Higher Certificate in Financial Planning

The majority of South Africans are in desperate need of sound financial planning, creating a demand for knowledgeable financial advisers who have the necessary skills to identify, prioritise and assist clients to address these needs. The Higher Certificate in Financial Planning equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to operate ethically and responsibly as financial advisers, and to be able to respond to the challenges of the economic environment and the changing nature of the financial services industry.

Students will gain a detailed understanding of the regulatory environment applicable to the financial planning industry, and will learn how to follow the financial planning process to address various clients needs. Finally, students will acquire a functional knowledge of income tax as it applies to clients and the financial planning products they have recommended.

The Higher Certificate in Financial Planning appears on the Financial Services Board's list of recognised qualifications for FAIS Fit and Proper Requirements, and applies to all product sub-categories for Category I Financial Services Providers.

Graduates typically find work as administrators in financial planning practices, banks, retirement fund administrators and insurance companies; self-employed financial advisors or brokers; tied agents; or employed personnel rendering intermediary services in a variety of roles.

The Higher Certificate in Financial Planning appears on the Financial Services Board's list of recognised qualifications for FAIS Fit and Proper Requirements and applies to all product sub-categories for Category I Financial Services Providers.

On completion of this qualification, graduates work as:

• Administrators in financial planning practices, banks, retirement fund administrators and insurance companies
• Self-employed financial advisers or brokers
• Tied agents
• Employed personnel rendering intermediary services in various types of roles

On successful completion of this qualification, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the regulatory environment applicable to the financial planning environment
• demonstrate an understanding of the financial planning process
• have a functional knowledge of the different products offered within the financial planning environment
• have a functional knowledge of income tax as it applies to clients and the financial planning products they have

This qualification consists of 4 compulsory modules and 2 elective modules.

COMPULSORY

• Introduction to Financial Planning Environment
• Risk Planning
• Retirement and Investment Planning
• Financial Planning Income Tax

ELECTIVES

Select two

• Relationship Marketing for Financial Planners
• Banking Advice
• Health Planning (Semester 2 Only)
• Wills and Administration of Deceased Estates (Semester 1 Only)
• Basic Principles of Business Financial Planning
• Retirement Funds (Semester 1 Only)
• Retirement Funds Administration(Semester 2 only)
• Personal Lines Insurance
• Commercial Lines Insurance