained after successfully completing Modules 1, 4 & 5 of the CFP^® certification education program. It certifies that the individual has the expertise to advise on retirement planning, wealth accumulation and preservation strategies, in addition to the capability to recommend general financial planning strategies.

You must successfully complete Module 1, Module 4 & Module 5 (Foundations in Financial Planning, Investment Planning & Retirement Planning) of the CFP^® Certification Program and pass the respective certification examination to be awarded this certification mark.

CFP^® – CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (IBFA)

Advanced Level

Module 1: Foundations in Financial Planning

Module 2: Risk Management and Insurance Planning

Module 3: Tax Planning and Estate Planning

Module 4: Investment Planning

Module 5: Retirement Planning

Module 6: Financial Plan Construction and Professional Responsibilities

The CFP^® certification is obtained after successful completion of all 6 Modules of the CFP^® certification education program. The CFP^® mark is internationally recognized and is the most highly sought after professional designation by financial planners and wealth managers globally.

CFP^® practitioners are qualified to provide professional advice with regard to all aspects of financial/ wealth planning and to write comprehensive financial plans that meet strict international standards. By adhering to ethical standards, financial planning professionals agree to provide financial planning in the interests of clients and with the highest ethical and professional standards.

In addition, individuals who wish to be certified as CFP^® practitioners must meet ALL the four E’s of the certification requirements, namely:

Education (Required for all 6 Modules)
Enrol for the CFP^® certification education program with an approved Education Provider and completing a comprehensive course of study that meets standards set by FPAS.
[You can either enrol for classroom tutorial study option or self-study/distant-learning option]  

Examination (Required for all 6 Modules)
Successful completion of all 6 Modules of the CFP^® certification education program within 7 years as required by FPAS. The examination assesses and validates a candidates’ ability to apply integrated financial knowledge to real client situations.

Ethics (Required for all 6 Modules)
Agree to abide by a professional Code of Ethics and Practice Standards stipulated for all FPAS members that defines responsibilities to the public, clients and employers

Experience (Pre-requisite at the point of applying for the CFP^® Certification)
Satisfy 3 years of relevant work experience to ensure candidates possess financial counselling skills in addition to knowledge.