Due to Covid-19 situation, we have moved ALL our courses from face-to-face mode to virtual learning mode via Zoom. Please see the FAQ below to learn more about virtual learning:
Q) What is “Virtual Learning”?
“Virtual Learning” is a learning mode where you learn over a “virtual environment”. You will still attend classes just as per usual, except it is “virtual” – you attend classes online at our virtual classroom.
Q) How is virtual learning different from face-to-face lessons in a class?
In virtual learning, the lecturer will deliver lessons online in real time to you via an online platform like Zoom, supported by virtual classroom teaching aids such as slides, whiteboard to write on slides (annotate) or a blank canvas (whiteboard), project video, share screen, websites. etc. The main difference is that instead of sitting down in a classroom, you are learning from your home or office, receiving the lesson via the internet.
Q) Is virtual learning effective?
Except for the lack of physical meeting time, it is actually no different as compared to face-to-face lessons. Some people prefer virtual learning over classroom and vice versa. Basically, it will take some time getting used to it, since there are many factors that can affect your learning experience such as disruptions to internet connectivity and distractions at home, etc. However, in such a situation where we are fighting COVID-19 Pandemic as a nation, the best way is to keep a physical distance and separation to avoid catching or spreading the disease. Yet we do not want the crisis to cripple our normal daily activities. Virtual learning is the most effective now to help us stay safe and to keep a momentum to upgrade our competencies going.
Q) How is “virtual class” different from “e-learning”?
Virtual classes comprises live classroom learning environment facilitated by a lecturer. E-learning is self-directed, whereby you log in to our LMS and learn at your own pace and time. At FP, we adopt a blended-learning strategy to give you the best learning experience, comprising both lecturer-facilitated workshops and self-directed e-learning. You will find that our all CFP courses comes with e-learning content where you are strongly encouraged to review BEFORE attending our virtual classes. However, for the CFP Certification program, e-learning content DO NOT COUNT for attendance for the purpose of IBF Funding. You are strongly encouraged not to miss any scheduled virtual classes.
Q) Since lessons are now on virtual classroom, will there be a revision in price for the upcoming CFP modules?
The content delivery will be the same, if not more. In fact, you will be receiving more study content and virtual help which further increased the value of your course fees.
Q) If I decide to go for virtual classes, what other support does FP provide?
FP provides a wide range of learning materials to support your virtual classes. First, you have access to our Learning Management System (Study Portal) online, where you can access our supplementary materials – e-guidebooks, e-learning courses, practice exam and revision videos to prepare you for the exam. We also have video recording of lecturers explaining complex concepts and theory to you. On top of that, virtual classes are also recorded, and you can revisit later. Finally, you can also contact our lecturers who will be more than happy to assist you with your questions or help with the lessons. You can direct your questions to specific lecturers who taught you, or else Ronald, who is our principal lecturer who taught all 6 modules of the CFP and wrote the curriculum can also assist you.
Q) What software are you using for virtual classes? Is it difficult to setup?
We are currently using Zoom for our virtual classes, since most advisers in the industry have been accustomed to the platform. You do not need to install any software; on the training date, we will email you with a link to access the virtual classroom which is reusable for all subsequent lessons of that course. You just need to have a stable internet connection on any PC or laptop with a front facing webcam. You can watch the virtual class using a headphone and if you like to ask questions, you can use a microphone. That’s all you will need. On your device, you can also answer questions and polls.
Q) What must I do to qualify for IBF Funding?
You will enrol for the course as usual. Our staff will assist and advise you on the funding procedure. You need to ensure the following: 1) You are present for the virtual classroom scheduled as attendance will be taken which is one of the funding criteria (at least 75% attendance), 2) you have a webcam that can be kept on throughout every lesson for the purpose of funding audit, and 3) you must pass the CFP exam. Should you fail the exam, you must pay the funded portion of the course fee to us under the clawback provision stipulated by the IBF. We will apply for the funding for you again AFTER you pass the exam.
Q) Can the e-Study Guide, e-PowerJuice and online materials be downloaded and printed?
You are allowed to print ONE copy of our e-Study Guides, and view them via a dedicated viewer. You can annotate and highlight just like any physical book. You have access to the e-Study Guides even after you complete the course with us, as a source of reference, which is also regularly updated. Your access to the other materials (e.g. online lessons, practice exam) will expire after the exam. However, if you fail the exam, do write to us to inform us that you are re-taking the exam and we will make the materials available to you at no additional cost. At FP, we are committed to help you pass on the first attempt.
Q) I still prefer face-to-face class experience, but I want to attend the virtual class now because I want to attain the CFP certification as soon as possible. What can I do?
You can write to us when face-to-face lessons are resumed, and we will allow you to sit in our face-to-face classes free-of-charge, subject to availability. Due to the safe distancing measures in place, we only can have up to 40 learners in class at any one time.
Q) How can I have a hard copy of the FP e-Study Guidebook and e-Power Juice?
A) We no longer provide hard copies to candidates.
Q) Can you share some testimonials/feedback by students who attended the virtual classes?
“Daniel’s teaches with lots of passion and commitment. Very admirable. He has a nurturing presence. Appreciate him dotting his lessons with sharing of personal philosophy, opinions, wisdom and life experiences.”
“Daniel is very clear in his delivery of lectures, have benefited greatly. Especially in helping us understand formulas. I have enjoyed my lectures. Thank you Daniel.”
“Best facilitator throughout my years in the business. His teaching method is super”
“Enjoy the lesson a lot. Both Daniel and Ronald are very engaging during lesson. Love the practical examples as we go and also showing how these ‘paper’ knowledge can benefit us in our daily living. Sad to hear that Daniel is retiring in 4 years. Will target to finish all 6 module before he retire haha.”
“Very good trainer, explain very clearly and easily understandable.”
“Mr Aaron Tay has tremendous knowledge and the perfect way to deliver his lessons.”
“Love the concept, methods and ideas shared that cannot be found in text course materials. The life examples and methodology are practical and applicable. Straightforward and humble to acknowledge mistakes.”
“Mr. Tan was a great lecturer. He tried to make sure we understand “why” and the reason behind the rules and formulas, which helped me to understand the context rather than “memorising” everything.”
“Thank you Sir Kee Hong! Your lectures are insightful and knowledgeable and the humour you incorporate in it helps us to enjoy the lessons too!”
“Awesome delivery of content through online materials! Seamless and insightful experience. Kudos to the Lecturers and to FP Team for the work!”
“Great personality and is always helpful in clearing students doubts. Provide additional materials that are more practical and information that may help us in understanding. Clear explanation of complex materials.”
“Ronald answers to our enquiries very promptly even late into the night and on weekends. he is very dedicated to training and very knowledgeable and able to provide us with relevant examples.”
“Mr Ronald Wong is a very patient and entertaining lecturer. He makes sure that everyone catches up during class and shares his experiences unconditionally. This makes the concepts easy to comprehend and apply!”
“Ronald was very helpful and patience in answering our questions and in delivering his knowledge expertise to us.”
“Engaging and humorous.”
“Very patient in answering all the questions, and definitely helped us alot in understanding all the topics”
“Thank you for selfless sharing”
“Never knew financial planning theories can be so applicable in our sales. Ronald shows us how it can be done naturally. Thank you!”
“He’s very amazing and knowledgable. And he provides many relatable experiences that makes concepts easier to grasp”
“Demonstrated superb broad based and in-depth knowledge in various aspects of financial planning. Great at knowledge transfer”
“Facilitator is good!!! Keep up the good work Ronald”
“Humble and amicable trainer with a vast amount of global economical knowledge.”
“Ronald is a very good trainer! Really gained great knowledge and sparked my enthusiasm to pursue even more knowledge.”
“Ronald is very knowledgeable and able to provide answers and guidance to questions asked by participants”
“Has wealth of experience and knowledge. And is approachable”
“Lots of additional tools for sales.”
“Eye opening experience. Agree with many ideas Ronald shared. Challenge is how do it fluidly, especially for an introvert who is new to FA industry.”
“Great emphasis on client-centric n holistic planning. Ideas are practical and works in sales. Applied the concept after the first lesson and it works!”