Financial Planning Program Leads to Numerous Accreditations

Did you know that as a result of attending Centennial College’s Financial Planning program and completing industry exams, you may gain accreditations with: Canadian Securities Course and Wealth Management Essentials? In addition, designations and licences that can be obtained as a result of completing preparatory courses and successfully writing the industry exams include: Certified Financial Planner. With these credentials, graduates will find work in areas associated with their studies such as banks, credit unions, financial planning companies, life insurance companies, mutual fund companies and investment dealers. Additionally, a 2009 report by the Toronto Board of Trade states that, with demographic changes and the need for regulation and associated trained professional, there will be an increasing demand for graduates from undertakings such as the Centennial College Financial Planning program.

In order to apply for the Financial Planning certification offering, students are required to have completed at minimum a college diploma or university degree in any discipline. The school will also consider applicants with partial post-secondary and relevant work experience (transcript and resume review is required). Proof of English proficiency and an assessment of numeracy skills may be requested.

Taking just two semesters to complete, the program is fast-paced and consists of a condensed format that requires students to be fully devoted to their studies. In total, students attend six courses in the first semester and six in the second semester of the Financial Planning program. Among the various topics covered during the Financial Planning certification undertaking are: ethics and stakeholder management, crafting and executing strategy, CSC preparation, certified financial planner preparation, corporate credit management, financial management, marketing, retirement financial planning, estate planning and risk management, tax planning, and accounting for managerial decision making.

Once students complete the financial planning certification, they have the skills they need to apply for jobs in the industry. First and foremost, grads have the know-how to integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession and successfully adhere to recognized financial planning principles and industry standards. In addition, they are comfortable preparing accurate and relevant financial plans, manually and electronically; as well as comparing, contrasting and selecting financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for clients, while adhering to industry standards. Thanks to the Marketing course they attending during their Financial Planning certification training, students also know how to effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, and follow up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business. Lastly, they are able to recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation; and more.