Certificate in Financial Advice
New Zealand's leading online university has partnered with Kaplan Professional, Australia's leading and largest provider of online financial services education, to deliver the premium online Certificate in Financial Advice.
The online Certificate in Financial Advice is built, designed and taught in conjunction with experienced industry practitioners. You will gain practical financial advice skills and specialist knowledge essential for advancement in the industry. Learning takes place in Kaplan Professional's innovative and 100% online learning portal, KapLearn. You will have access to continuous technical support from subject matter experts in a dedicated 'Ask Your Tutor' forum. KapLearn also contains a number of interactive and engaging study resources to enhance your online learning experience.
On successful completion of the online Certificate in Financial Advice, you will meet the new requirements for providing financial advice in New Zealand set in the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services. The competencies and capabilities in this qualification are equivalent to the relevant Level 5 outcomes and have been independently validated by the Skills Organisation (Skills). The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has been notified of the outcome.
Duration and intakes
The duration of each intake is 10 weeks. You will have up to 12 months to complete the Certificate in Financial Advice from your initial enrolment date. However, the qualification can be completed in as little as 10 weeks if you choose to complete two subjects in one intake.
Intakes commence every second month:
- 31 January 2022
- 4 April 2022
- 6 June 2022
- 8 August 2022
- 10 October 2022
- 12 December 2022
This provides you with the flexibility and freedom to plan your studies around your personal and professional commitments.
Who is this programme for?
- Existing financial advisers looking to meet the new education requirements set in the New Zealand Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services
- Those looking to advance their career in the financial services sector
- Individuals looking to enter the industry and become a financial adviser in New Zealand.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the online Certificate in Financial Advice, you will have developed the knowledge and skills to:
- Develop a range of financial advice solutions for clients by applying knowledge of the impact of current economic and financial indicators
- Demonstrate appropriate quantitative and qualitative research in developing suitable advice solutions
- Apply legal, ethical and professional advice conduct obligations to clients
Choose your specialisation
In order to meet the programme requirements, you must complete one compulsory subject in financial advice and one elective subject in a specialist area. The four specialist areas allow you to focus on a particular knowledge area, tailoring your study to an area of interest or to align with career aspirations:
- Investment
- Life, disability and health insurance
- General insurance
- Residential property lending
Entry requirements and fees
You must have an entrance to university qualification (either through Bursaries and Scholarship Examinations, NCEA, New Zealand University Entrance, Admission with Equivalent Status, Discretionary Entrance or Adult Admission*).
The Certificate in Financial Advice is not eligible for Fees Free study. Visit the StudyLink website to check availability and find out more.
*Applicants who are 20 years of age or older, who do not have a university entrance qualification, are eligible for entry provided places are available.
The total fee for the Certificate in Financial Advice is $1,800. This includes a one-year tailored subscription to Ontrack and the short courses within the platform.
Additional elective subjects (specialisations) can be added for $900 each.
In addition, there will be some compulsory non-tuition fees/levies for some qualifications. There may also be charges for activities such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Future study opportunities
On completion of the Certificate in Financial Advice, you will be eligible for entry in the Diploma in Business Studies (Financial Advice Endorsement) with Massey University by completing just two additional subject. You may also be eligible for entry into Massey University’s Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning and Advice) – the only qualification of its kind in New Zealand. This will enable you to delve deeper and broaden your understanding of the financial services industry, while empowering you to stand out from your peers.
Complimentary Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
In addition to the Certificate in Financial Advice, you will also have the added benefit of a tailored one-year continuing professional development (CPD) subscription to Ontrack, Kaplan Professional’s market-leading continuing education platform, and access to additional financial services-focused short courses to further your specialist knowledge and skills.
This comprehensive package offers the most complete offering and value of all providers.
Your Ontrack subscription will provide you with a curated library of specialist content tailored to the New Zealand market. This in-depth, timely and topical content is delivered through engaging and innovative digital modules on a monthly basis. You will also be able to follow a personalised learning plan specific to your role, organisation and CPD requirements.
Maintaining your CPD is a fundamental requirement of the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services.
The following short courses will be available for you to complete in Ontrack:
- Financial Statement Fundamentals – Small and Medium Enterprises
- Understanding and Analysing Financial Statements
- Code of Conduct
- Fraud Awareness
- Cyber Security
- Social Media Management
- Equity and Diversity
- Bullying in the Office