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Home > Courses > FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning
The online FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning develops the essential knowledge and skills required for individuals who are seeking a career as a paraplanner.
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STUDY MODE
100% online
NUMBER OF SUBJECTS
5 (4 compulsory + 1 optional)
NEXT INTAKE
Enrol and start anytime
COURSE FEE
$2,160.00
AVAILABLE LOANS
N/A
AQF LEVEL
6
COURSE DURATION
Maximum of 78 weeks
ACCREDITATION
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
PROVIDER ID
RTO 90116
The online FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning develops the essential knowledge and skills required for individuals who are seeking a career as a paraplanner. This course provides a comprehensive range of financial planning services across a range of product environments, involving complex issues requiring innovative strategies. It combines specialist knowledge and practical skills in preparing financial plans for retail clients across three practice areas: Life Insurance, Managed Investments, and Superannuation.
The course provides students with:
Students are supported by a simulated financial planning practice to assist in developing their skills in a realistic workplace environment.
Live tutor sessions are also available to support students throughout their learning experience. Students can use these one-hour sessions to drop in and ask questions on to the subject content and assessments.
Note: this qualification is not for individuals who seek to provide personal advice to clients.
For individuals who are new to the financial services industry, Kaplan Professional provides an optional introductory subject IFP: Introduction to finance principles.
The FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning is structured into four subjects:
Please refer to the course outline for more information.
Introduction to finance principles (IFP) is an optional introductory subject for students who are new to industry (less than 6 months experience in the finance sector). Students may complete Introduction to finance principles (IFP) prior to studying the four subjects in the FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning.
Introduction to finance principles (IFP) provides students with a foundational understanding of the financial industry and a basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements prior to commencing their studies in FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning.
Note: there are no units of competency issued for the Introduction of finance principles (IFP) subject.
On successful completion of Introduction to finance principles (IFP), students will have a basic understanding of:
Financial planning fundamentals (ADP1) is the first of four subjects of the FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning. This subject introduces students to the role of the professional paraplanner within the context of the evolving legal, regulatory, ethical, economic, and organisational environment of financial planning.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by preparing reports based on their research and analysis for a range of areas relevant to a paraplanner’s role.
On successful completion of financial planning fundamentals (ADP1) students should be able to:
The Research, analysis, and product recommendations (ADP2) subject provides students with an in-depth understanding of the six-step financial planning process. Students will draw on knowledge and skills gained in the Financial planning fundamentals (ADP1) subject, then apply research, analysis, and problem‑solving skills to develop a series of recommendations that focus on the technical areas of life insurance, managed investments, and superannuation
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills by confirming information and instructions with stakeholders, then presenting and discussing proposed recommendations with authorised representatives.
On successful completion of Research, analysis, and product recommendations (ADP2) students should be able to:
In the Present, implement and assess the financial plan (ADP3) subject, students continue to focus on the six-step financial planning process, with a particular focus on preparing and presenting advice documents, including implementing recommendations.
Students will apply knowledge and skills in developing personal financial advice recommendations, constructing compliant advice documents including Statements of Advice (SoA) and Records of Advice (RoA) in superannuation, managed investments, and life insurance.
On successful completion of Present, implement and assess the financial plan (ADP3), students should be able to:
In the Develop complex (multi-strategy) advice (ADP4) subject, students will integrate knowledge and skills gained in the previous subjects to produce effective and compliant multi-strategy advice in life insurance, managed investments, and superannuation.
Students will demonstrate their application of knowledge and skills, as they identify, research, and analyse advice issues for fictitious client scenarios with multiple needs and objectives across a variety of technical advice areas, then develop comprehensive and compliant personal advice documents.
On successful completion of Develop complex (multi-strategy) advice (ADP4) students should be able to:
The 12 units of competency are awarded for the successful completion of the qualification; 9 core and 3 electives. For information on the units of competency see the course outline in the Subject Overview tab.
Students have a total of:
Therefore, if an individual completes the learning and assessment, and the resubmission time in every subject is granted, the duration will be 78 weeks (includes the optional IFP subject).
The subject breakdown for this course is below:
The amount of training for this course is 13 hours per week. The amount of training is the hours a student can expect to spend engaging in structured learning or tutor-led activities.
The assessment hours for this course are 9 per week. These are the hours a student can expect to spend engaging in assessment activities.
In addition to the amount of training and assessment hours, students who are new to industry or vocational training may need four (4) hours per week, known as unsupervised hours.
Individuals working in industry may be able to complete the course requirements in a shorter timeframe or less hours per week.
If a student applies for an extension beyond the 78 weeks completion timeframe or is granted special consideration, the maximum period of time to complete this qualification is two (2) years from the qualification activation date.
Additional study-related fees apply to formal extensions and re-enrolments. Please refer to the Vocational Education Fees schedule found here.
Please also refer to our Vocational Education and Training (VET) Enrolment Terms and Conditions here or our Student Handbook here for important information on:
The assessments for each subject are listed below. Units of competency are co-assessed by topic within subjects, as listed in ‘Units of competency’.
Individuals may attempt the exam and/or submit their assignment at any time if they believe they are adequately prepared and will receive personal reminder emails as they approach their assessment deadlines.
Individuals must be deemed ‘competent’ in all assessment items, including demonstrating competency in all of the exam questions, in order to be awarded their qualification or statement of attainment.
Individuals who complete the qualification will receive a qualification certificate.
To learn more about what to expect when completing an oral assignment using audio please click here.
You can sit your exam while being supervised in your workplace or with online supervision via Zoom at a suitable location.
Click here for more information about Kaplan Professional exams.
Individuals who have completed FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning may apply for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning with one year of relevant industry experience, or the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning with two years of related industry experience (applies from 2023). Please refer to the separate Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning and Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning for further information regarding these two postgraduate courses.
They may also apply for exemptions for subjects within the following qualifications at Kaplan Business School:
Kaplan Professional has partnered with the College for Financial Planning® – a Kaplan US company – to offer the Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalSM(FPQP®) specialist destination.
The FPQP® is an ideal way for new and existing paraplanners to showcase their capabilities. It is also suitable for frontline employees and support staff to highlight their industry experience, and the foundational knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their career.
You can apply to earn this designation based on studies completed with Kaplan Professional, whether that be specific subjects or a full qualification.
Click here to learn more.
There are no educational entry requirements for the FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning.
There are no formal entry requirements set by Kaplan Professional. However, Kaplan Professional recommends individuals who are new to industry (individuals with less than six (6) months’ experience in the finance sector) complete the optional subject, Introduction to Finance Principles (IFP).
Individuals are required to be aged 18 years or older to enrol in this course.
Individuals who are in Australia on a student visa are unable to enrol in this course. If you are in Australia on a visa and wish to enrol, you need to ensure you are enrolling in accordance with the study conditions of your visa.
To successfully undertake this course, individuals are expected to have Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) skills at ACSF Level [4].
This means you should be able to:
If you have any doubts about whether you have the language, literacy and numeracy skills to undertake this course, we recommend you speak with our Student Services team on 1300 662 203 or email mail@kaplan.edu.au.
Further information regarding the LLND requirements for enrolment can be found here.
The technology requirements to complete this qualification can be found here.
To successfully complete this course, individuals will require basic computing skills. This may include:
For individuals who are new to industry (less than six (6) months’ experience), Kaplan Professional provides an optional introductory subject IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles. In this subject, individuals are provided with an introduction to finance, including budgeting and forecasting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flows and accounting principles.
IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles – optional (separate to the qualification)
Individuals must enrol in all four subjects in the FNS60920 Advanced Diploma of Paraplanning, and complete them in sequential order below:
This course is delivered online via Kaplan Professional’s learning management system, KapLearn.
You’ll receive login details to KapLearn on enrolment. When you log into KapLearn, you’re able to access the subject notes, assessments and additional learning materials. This includes media, case studies, practice activities and your online tutor. It also includes an additional subject room which houses a simulated financial planning practice to provide you a unique real-world learning experience.
Assessments are accessed and submitted through KapLearn.
Corporate clients should contact our Corporate Solutions Representatives at corporate@kaplan.edu.au to discuss delivery options and how we can further tailor our training to meet your business needs.
Individuals may be able to obtain Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for a Kaplan award subject based on their previous study and/or work experience. To do this, individuals must submit evidence that demonstrates they have already met the requirements of the subject through these other means.
Evidence can take many forms, such as information about approved study, information about work experience, certificates, transcripts or other credentials.
To find out if you are eligible for RPL, refer to our Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning.
We’re pleased to announce that the following enhancements have been made to the subjects in this course:
The ADP 1- 4 assessments have been updated to:
Individuals who enrol in a Kaplan Professional course are bound by our published policies, including the policy that sets out our rules for assessment. Individuals can review these policies here. The policies also assist individuals when their study program does not go as planned and they need extra support.
Click here to access our terms and conditions.
Access our refund policy.
Enrol directly in the program for $2,160 (ADP1-ADP4) or $540 per subject (GST free).
Note: this fee is paid upfront. If a course is found not to be suitable for a student during the enrolment process, a full refund will be provided, along with all reasonable support to explore alternative study option/s.
For additional study-related fees, please click here.
Students must complete ADP1 – 4 in order, and may not enrol into later subjects until they have completed all prior subjects.
We prioritise our students' mental and physical health, creating a supportive environment for learning success.
Our dedicated support teams are here to support you throughout your studies.
Our engaging and interactive learning resources support flexible and self-paced learning experiences for our students.
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Kaplan Professional is offering education update presentations for advice firms – available online or in person – designed to help advisers navigate the evolving professional landscape.
The financial advice profession is rarely a straight path. Increasing regulation, rising client expectations, technological change and higher professional standards mean advisers must continually adapt to remain relevant and competitive.
This presentation maps the full career lifecycle of an adviser – from entry into the profession through to specialisation, leadership and long-term sustainability. At each stage, we explore the capabilities required, the common challenges advisers face, and the role education plays not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic enabler of professional growth.
• Education pathways from entry to senior leadership
• How capability requirements evolve across career stages
• The shift from minimum standards to advanced technical and strategic expertise
• The role of ongoing education in building resilience, sound judgement and sustainable careers
Designed for adviser teams and leadership groups, this presentation provides practical insights into how structured learning supports long-term performance, professionalism and business sustainability.
To book an education update session for your advisers please contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to arrange a suitable time.
Date: Wednesday, 11 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
Fee: $280
Where: Online (Zoom)
Host: Matthew Farley
A certificate of attendance outlining CPD hours will be awarded at the conclusion of this workshop. A full list of topics is available on our website.
Date: Thursday, 19 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm AEDT
Fee: $340
Host: Dr Jenny Diggle
Kaplan Professional has expanded the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite with a new set of practical topics designed to further strengthen capability across both technical and client engagement areas.
As client expectations continue to rise and advice scenarios become more complex, early career advisers must combine sound technical knowledge with strong communication skills and thoughtful decision-making. The latest additions to the suite support this ongoing professional development.
Practical frameworks to enhance credibility, strengthen adviser presence and build more meaningful, long-term client relationships.
Structured approaches to assessing appropriate cover, modelling client scenarios and supporting well-reasoned, client-centred risk advice.
Applying probability-based thinking to improve strategic judgement and support more confident decision-making in uncertain environments.
These additions build on the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite focus on applied, real-world learning, equipping advisers with skills that can be immediately implemented in practice.
The ongoing expansion of the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite reflects Kaplan Professional’s commitment to supporting advisers as they continue to develop deeper expertise and deliver high-quality, client-focused advice.
For advisers who have now met the education standard, the focus shifts from compliance to opportunity.
Kaplan Professional offers clear pathways to build on the bridging courses and subjects already completed and convert that study into a full, recognised qualification. Advisers who have completed individual units toward the education standard may be eligible to articulate into the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning or Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, formalising their academic achievement and strengthening their professional standing.
From there, eligible Graduate Diploma alumni can upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning, completing the remaining subjects to attain a postgraduate qualification that positions them above the minimum regulatory requirement. The Master’s program also provides direct pathways toward leading professional designations, including CFP® and SSA®, enabling advisers to align academic progression with industry-recognised credentials.
Advisers who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning are already eligible to obtain leading professional designations through the College for Financial Planning®. This includes globally-recognised credentials such as the Accredited Behavioural Finance ProfessionalSM (ABFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorSM (CRPC®) designation.
No further study is required to meet the education component for these certifications, allowing advisers to leverage their existing qualification to secure respected professional recognition and further strengthen their standing in the industry.
Beyond core qualifications, Kaplan Professional also offers access to additional specialist electives and professional designation pathways, allowing advisers to differentiate in areas such as superannuation, retirement, ethics and client strategy.
In short, completing the education standard doesn’t have to be the end point. With Kaplan Professional, it can be the foundation for higher qualifications, respected designations and long-term career progression.
Contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to discuss the education options and pathways for your adviser network. Alternatively, contact 1300 135 798 (option 2) or email courseadvice@kaplan.edu.au.
Kaplan Professional will host a special Women in Finance webinar on Tuesday, 3 March, celebrating the achievements, leadership and career journeys of women shaping the financial services industry.
The session will explore leadership, career progression and the role education has played in supporting professional success across diverse areas of the sector.
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning dux, two-time Olympian and Financial Adviser at HLB Mann Judd.
Graduate Diploma graduate, business owner and founder of a caregiving training institute in Bangladesh, with more than 20 years’ industry experience.
Master of Applied Finance graduate and Director at BDO Sydney, specialising in governance, risk and assurance across financial services.
Date: Tuesday, 3 March
Time: 1:30pm AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
The webinar will include practical leadership insights, reflections on career growth, discussion on the impact of education in finance, and an interactive Q&A session.
Now
9 March
25 March
29 May
Kaplan Professional is offering eligible Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning alumni a limited-time opportunity to upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning at a fixed alumni price of $5,000.
This exclusive offer enables alumni to complete their remaining four subjects – two core subjects (FPC009 Complex Financial Planning and KAP001 Capstone Project) and two electives – at a substantially reduced cost compared to standard postgraduate tuition fees.
To access the offer, eligible alumni must enrol and commence their first subject by the Study Period 2 census date, 25 March 2026.
Upgrading to the Master’s degree provides advisers with the opportunity to deepen technical expertise, broaden strategic capability and position themselves strongly as professional standards across the industry continue to rise. The program also supports progression toward additional professional designations.
Full details, including subject structure, study plans and application steps, are available below.