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Kaplan Professional has partnered with the College for Financial Planning® – a Kaplan US company – to offer three globally-recognised designations in Australia. Over 50 years ago, the College for Financial Planning® introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in the United States*, which is now the world’s most recognised financial planning credential. The College for Financial Planning® today is one of the largest and most respected worldwide providers of financial planning designations with 12 global certifications available and more than 100,000 designation holders worldwide. You can apply to earn these globally-endorsed designations based on your previous studies with Kaplan Professional, whether that be specific subjects or a full qualification.
* In 1969, the International Association for Financial Planners (IAFP) and the College for Financial Planning were created to help meet the financial needs of Americans. In 1985, the College entered an agreement to establish an independent, nonprofit certifying and standards-setting organisation. Ownership of the CFP® marks and responsibility for continuing the CFP® certification program was transferred to the new organisation, International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners, Inc. (IBCFP), now known as CFP Board.
Apply before 30 June 2024 to save 15% off the initial certification fee and be among the first in Australia to achieve one of these globally-recognised financial advice designations. Find out more.
Apply before 31 July 2024 to save 15% off the initial certification fee and be among the first in Australia to achieve one of these globally-recognised financial advice designations.
Showcase your hard-earned expertise and knowledge as a specialist in your field, enhancing your credibility and trust in the eyes of consumers. Bolster your credentials to complement your education, experience and any other designations you may have earned.
If you have already completed education as part of the Financial Adviser Standards, regardless if you qualify for the experience pathway or not, the three designations are designed to offer recognition and reward for your efforts.
As consumers actively seek financial advisers who are certified specialists in their particular field, these designations allow you to further differentiate yourself from your peers and other industry participants.
"The College for Financial Planning® designations appeal to me as I want recognition as a specialist and the chance to showcase my expertise. While I believe these designations help me stand out and build client trust, they will only become more valuable as more professionals obtain them.”
“Earning my designations from the College for Financial Planning® gives me the recognition I want as a specialist and helps me stand out among my peers. It boosts my credibility and allows me to have deeper, more meaningful conversations that strengthen my client relationships.”
“The College for Financial Planning®designations give me specialist recognition and globally recognised certifications that strengthen my CV for future opportunities, both in Australia and overseas. These credentials support my career growth and enhance my professional standing within my firm and across the industry.”
The ABFP® designation showcases technical proficiency and a thorough understanding of psychological theories of behavioural finance. Designed for mid-career and advanced career financial advisers, distinguish yourself from your peers with your capability to understand what drives the markets, and investors’ motivations and decision-making behaviours.
^ Equivalent historical Kaplan Professional subjects apply. Please click here for more information.
Mid-career and advanced career financial advisers and investment professionals who can demonstrate foundational knowledge of behavioural finance history, portfolio construction principles, and best practices for integrating behavioural finance theories into real-life situations.
Showcase you hold the following specialist knowledge:
Equivalent historical Kaplan Professional subjects apply. Please click here for more information.
As financial advisers face an increasingly complex onslaught of retirement planning questions as aging baby boomers look for investments to meet their lifestyle needs in 10 years, 20 years and beyond, the (CRPC®) is for individuals who want to showcase their experience, knowledge and skills in delivering comprehensive retirement advice to clients. It is also suitable for those who want to grow their business in this in-demand and specialist area of financial advice.
Experienced financial advisers who are focused on retirement planning for individuals, including pre-and post-retirement needs, asset management and estate planning.
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.
Accordion Content
Am I eligible to apply for a College for Financial Planning® specialist designation?
Kaplan Professional financial planning courses and subjects have been mapped to College for Financial Planning® designation programs.
To be eligible for the CRPC® and ABFP® individuals must:
To be eligible for the FPQP® individuals must:
I have received RPL for a required subject/s for the designation, am I eligible to apply?
Individuals who have been awarded Advanced Standing or Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for one (1) the of required subject/s for either the CRPC® and ABFP® designations may be eligible if they have also completed a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.
Apply now
Kaplan Professional financial planning courses and subjects have been mapped to the College for Financial Planning® designation programs. This also includes historical Kaplan Professional subjects completed between 2006 to 2019.
Please refer to the equivalency table below.
How do I apply for a College for Financial Planning® specialist designation?
Complete the application form on this page and one of our RPL assessment team members will review your eligibility. This process can take up to 10 working days. Once the application has been assessed, you will receive an email detailing next steps.
Individuals applying for the ABFP® or CRPC® designations will need to provide the following information:
Individuals who have been awarded Advanced Standing or Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) for one (1) of the required subject/s for either the ABFP® or CRPC® designations may be eligible if they have also completed a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.
Individuals applying for the FPQP® Designation will need to provide the following their Student ID.
I am interested in becoming a College for Financial Planning® designation holder and need some support.
If you are considering becoming a College for Financial Planning® designation holder and have not yet applied, but have questions or need support, please get in touch in one of the following ways:
I am a College for Financial Planning® designation holder and I need some support.
Kaplan Professional will provide any support or assistance required by an Australian College for Financial Planning® designation holder. If you have a question or need support, please contact us your preferred way:
What are the fees and charges to become a College for Financial Planning® designation holder?
In addition to the tuition fees with associated course/subjects you are required to complete, the following fees apply:
Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning® has developed a marketing toolkit for designation holders to help support and guide communications and awareness about the credential(s) earned, and what that means to their clients and peers.
Designees will be notified by email when they are due to renew up to 8 weeks prior to the expiration date.
Designation holders who have complied with the designation rules, completed all required continuing professional development, requested renewal and paid the certification renewal fee will be granted an extension to their license to use the designation for a further 24-month period.
Paraplanning courses FAQs
Financial planning courses FAQs
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The College for Financial Planning® designation marks may only be used by individuals specifically authorised by Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning®. Use of the specialist designation marks denotes professionals who have successfully completed the program’s requirements and are currently complying with the Standards of Professional Conduct and ongoing renewal requirements. As the owner of these marks, the College for Financial Planning® has the legal responsibility to ensure they are protected and used only by those who have received written authorisation to use them.Please refer to the College for Financial Planning® Professional Designation Marks Usage Guidelines for instructions on how you may use the certification marks you have earned.
On successfully completing the application process for a College for Financial Planning® designation through Kaplan Professional, you will receive a confirmation email from Credly’s digital badge platform with instructions on how to set up your account, then claim and share your digital badge. Learn more about digital badges here.
Showcase your commitment to professional growth by featuring your specialist designation as part of your professional profile. You can achieve this across social media, within your client communications (email, newsletter and website) and also through your organisation where relevant and applicable.
Consider including:
Social media handles:
LinkedInKaplan-professional-australia college-for-financial-planning/
Facebook KaplanProfessional CollegeFFPX (formally Twitter) KPAustralia
Instagram Kaplan_Professional
We have provided some suggested announcements that you can copy and amend to suit your personal profile.
Featuring your specialisation across social media platforms such as LinkedIn, informs your personal network and could help attract new clients. Before promoting your designation(s) on social media, ensure compliance with the platforms’ respective terms.
When spreading the word about your specialist designation, it is not just about posting to social media. We encourage you to share what skills you have gained in order to obtain your specialist designation.
If you work with or for an organisation, they may be willing to share your achievement through their regular communication channels internally and externally. This could include email, social media and their website.
Sharing a testimonial, whether written or in video format, is another effective way to promote a recently obtained professional specialist designation. It allows you to communicate with potential clients about the significance of the expertise you have gained for your financial advice career. Kaplan Professional features testimonials from students across our website and social media platforms. If you would like to share your success story, please email marketing@kaplan.edu.au.
Kaplan Professional has partnered with the College for Financial Planning® – a Kaplan US company – to offer three globally-recognised designations in Australia.
Over 50 years ago, the College for Financial Planning® introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification in the United States*, which is now the world’s most recognised financial planning credential. The College for Financial Planning® today is one of the largest and most respected worldwide providers of financial planning designations with 12 global certifications available and more than 100,000 designation holders worldwide.
You can apply to earn these globally-endorsed designations based on your previous studies with Kaplan Professional, whether that be specific subjects or a full qualification.
Limited Introductory Offer
Apply before 31 July 2024 to save 15% off the initial certification fee.
We're delighted to announce [Name] has recently achieved the Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional™ (ABFP®) designation. As an ABFP® designee, [he/she] has completed specialised training focused on the psychological aspects of economic behaviour. This equips [him/her] to provide enhanced financial planning advice and communications. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, this designation reflects our commitment to upholding rigorous standards in financial planning.
We're thrilled to announce [Name] has recently earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor™ (CRPC™) professional designation. As a CRPC™ designee, [he/she] has acquired comprehensive knowledge and tools to craft a thorough 'road map to retirement,’ addressing pre- and post-retirement needs. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, the CRPC™ designation underscores our commitment to excellence in retirement planning. As a CRPC™ credential holder, [Name] brings: - A holistic understanding of the retirement planning process, encompassing areas such as health care planning, asset management, tax considerations and estate planning. - The capacity to evaluate financial status and tailor retirement plans to suit individual lifestyles Adherence to the high standards as set by Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning® ensures ongoing competency and ethical practice. [Name] is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and staying abreast of industry developments through continuous education.
We're pleased to announce [Name] has recently attained the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP®) designation. As an FPQP® designee, [he/she] has acquired broad foundational knowledge of the financial planning process and related disciplines, enabling [him/her] to contribute effectively to our team of financial advisers in assisting clients in managing their financial circumstances. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, through earning the FPQP® credential, [Name] has achieved: - In-depth knowledge and insight into various areas of financial planning, enhancing [his/her] contribution to our team - The skills to offer expert support to financial planning practitioners and their clients Australian designees adhere to the high standards set by Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning®, ensuring ongoing competency and ethical practice. [Name] is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and staying abreast of industry developments through continuous education.
Dear [client name] I'm pleased to announce I've recently obtained the Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional™ specialist designation. As an ABFP® designee, I've undergone training focused on understanding the psychological drivers behind economic behaviour, enhancing my ability to offer tailored financial planning advice. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, this designation underscores a commitment to high standards in financial planning. Through earning the ABFP® credential, I've achieved: - Mastery of behavioural finance, equipped with specialised knowledge and tools to help you navigate volatile markets and benefit from objective financial advice - The ability to identify and address your cognitive and emotional biases, providing informed advice on strategies to achieve your financial goals Designees adhere to Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct and ongoing competency and ethics requirements. I'm dedicated to serving you to the best of my ability and staying current through my commitment to continuous education. Yours sincerely [your name + credentials + ABFP® badge/logo]
Dear [client name] I'm excited to announce I've recently obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor™ specialist designation. As a CRPC™ designee, I've acquired comprehensive knowledge and tools to develop personalised retirement plans tailored to pre- and post-retirement needs. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, this designation reflects a commitment to excellence in retirement planning. Through earning the CRPC™ credential, I've achieved: - Mastery of the entire retirement planning process, covering areas such as health care planning, asset management, tax considerations and estate planning. - The ability to assess clients' financial status and design optimal retirement plans suited to their lifestyles. Designees adhere to Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct and ongoing competency and ethics requirements. I'm dedicated to serving you to the best of my ability and staying current through my commitment to continuous education. Yours sincerely [your name + credentials + CRPC™ badge/logo]
Dear [client name] I'm excited to announce I've recently obtained the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation. As an FPQP® designee, I've gained broad foundational knowledge of the financial planning process and disciplines, enabling me to support our financial advisers and clients. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, through earning the FPQP® credential, I've achieved: - Knowledge and insight into various areas of personal financial planning, contributing to a financial planning team. - Skills to provide expert support to financial advisers and their clients. Designees adhere to Kaplan Professional and the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct and ongoing competency and ethics requirements. I'm dedicated to serving our clients to the best of my ability and staying current through my commitment to continuous education. Yours sincerely [your name + credentials + FPQP®badge/logo]
I'm thrilled to share that I've recently achieved the Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional™ (ABFP®) designation. As an ABFP® designee, I've completed training that delves into the psychological underpinnings of economic behaviour. This equips me to offer enhanced financial planning advice and communications. Administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company, this designation signifies a commitment to rigorous standards in financial advice.
I am excited to announce that I recently obtained the Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor™ professional designation. As a CRPC™ designee, I’ve gained the comprehensive knowledge and tools to define a 'road map to retirement’, focused on pre- and post-retirement needs. The CRPC™ designation is administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company Retirement planning requires careful analysis of your financial situation, needs and desires at every life stage. As a CRPC™ credential holder, I bring: - Comprehensive understanding of the retirement planning process, covering aspects beyond retirement income, including health care planning, asset management, tax considerations, and estate planning - The ability to assess your financial standing and tailor a retirement plan suited to your lifestyle
I recently obtained the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ designation. As a FPQP® designee, I I’ve gained broad foundational knowledge of the financial planning process and the disciplines of financial planning to work in a team that helps clients manage their financial circumstances. This designation is administered in Australia by Kaplan Professional in partnership with College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company. Through earning the FPQP® credential, I've achieved: - Knowledge and insight into the various areas of personal financial planning, contributing to a financial planning team - Skills to provide expert support to financial advisers and their clients.