Milpark Education

Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Finance Economics and Accounting

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The overall purpose of this qualification is:

  • To promote the development of knowledge and skills required in the Financial Planning industry.
  • To assist learners in achieving their full potential in the Financial Planning sector.
  • To enhance opportunities for career progression for both existing and prospective learners in the sector.
  • To provide opportunities for lifelong learning for individuals in the Financial Planning industry.
  • To equip learners with the skills and competencies needed to effectively run their own practice by studying business management, legislation, and taxation.
  • To empower learners with a detailed understanding of personal and corporate Financial Planning, taxation principles, and fundamental legal concepts.
  • To enable learners to confidently operate and respond to challenges in the South African economic environment.
  • To add value to qualifying learners in terms of personal enrichment, status, and recognition.

Rationale:

The National Certificate: Financial Planning is designed to meet the needs of learners in various positions within the Financial Planning sector. Key points include:

  • It complies with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) (Act 37 of 2002).
  • It provides a pathway to a Level 7 qualification needed for the Board exam set by the Institute of Financial Planners for the accreditation of "Certified Financial Planner" (CFP©).
  • It aims to develop informed and skilled learners and is flexible to accommodate those already employed in the sector.
  • It enhances employability and marketability in the Financial Planning and related industries.
  • It contributes to the economic and social up-skilling of the South African workforce.
  • It focuses on academic skills in relation to the workplace, allowing for multi-skilling and problem-solving in a Financial Planning context.

Outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of legislation, compliance and ethics in a financial planning context in South Africa.
  2. Examine the changing nature of the financial planning environment in South Africa in terms of structure and role players, regulation and consumer needs.
  3. Apply knowledge of legislation, taxation, economics and accepted financial planning principles to solve the financial dilemmas of an individual.
  4. Apply knowledge of legislation, taxation and business principles to advise a business on insurance and investment solutions. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  5. Identify, systematically examines, critically evaluates and solves problems in which responses display that responsible decisions have been made, using critical and creative thinking: Solve problems by methodically exploring the issues and reflecting on given data to establish a variety of solutions by also considering the current and alternative circumstances in which problems should be solved. Interpret complex data within strict regulations and apply problem solving skills (using mathematical, communication and industry specific skills) to resolve and correct data and/or situation.
  6. Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively: Activities are clearly planned and organized to achieve learning outcomes within specified timeframes. Demonstrates attention to detail in carrying out tasks methodically and in a well-ordered manner. Achieves set deadlines through the effective use of available and allocated resources.
  7. Collects, analyses, organizes and critically evaluates information: Data and information is accurately evaluated for purpose, clarification and understanding. Data and information are analysed in order to effectively identify key facts and/or elements. Critical and reflective thinking is used to interpret and organize information and data appropriately.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation: Behaviour and actions are sensitive to the various cultures, working environments and sectors. Actions are conducted with honesty and integrity by adhering to a code of conduct. Accountable for own actions.
  9. Self manage skills development from the range of experiences and learning opportunities available: Opportunities are maximized to gain learning and understanding from others. Tasks, assignments, activities and the learning experience are maximized for personal benefit (completion of this qualification).
  10. Transfer skills and continuous learning to organizational setting: Successful application of knowledge, understanding and inference of information into the workplace/practical environment, activities and processes.

Assessment Criteria

Summary of Integrated Assessment:

  1. Analysis of Legislation and Codes of Conduct: Analyze legislation impacting financial planning practice in South Africa, integrate FAIS Codes of Conduct, manage operations within compliance parameters, demonstrate understanding of ethics in financial planning sector.

  2. Role Players and Industry Relationships: Identify and categorize industry role players, explain relationships among them, debate impact of social and moral changes on financial planning principles and legislation, identify challenges and propose solutions in the business environment.

  3. Specialist Technical Knowledge Application: Apply technical knowledge to advise clients on risk, retirement, estate, health, and investment scenarios, generate integrated solutions for complex financial planning problems, communicate financial solutions clearly and compliantly.

  4. Financial Statements Analysis and Proposing Solutions: Analyze business financial statements, propose insurance and investment solutions based on identified needs, relate financial solutions professionally and compliantly to clients.

Assessment Methods:

  • Observation: Assess performance during client interactions.
  • Simulations: Simulate scenarios to assess practical competence.
  • Case Studies: Analyze and solve complex financial planning cases.
  • Questioning (oral and/or written): Test understanding and decision-making processes.
  • Product Evaluation: Evaluate financial products presented to clients.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Legal and Non-legal Knowledge: Display understanding of relevant laws and policies.
  • Communication Skills: Effectively communicate financial solutions to clients.
  • Ethical Conduct: Maintain professional and ethical standards.
  • Database Maintenance: Keep a record of suitable referral organizations.
  • Critical Thinking: Demonstrate thinking and decision-making underlying performance.
  • Fair and Transparent Assessment: Ensure assessment practices are fair, valid, and reliable.

By integrating these assessment methods and criteria, learners can demonstrate applied competence in financial planning within the South African financial context, providing appropriate financial products and advice to clients while upholding legal, ethical, and professional standards.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Certificate
NQF Level
06
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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Milpark Education
Description
Milpark Education is a private higher education institution based in South Africa. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in the fields of business, commerce, and management. Milpark Education aims to provide students with practical and relevant education that prepares them for the workplace. The institution offers both contact and distance learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and convenience. Milpark Education also has partnerships with various international institutions, providing students with opportunities for global exposure and networking.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.