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Course overview

No longer open for new enrolments.

The Kaplan Professional FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning program combines introductory specialist knowledge and financial planning skills to prepare individuals for entry into the financial planning industry. This program also provides a pathway into the Kaplan Professional Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Each subject has been revamped with relevant, practice-based assessments to encourage progressive learning and the development of technical, interpersonal and client engagement skills, allowing individuals to build their knowledge and skills as they move through the course.

On successful completion of subjects DFP1–3 you will be awarded the nationally recognised FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning.

Program information

There are four options:

The Kaplan Professional FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning program is for individuals looking to gain introductory specialist knowledge and financial planning skills. It will provide individuals with:

  1. An introduction of specialist knowledge areas in Financial Planning, Life Insurance and Superannuation
  2. An in-depth understanding of the Australian financial services industry, levels of advice and financial products
  3. An introduction to investment strategy fundamentals to meet the specific needs of a client
  4. Orientation to financial planning professional practice.

This option is structured into three subjects:

  • DFP 1: Financial Planning Fundamentals
  • DFP 2: Insurance and Risk Protection
  • DFP 3: Superannuation and Retirement Planning

This option is structured into four subjects:

  • IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles – optional for ‘new to Industry’ (separate to the diploma qualification)*
  • DFP 1: Financial Planning Fundamentals
  • DFP 2: Insurance and Risk Protection
  • DFP 3: Superannuation and Retirement Planning

*For individuals who are new to industry, Kaplan Professional provides an additional subject as part of their course. In the subject, IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles, individuals are provided with an introduction to finance, including budgeting and forecasting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flows and accounting principles. To enrol in this option please select ‘Diploma of Financial Planning FNS50615 + IFP – ‘new to industry’ in your course selection.

New to industry is considered less than 6 months experience in the financial services industry.

 

The Kaplan Professional FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning + DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments is for individuals wanting to combine introductory specialist knowledge and financial planning skills in order to prepare for entry into the financial planning industry. This program also provides individuals with:

  1. An introduction of specialist knowledge areas in Financial Planning, Life Insurance, Superannuation and Managed Investments
  2. An in-depth understanding of the Australian financial services industry, levels of advice and financial products
  3. An introduction to investment strategy fundamentals to meet the specific needs of a client
  4. Orientation to financial planning professional practice.

This option is structured into four subjects:

  • DFP 1: Financial Planning Fundamentals
  • DFP 2: Insurance and Risk Protection
  • DFP 3: Superannuation and Retirement Planning
  • DFP4: Securities and Managed Investments

This option is structured into five subjects:

  • IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles – optional for ‘new to Industry’ (separate to the diploma qualification)*
  • DFP 1: Financial Planning Fundamentals
  • DFP 2: Insurance and Risk Protection
  • DFP 3: Superannuation and Retirement Planning
  • DFP4: Securities and Managed Investments

*For individuals who are new to industry, Kaplan Professional provides an additional subject as part of their course. In the subject, IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles, individuals are provided with an introduction to finance, including budgeting and forecasting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flows and accounting principles. To enrol in this option please select ‘Diploma of Financial Planning FNS50615 + DFP4 + IFP – ‘new to industry’ in your course selection.

New to industry is considered less than 6 months experience in the financial services industry.

 

Duration

Individuals have a total of:

  • 36 weeks to complete the learning and assessment requirements for FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning, from their initial activation date.
  • An optional 6 weeks is provided for those individuals completing the ‘new to industry’ subject, Introduction to Finance Principles.
  • An additional four (4) weeks resubmission time – If an individual reaches the end of their initial enrolment period and has been deemed not yet competent in one or more assessment items, then an additional 4 weeks will be granted, provided the individual attempted all assessment tasks during the initial enrolment period.

Therefore, if an individual completes the learning and assessment, and the resubmission time in every subject is granted, the duration will be 48 weeks. For those individuals completing the ‘new to industry’ subject the duration will be 54 weeks.

The subject breakdown for this course is below:

SubjectEstimated duration
IFP Introduction to Finance Principles -optional6 weeks course work
DFP1 Financial Planning Fundamentals12 weeks course work
4 weeks resubmission time as outlined above
DFP2 Insurance and Risk Protection12 weeks course work
4 weeks resubmission time as outlined above
DFP3 Superannuation and Retirement Planning12 weeks course work
4 weeks resubmission time as outlined above

The amount of training for the subjects DFP1 Financial Planning Fundamentals and DFP3 Superannuation and Retirement Planning may be up to 20 hours per week and for the subjects Introduction to Finance Principles and DFP2 Insurance and Risk Protection may be up to 15 hours per week. The amount of training is the hours an individual can expect to spend to complete their course work and assessments.

In addition to the amount of training, individuals who are new to industry or vocational training could need up to 5 hours per week known as unsupervised hours. These additional hours are for study skills or further research. For example, an individual not working in industry would need more time to review industry websites that are usually introduced in workplace compliance training.

DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments (separate to the Diploma qualification) 

Individuals have a total of:

  • 12 weeks to complete the learning and assessment requirements for DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments, from their initial activation date.
  • An additional four (4) weeks resubmission time – If an individual reaches the end of their initial enrolment period and has been deemed not yet competent in one or more assessment items, then an additional weeks will be granted, provided the individual attempted all assessment tasks during the initial enrolment period.

Therefore, if an individual completes the learning and assessment, and the resubmission time is granted, the duration will be 16 weeks.

The subject breakdown for this subject is below:

Subject Duration
DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments 12 weeks course work
4 weeks resubmission time as outlined above

 

Individuals working in industry may be able to complete the course requirements in a shorter timeframe or less hours per week.

Assessment

The assessments for each subject are listed below. Units of competency are co-assessed by topic within subjects, as listed in the subject outlines.

SubjectAssessmentsDetail
IFP Introduction to Finance Principles - optionalNo formal assessmentReview quizzes contained within each of the 8 topics
There are no Units of competency for this subject
DFP1 Financial Planning Fundamentals1 ExamSupervised, open book multiple choice examination, four (4) attempts.
1 Written and Oral AssignmentWritten and oral assignment – two (2) attempts

• Written – short answer questions and the preparation of a series of strategy recommendations for a case study client in line with legislative and best practice guidelines.

• Oral - role play.

The mode of oral assessment is by audio recording. As part of the course requirements, individuals will need to find a volunteer to assist with their role play in the oral assignment.
DFP2 Insurance and Risk Protection1 ExamSupervised, open book multiple choice examination, four (4) attempts.
1 Written and Oral AssignmentWritten and oral assignment – two (2) attempts

• Written - The preparation of a series of product and strategy recommendations for a case study client in line with legislative and best practice guidelines.

• Oral - role play.
The mode of oral assessment is by audio recording. As part of the course requirements, individuals will need to find a volunteer to assist with their role play in the oral assignment.
DFP3 Superannuation and Retirement Planning1 ExamSupervised, open book multiple choice examination, four (4) attempts.
1 Written and Oral AssignmentWritten and oral assignment – two (2) attempts

• Written - A series of short-answer questions and the preparation of a compliant Statement of Advice for a given case study (real life client scenario).

• Oral A - role play

The mode of oral assessment is by audio recording. As part of the course requirements, individuals will need to find a volunteer to assist with their role play in the oral assignment.

Please note, the Exam, Written and Oral A assignment must be completed prior to commencing the Oral B role play.

• Oral B – role play
The mode of oral assessment is by audio recording. As part of the course requirements, individuals will need to find a volunteer to assist with their role play in the oral assignment.
DFP4 Securities and Managed
Investments
1 ExamSupervised, open book multiple choice examination, four (4) attempts.
1 Written and Oral AssignmentWritten and oral assignment – two (2) attempts

• Written - The preparation of a series of product and strategy recommendations
for a number of case studies in line with legislative and best practice guidelines.

• Oral - role play

The mode of oral assessment is by audio recording. As part of the course requirements, individuals will need to find a volunteer to assist with their role play in the oral assignment.

Individuals may attempt the exam and/or submit their assignment at any time if they believe they are adequately prepared. Individuals 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 course.

To learn more about what to expect when completing an oral assignment using audio please click here.

Assignments

You must submit your assignment within 12 weeks of your enrolment date.

If your first submission is deemed ‘not yet competent’ you are required to resubmit it. You will only need to resubmit the question(s) that do not have the demonstrated knowledge requirement. More detailed information about the assignments are in the subject outlines.

Exams

Kaplan Professional’s exams are open book multiple-choice exams where emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge.

You must sit your first exam within 12 weeks of your enrolment date.

To achieve an overall grade of ‘competent’ in the exam, you must achieve competency in all of the exam questions If you are deemed ‘not yet competent’  you are provided with a re-sit and are only required to attempt the questions you got incorrect in the re-sit.

You can sit your exam while being supervised in your workplace or at a Kaplan Professional office.

Click here for Kaplan Professional office exam times and venues.

Individuals who successfully complete DFP1–3 will receive the FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning certificate.

Pathways

For individuals wanting to work towards a career in financial planning, the FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning program provides a pathway into the Kaplan Professional Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Entry Requirements

There are no minimum education requirements.

For those who are new to the financial services industry*, Kaplan Professional recommends individuals complete an optional subject as part of their course. In the subject, Introduction to Finance Principles, individuals are provided with an introduction to finance, including budgeting and forecasting, balance sheet, income statement, cash flows and accounting principles. To enrol in this option please select IFP: Introduction to Finance Principles ‘new to industry’ in your course selection.

Individuals are required to be aged 18 years or older to enrol in this qualification.

*New to industry is considered less than 6 months experience in the financial services industry.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) requirements

This course requires you to read comprehensive learner workbooks, complete a range of written assessments, undertake independent research activities and at times engage in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication.

If you have any doubts about whether you have the language, literacy and numeracy skills to undertake a Kaplan Professional program, we recommend you speak with our Student Services team on 1300 662 203 or email mail@kaplan.edu.au.

Computing requirements

Recommended browsers

You can access KapLearn using any of the browsers below, but it runs best on the latest versions:

  • Firefox 3 or later
  • Chrome 4 or later
  • Safari 3 or later
  • Internet Explorer

You may find it helpful to have more than one browser installed on your computer. If you experience problems using Kaplan’s online learning system, try using another browser.

Browser settings and support

For the best user experience at Kaplan’s online learning system, select the following browser settings:

  • enable cookies
  • enable JavaScript
  • do not block pop-up windows

Audio recording app

You will need to use a free or paid audio-recording app on your phone, tablet or computer to record and submit your oral assignment. Most devices come with a free built-in audio/voice-recording app. More information should be available in your device manual or on the device manufacturer’s website. Below are help links for some popular devices.

Skill requirements

To successfully complete this qualification, individuals will require basic computing skills. This may include:

  • saving and editing Microsoft Office documents
  • researching, accessing and searching the internet
  • downloading and saving documents from websites
  • uploading documents through websites
  • making an audio recording using a smartphone, tablet or computer
  • participating in online discussions

This course requires you to read comprehensive learner workbooks, complete a range of written assessments, undertake independent research activities and at times engage in online forums and discussions. Furthermore, the delivery mode relies on the extensive use of written communication.

If you have any doubts about whether you have the language, literacy and numeracy skills to undertake a Kaplan Professional program, we recommend you speak with our Student Services team on 1300 662 203 or email mail@kaplan.edu.au.

Recommended browsers

You can access KapLearn using any of the browsers below, but it runs best on the latest versions:

  • Firefox 3 or later
  • Chrome 4 or later
  • Safari 3 or later
  • Internet Explorer

You may find it helpful to have more than one browser installed on your computer. If you experience problems using Kaplan’s online learning system, try using another browser.

Browser settings and support

For the best user experience at Kaplan’s online learning system, select the following browser settings:

  • enable cookies
  • enable JavaScript
  • do not block pop-up windows

Audio recording app

You will need to use a free or paid audio-recording app on your phone, tablet or computer to record and submit your oral assignment. Most devices come with a free built-in audio/voice-recording app. More information should be available in your device manual or on the device manufacturer’s website. Below are help links for some popular devices.

To successfully complete this qualification, individuals will require basic computing skills. This may include:

  • saving and editing Microsoft Office documents
  • researching, accessing and searching the internet
  • downloading and saving documents from websites
  • uploading documents through websites
  • making an audio recording using a smartphone, tablet or computer
  • participating in online discussions

Industry Education Requirements

Education requirements for financial advisers

We encourage you to book a consultation over the phone to discuss the options and study pathways available to you in more detail. These consultations allow our experienced and knowledgeable team to understand your needs, identify the qualification most appropriate for you, and address your questions thoroughly.

Enrolment Information

FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning:

  • Individuals must complete subjects DFP1 to DFP3 in sequential order.

FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning + IFP Introduction to Finance Principles:

  • Individuals must complete subjects IFP then DFP1 to DFP3 in sequential order.

FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning +DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments:

  • Individuals must complete subjects DFP1 to DFP4 in sequential order.

FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning +DFP4 Securities and Managed Investments + IFP Introduction to Finance Principles:

  • Individuals must complete subjects IFP then DFP1 to DFP4 in sequential order.

This course is delivered online via Kaplan Professional’s learning management system KapLearn.

You will receive login details to KapLearn upon enrolment. When you log on to KapLearn you are able to access the subject notes, assessments, additional learning materials such as media, case studies, practice activities and your online tutor.

Assessments are accessed and submitted through KapLearn.

Corporate clients should contact our Corporate Solutions Representative on 1300 728 505 to discuss face-to-face delivery options and how we can tailor our training to 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 (RPL) page.

Policies

Student Policies

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.

Terms and Conditions

Click here to access our terms and conditions.

Refund Policy

Access our refund policy.

Fees and FEE-HELP

  1. Enrol directly into FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning for $900 (GST exempt).
  2. Enrol directly into FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning + IFP for $900 (GST exempt).
  3. Enrol directly into FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning + DFP 4 for $1,200 (GST exempt).
  4. Enrol directly into FNS50615 Diploma of Financial Planning + DFP 4 + IFP for $1,200 (GST exempt).

Individual subjects are $300 (GST exempt) each.

The subject, Introduction to Finance Principles is provided at no additional cost.

For additional study-related fees, please click here.

Support and wellbeing

We understand studying isn’t always easy; you may not have studied for some time or perhaps you haven’t studied online previously. Kaplan Professional recognises juggling study with work and family commitments, while trying to find the balance can be demanding.

Your wellbeing and safety is paramount to Kaplan Professional. We want to ensure your experience is well-rounded and balanced to help you attain the most from your studies, so we encourage you to take advantage of the services available to you.

Support and wellbeing

We understand studying isn’t always easy; you may not have studied for some time or perhaps you haven’t studied online previously. Kaplan Professional recognises juggling study with work and family commitments, while trying to find the balance can be demanding.

Your wellbeing and safety is paramount to Kaplan Professional. We want to ensure your experience is well-rounded and balanced to help you attain the most from your studies, so we encourage you to take advantage of the services available to you.

Programs you might be interested in

CRS1300149

Master of Financial Planning

Our online, FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning is a purpose-built higher education qualification set at AQF level 9. It’s designed and developed in consultation with industry experts, and combines advanced technical rigour with practical and relevant performance-focused learning outcomes.
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Master of Applied Finance

Leading online degree designed for ambitious and savvy individuals who are looking for advanced academic rigour, but thrive on practical and real-world learning immediately applicable in the workplace, and directly relevant to future career roles. It caters to experienced finance professionals and those transitioning into the field, integrating learning outcomes with pathways for further accreditation such as a CFA®.
CRS1200368

Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

An eight-subject postgraduate qualification set at AQF Level 8 and FAS approved. Includes the first eight subjects of the FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning.

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