1. Financial Plan Case Study
2. Observation
3. Examination

Candidates are required to pass all components.

Financial plan

Candidates are required to prepare a comprehensive financial plan (including a
Statement of Advice) for a fictitious client(s) based on case study information that is
provided. The issues presented in the case study are complex and of a level that a
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner is expected to advise on. The issues
presented in the case-study may not be representative of the issues normally dealt
with by candidates in their current role.

Observation

The Financial Planning Standards Board has identified the professional communication skills that are necessary to deliver financial planning at an appropriate level of competence and professionalism. Candidates’ communication skills are assessed on the job. The assessment can take place during a meeting with a new or existing client. The candidate’s supervisor must attend the meeting, observe the candidate’s communication skills and complete the required documentation. It is likely that a minimum of two observations will be required; one observation with a new client and a second observation with a new or existing client.

Multiple choice examination

The examination must comply with the standards set by the Financial Planning Board of Standards. It is based on the level of skills and applied knowledge expected of a CFP practitioner as described by the FPPSB and adapted to the Australian financial planning industry.

The multiple-choice examination comprises one 3 hour multiple-choice examination which covers the following broad technical knowledge areas:

• Insurance planning
• Investment planning
• Taxation planning
• Retirement planning (superannuation, social security)
• Estate planning
• Licensing and regulatory requirements
• Rules of professional and ethical behaviour, and relevant industry codes of conduct

The examinations are designed to measure candidates critical thinking, analytical and
evaluative skills. Candidates must be able to apply their technical knowledge to a
variety of complex financial planning scenarios. This knowledge is not equivalent to
Tier 1 RG 146, which is the minimum knowledge level stipulated by legislation.

Candidates who do not deal with these technical areas as part of their current role are
strongly encouraged to adequately research and prepare for the examination.

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Fees

Fees below are applicable for semester 1 2010. Please see key dates for application closing dates.

FPA member - $1,235
Non-member - $1,955

Important note regarding withdrawal: 
Withdrawal applications received by Friday 10 September 2010 are subject to a partial refund.  No refund is payable for withdrawal applications received after this date.

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Key dates for 2010

Note: The financial plan and the observation documents must be received by the due date. You should allow sufficient time for postage to meet these deadlines. However, we will make some accommodation for late submissions, provided they are postmarked on the due date. Faxed or emailed submissions will not be accepted.

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Applying and enrolling

Current enrolments:

Enrolment forms: New
                          Repeat (enrolled in CFP5 in 2009, and semester 1 in 2010)

Next enrolment period:

Semester 1, 2011 applications

Withdrawing

Withdrawal form: Download

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Handbook

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Login to FPA online Student Subject Rooms

Student Subject Rooms > Login

FPA's dedicated student website allows you to:

• Access final results
• View your assessment timetable and exam dates, times and venues
• Access dedicated subject rooms containing online study resources 
• Update your SMS results contact information

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Guide to CFP^® Certification
CFP^® Certification Assessment Handbook
Using your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP^® certification marks
CFP^® Marks use pocket guide
Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct

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