The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has made it possible for financial planners to combine the certified financial planner (CFP) certification program with a Master of Financial Planning degree as a result of a partnership it has struck with Deakin Business School.
The arrangement means financial planners will subsequently have the ability to combine their professional study requirements into one course.
Specifically, the CFP certification program will be included as an elective option that will count toward the Master of Financial Planning course run by Deakin Business School. In addition, CFP certification units have been mapped against the Deakin master’s program.
“This is a significant win for financial planners, who will now be able to graduate with both an academic qualification and the highest global professional designation in financial planning, which is recognised in 27 countries around the world,” FPA chief executive Dante De Gori said.
“This partnership is designed to offer choice and flexibility to financial planners and brings the education options in line with other professions, like accounting, who already embed designations into their academic programs.”
According to Deakin Business School accounting department head Peter Carey, the move gives financial planners access to the highest-quality study options, which is one of the learning institution’s priorities.
“At a time when all financial planners are grappling with the need to satisfy new education standards and demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and competence with their clients, this partnership demonstrates our commitment to working closely with the profession,” Carey said.
The partnership continues the school’s tradition of working closely with professional associations and industry bodies, Deakin Business School financial planning program director Marc Olynyk said.
“This landmark partnership will provide both existing and emerging financial planners with a significant point of difference in a new era of financial planning in Australia,” Olynyk added.
The announcement comes days after news that a deal between Western Sydney University and online education provider OpenLearning would provide financial advisers with a new suite of continuing professional development courses.
