Ready for an Exciting Future in the Finance profession? Here's How the CFP® Can Get You There!
Are you serious about having a career in Financial Planning or Wealth Management? Are you unsure of what steps to take? The Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation is a globally respected and internationally recognised certification that will provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and credibility to excel in this field. In this blog, we'll explore why you should strongly consider the CFP, how it can benefit your career and what you’ll need to do to get the designation. You will see how getting this certification can lead to an exciting and rewarding career in Financial Planning.
Why QFAs in Ireland should consider the CFP
If you already hold the QFA (Qualified Financial Adviser) designation you should strongly consider the CFP as your next step. The CFP's comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as retirement planning, investments, taxation strategies and estate planning to an advanced level, and will enable you to demonstrate strong expertise in financial planning - thus earning you additional credibility amongst clients and prospective employers. By obtaining this certification, you can set yourself apart from other advisers with your commitment to excellence.
The benefits of the CFP
The CFP designation provides a wide range of benefits for QFAs in Ireland. First, it can lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential. The advanced curriculum is practical, relevant and immediately transferable to what you are already doing on a daily basis and will equip you to confidently provide advice that is very specifically tailored to your clients' needs and goals. Ultimately, in obtaining the CFP credential you demonstrate your commitment towards providing expert financial planning advice.
How the CFP can benefit your career
The CFP designation will, without any doubt, boost your career in the Finance profession. With this certification, you will distinguish yourself from your peers and have a competitive edge amongst other professionals. Having the more advanced skills and knowledge from the curriculum will give you an advantage when advising clients or discussing complex topics with prospective employers. As such, having the CFP allows you to gain recognition for your expertise in financial planning and builds trust among potential employers or clients. By earning the CFP designation you will almost certainly open yourself up to higher paying jobs in Finance, as some employers are now starting to show a preference for candidates who possess advanced certifications like this one. Moreover the CFP is internationally recognised, so it is a designation that can be used globally (subject to meeting local licensing requirements).
What you need to do to get the CFP
If you are a QFA in Ireland considering the CFP designation, there are several steps you need to take. First, you must complete one of the approved programmes of study such as LIA’s Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. This six-module Level 9 qualification can be completed online in as little as 18 months, and along the way you will earn three highly-regarded specialist designations; RPA (Retirement Planning Adviser), SIA (Specialist Investment Adviser) and FPRA (Financial Planning Risk Adviser).
Once you’ve attained LIA’s Postgraduate Diploma you will be eligible to apply for the CFP exam which, in Ireland, is administered by Financial Planning Standards Board Ireland (FPSB). Once this is done, you will be required to meet certain ongoing education requirements in order to maintain your certification. Depending on where you live and work in the future, there may be state or country-specific licensing requirements that must also be fulfilled before being able to use your CFP in that country.
Conclusion
QFAs in Ireland who want to take their career to the next level should seriously consider obtaining the CFP. Whilst the process of obtaining it may seem a little daunting at first, anyone who already holds the designation will tell you that it is well worth the effort. Aside from benefits such as increased skills and knowledge, you will undoubtedly see an improvement in your job prospects and an increase in your earning potential.
So if you’re open to investing in your career, and securing your future in Financial Planning, look no further than the CFP!
Watch our Video to find out more
