I completed an FPSC Accredited Education Program before the CFP Professional Competency Profile was launched. Do I still qualify to write the CFP Examination in November 2007 or thereafter?
Yes, candidates who completed an FPSC Accredited Education Program approved under our previous examination criteria will still be eligible to write the CFP Examination provided that they attempt the CFP Examination within five years of completing the program.
Is the format of the CFP Examination in November 2007 going to change?
The November 2007 CFP Examination will remain a six-hour multiple choice exam.
Since my education was based on FPSC's previous assessment criteria, will the November 2007 CFP Examination be harder for me?
It is not a matter of difficulty, but one of focus and perspective. The CFP Professional Competency Profile represents the complete set of financial planning competencies required of a CFP professional. FPSC's assessment of examination candidates against the CFP Professional Competency Profile will require the application of technical knowledge as well as the job-related skills, abilities, attitudes and judgments. The technical knowledge required to demonstrate competence is outlined in the CFP Professional Competency Profile and is linked to the competencies. This technical knowledge list is, in many ways, similar to FPSC's previous assessment criteria and every FPSC accredited curriculum program meets our minimum requirements with respect to the technical knowledge. The distinction with the November 2007 CFP Examination is that every question will require the "application" of this knowledge to demonstrate competence. As with any certification examination, the onus is on the candidate to ensure that they are prepared to meet the examination requirements as laid out in the CFP Examination blueprint.
Will "Professional Skills" as outlined in the CFP Professional Competency Profile be tested on the November 2007 CFP Examination?
The Professional Skills listed on the CFP Professional Competency Profile are not testable items in and of themselves, but do reference all of the elements of competency that will be tested. Candidates should integrate the Professional Skills into their understanding of all of the elements of competency.
How do I properly prepare for this new CFP Examination in November 2007?
It is the responsibility of the individual candidate to determine his or her own readiness to write any offering of the CFP Examination. Candidates should use any education or other preparatory materials available, along with the CFP Professional Competency Profile, supporting matrix and CFP Examination blueprint to prepare and assess weaknesses in their materials, knowledge and ability to effectively apply that knowledge. Once weaknesses and gaps are identified, candidates should find resources and study aids to fill those weaknesses and gaps.
As a candidate, how can FPSC help me prepare for CFP Examinations?
In July 2007, the FPSC Student Associate program, designed for individuals who are working towards the attainment of the CFP credential, will be launched. This program will provide exclusive resources for individuals pursuing the CFP designation. Examination candidates will be most interested in the educational and examination resources included on a closed website such as the Candidate Handbook, Sample Examination Questions, Financial Planning "Tip of the Day" and much more. Watch our website at www.cfp-ca.org to learn how you can register to become part of the FPSC Student Associate Program.
CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and are certification marks owned outside the U.S. by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB). Financial Planners Standards Council is the marks licensing authority for the CFP marks in Canada, through agreement with FPSB.
are certification marks