Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Financial Planning Certificate Leads to Various Credentials

"This program really gave me all of the information I needed to be competitive in the world of finance," says Eli, a former student of Centennial College’s Financial Planning program. "It gave me the tools I needed to understand all about mutual funds, bonds, stocks, retirement planning, risk management. It's a really complete course."

This overview from Eli provides valuable insight into the wide range of knowledge that students receive during the two semesters they spend in the program. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout features and specifics.

First, it is worth noting that this offering is actually a graduate program, meaning that is designed for those who already possess a college diploma or university degree in any discipline. Centennial College will also consider applicants with partial post-secondary and relevant work experience (transcript and resume review is required). Additionally, applicants may be required to provide proof of English proficiency and complete an assessment of numeracy skills.

Because this program offers graduate level training, it focuses on advanced topics such as Accounting for Managerial Decision Making, Tax Planning, Estate Planning and Risk Management, Retirement Financial Planning, Financial Management, Corporate Credit Management and more. As a result of the courses, students are able to: integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession, successfully adhere to financial planning principles and industry standards, prepare accurate and relevant financial plans, manually and electronically; and recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation.

Accreditations gained as a result of successful completion of courses and industry exams include: Canadian Securities Course and Wealth Management Essentials. Designations and licenses that can be obtained as a result of completing preparatory courses and successfully writing the industry exams include: Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

But what exactly is the career outlook for those who successfully complete the offering? "It is targeted specifically to get their CFP," says Financial Planning certification instructor Harvey Willows. "And if you are in the final services industry and you have your Canadian Securities course and you have a CFP, you are very much in demand. There is still a critical shortage of people who are licensed and qualified in the financial planning area. Many [graduates] work in banks, selling products such as mutual funds; others work for life insurance companies, selling segregated funds and insurance products; and others work as independent financial planners or semi-independent financial planners for investment companies such as Investor's Group."

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