Breaking into the financial advice industry is one thing – becoming confident, client-ready and effective from day one is another. That’s where Kaplan Professional’s Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite (FAAS) comes in. Designed specifically for early-career advisers, it bridges the gap between theory and real-world practice, helping you build the skills that truly matter when working with clients. If you’re considering enrolling, here’s everything you need to know about how the suite of topics works and what to expect. What is the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite? The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite (FAAS) is a practical learning program designed to support advisers as they complete (or transition out of) their Professional Year. Unlike traditional academic courses, it focuses on: Realistic client scenarios Practical application of financial advice Development of essential soft skills Building confidence in client interactions The goal is simple: to help you become a client-ready, confident financial adviser. How is the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite different from other Kaplan Professional courses? The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite stands apart from Kaplan Professional’s other offerings in a few key ways. It’s not: A formal qualification like a degree in Financial Planning or Applied Finance A purely theoretical course Instead, it’s: A practical, skills-based program Designed for immediate workplace impact Structured to support early-career advisers For new entrants, Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite can also contribute toward the 100 hours of structured learning required during the Professional Year. Who is the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite for? The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is designed with flexibility in mind, making it suitable for: New entrants completing their Professional Year Early-career advisers wanting to strengthen their capabilities Experienced advisers looking to refresh or refine their soft skills Mentors and supervisors supporting Professional Year candidates What is a Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite topic? The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is made up of individual topics, each focusing on a specific area of professional development. Each topic includes: Guided learning content Practical activities Scenario-based exercises You can think of a topic as a focused learning experience designed to build a specific skill set. Is the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite a short course? No – Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is not a short course in the traditional sense. While Kaplan Professional offers short courses delivered primarily through Ontrack, FAAS is a more structured and in-depth learning experience. Each topic provides: 20 hours of structured learning; or 5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours upon completion How does the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite support your Professional Year? The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is particularly valuable during the Professional Year because it: Reinforces practical skills required in real client situations Supports structured learning requirements Helps build confidence before working independently with clients It complements workplace experience by giving you a safe environment to practise and refine your approach. How long does it take to complete the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite? There’s no limit to how many FAAS topics can be undertaken. However, it’s recommended to limit enrolment to one or two topics at a time to focus on that particular skill for at least six weeks. Each topic is designed to be completed over: Six weeks (recommended pace) With up to 12 weeks allowed for flexibility should something come up personally or professionally This structure allows you to balance study with work and life commitments. If you’re unable to complete a topic within the 12-week timeframe, you may need to re-enrol or discuss options with Kaplan Professional, depending on your circumstances. Can I enrol without an employer or licensee? Yes, you can enrol in the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite as an individual. However, if you are employed by a licensee or organisation, there may be corporate pricing options available, making it more cost-effective for teams or cohorts. What assessments are involved? Instead of traditional exams, Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite uses practical ‘activities’ as assessments. These activities are designed to simulate real-world tasks, helping you apply what you’ve learned in a meaningful way. Do I need to complete all topics? No – Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is fully flexible. You can: Choose individual topics based on your learning needs Focus on areas where you want to build confidence or capability There’s no requirement to complete the entire suite. What’s the difference between a topic and a module? Each Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite topic is made up of smaller learning components (often referred to as modules or sections). Topic = the overall subject area Modules/sections = the smaller learning units within that topic These modules guide you step-by-step through the content and activities. How many topics should I complete? There’s no fixed number. The number of topics you complete depends on: Your Professional Year requirements Your current skill level Your career development goals You can tailor your learning to suit your needs. Where’s the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite delivered? FAAS topics are delivered through Kaplearn, Kaplan Professional’s online learning platform. This allows you to: Study at your own pace Access materials anytime Track your progress Is there a study plan? Yes – but it’s optional. Each topic includes a recommended study plan to help you: Stay on track Manage your workload Complete activities within the suggested timeframe You can follow it closely or adapt it to suit your schedule. Final thoughts The Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite is designed to do what traditional courses often don’t … prepare you for the realities of being a financial adviser. If you’re looking to: Build confidence Strengthen your client skills Transition smoothly into professional practice Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite offers a practical, flexible way to get there.