The CFP® Certification was first started in the U.S. in 1972 and was subsequently introduced and recognised in 27 territories worldwide, now exceeding 180,000 certificants including Singapore.
You may visit the website of the Financial Planning Standards Board www.fpsb.org for more information.
CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and CFP® Logo are certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Singapore is the marks licensing authority for the CFP® marks in Singapore, through agreement with FPSB.
FPSB is the association that establishes and upholds the worldwide professional standard in personal financial planning. They also manages and develops the CFP® certification education program.
The CFP® Certification awarded by FPSB is the highest internationally recognised professional designation in the financial & wealth management industries.
“FP” refers to our company, Financial Perspectives Pte Ltd. We are a FPAS-approved Education Provider to conduct the CFP® Certification Program.
“FPAS” refers to the Financial Planning Association of Singapore. FPAS is the examination and licensing board in Singapore for the CFP® certification education program. Read more here.
Applicants who wish to apply for the CFP® certification education program must fulfill the following criteria:
- EITHER a full GCE ‘A’ Level Certificate (i.e. 2 ‘A’s and 2 ‘AO’s including GP) or Diploma
- OR minimum 3 years of working experience in any profession
- OR Must be 18 years old and above for those who do not meet the above criteria
1. What are the benefits of the Classroom Tutorial option?
The Classroom Tutorial option offers you a structured learning process conducted by FP’s most dedicated and experienced lecturers.
The Classroom Tutorial comprises of 6 to 8 tutorial workshops (depending on module, each module up to 30 virtual classroom hours) that are intended to supplement the student’s self-directed revision. This includes virtual class tutorials and e-learning content comprising interactive e-learning packages, videos, additional reading materials and mock examinations to better prepare you for the examination.
Classroom Tutorial option is highly recommended for tertiary students, full-time working professionals, fresh graduates, individuals looking to have a career switch or those without apt financial background or work experience.
2. Is the Self-study option suitable for me?
The Self-study option is suitable for those who prefer to study independently and caters to busy working professionals who have a tight work schedule. It is also recommended for individuals who are unable to commit to a fixed lecture structure or those who are based overseas and those who are required to travel frequently.
Our online learning portal provides you with supplementary e-learning content comprising interactive e-learning course ware packages, additional reading materials and mock examinations to better prepare you for the examination.
3. Will I receive support during my course of study?
Yes, FP provides online Student Support for both Classroom Tutorial and Self-Study students. You may email your questions regarding the program or materials to us at support@fp-edu.com and we will reply your queries within 3 working days.
4. Can I opt for different study modes across the 6 modules of the CFP® certification education program?
Yes, you can opt for different learning modes and just pay the course fee for the relevant module(s) according to the study option chosen.
- Who sets the FPAS examination papers?
The examinations are set by FPAS Examination Board, according to the syllabus defined by FPAS and IBF Standards.
- What are the FPAS examination cycles?
Please refer to FPAS website for the latest information.
- What happens if I fail an examination?
If you fail an exam paper for Module 1 to Module 5, you can re-sit for the examination in the following exam cycle. Note that you can still attempt other modules in the following exam cycle while re-taking the examination for the failed module.
- How many times can I retake the examination for each module if I fail?
There is no limit to the number of attempts at the examination(s) so long as you complete the CFP® certification education program within 7 years from the time you started Module 1.
However, it is recommended that you complete the program within 2 years so that you can stay current and up to date with the latest examinable topics. If the candidate is claiming the IBF funding, it is required to pass the exam within the funding timeframe. Please check with FP for the latest funding details.”
- What is the grading system of the FPAS exams?
The Examination Board keeps this information confidential.
- How do I register for the FPAS exams?
Effective from 1 July 2021, candidates are required to sign up for the examination when they register for the modules with the EPs. The respective EPs are appointed as collection agents on behalf of FPAS and will process the exam registration on your behalf. For retakers, please register based on the instructions found in your result slip, or contact us for assistance.
- Are past year FPAS examination papers available for reference?
FPAS does not share its past years’ examination papers. However, our examination revision sessions will help you prepare for the examinations using our mock exam practices.
The AFPCM certification education program is not a separate program but rather the first module of the six comprising the CFP® certification education 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 certification education program consists of Modules 1, 4 and 5 of the CFP® certification education 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® certification education 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.
In order to be certified as AFPCM or AWPCM, you must meet the education and exam requirements set by FPAS; you will need to first sign up with one of FPAS’ approved Education Providers to complete the course, and then pass the certification examination to be certified.
1) How do I obtain the AFPCM certification?
The individual must be a FPAS member who has completed Module 1 (Foundations in Financial Planning) of the CFP® certification education program, and pass the respective certification examination.
2) 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 education program, and pass the respective certification examination.
If you have already completed the AFPCM certification education program, you will only need to complete the remaining Module 4 & Module 5 papers.
3) 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 education program if you are working towards attaining the prestigious globally recognized CFP® mark.
Individuals will also be included in FPAS’ Directory of AWPCM practitioners and you may therefore, identify yourself to the public as an AWPCM practitioner.
4) Why are Modules 1, 4 and 5 the pre-requisites?
Being an intermediate-level designation, 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.
5) Is there a rising demand for AWPCM practitioners?
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, 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.
6) Can I register three modules and obtain the AWPCM in one examination cycle?
Yes. You are allowed to attempt up to 3 new modules’ examinations, where Module 1 is compulsory. To obtain the AWPCM in one examination cycle, you need to attempt the Module 1, 4 and 5 examinations simultaneously in the same examination cycle.
7) 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 you fail an exam paper, you may choose to re-sit for the examination again in the following exam cycle. You may also attempt new modules 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.