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The Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)

Who Should Enrol?

The Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) is designed for those who want to further their career in the financial services industry by building upon their existing skills. If this is you, then the Pinnacle Advanced Diploma, or specific modules from this program, is the right choice

The Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) can be used as an entry point for those individuals wanting to enter the FPA CFP program.  Students wanting to enter the CFP program should refer to the FPA website for further information www.fpa.asn.au.

The Advanced Diploma should be considered as a study option for:

• senior para-planners, financial planners and financial planning managers
• employees who are expected to continue studying after completing the Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
• students who hold other qualifications (e.g. a Bachelor degree) and are working towards becoming a Certified Financial Planner and entering the CFP program

Note: CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and are certification marks owned outside the US by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. Financial Planning Association of Australia Limited is the marks licensing authority for the CFP marks in Australia, through agreement with FPSB.

Course Structure

 Pinnacle’s course structure allows students to select specific modules that are relevant to their training needs. The full Advanced Diploma program consists of four modules. Details of each module are listed below.

(ADEP) Advanced Estate Planning is a specialist module of the (FNS60404) Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). The module introduces advanced estate planning fundamentals and the advisers’ role in the estate planning process as well as other professionals involved. The module also takes a close look at estate planning structures and discusses the advantages of a testamentary trust and how they are used in estate planning. The section on superannuation and estate planning describes superannuation death benefits in the context of the estate planning environment and compares the tax treatment of death benefits for dependants and non-dependants. Discussed also is estate planning for small businesses, buy/sell agreements and insurance policies. A section on advanced strategies identifies areas that will hinder the success of an estate plan and assists clients in a practical manner with particular areas of concern in relation to beneficiaries and their needs.

(ADIN) Advanced Investment Planning is a specialist module of the (FNS60404) Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). The aim of this module is to examine advanced techniques when constructing investment portfolios, and matching risk and return characteristics for each client. The module begins with an exploration of return, risk, diversification and correlation. It explores specific complex investment products/strategies in detail, namely agribusiness investments, gearing, hedge funds and reverse mortgages. All four areas are analysed with regards to regulation, product features, tax effectiveness/consequences, client suitability, risk, advantages and disadvantages. Case studies are used extensively throughout to demonstrate how these advanced investment concepts can be used in building client strategies.

(ADSA) Advanced SOAs and Practice Management is a specialist module of the (FNS60404) Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Students will learn how to construct a comprehensive, full advice financial plan using the 14-step financial planning process. This module is designed to move students beyond the single strategy plan construction learnt at Diploma level and develop complex strategy recommendations for a range of clients. The module achieves this through presenting all legal, professional and ethical requirements when providing advice, as well as skills including communication, prospecting and effective data collection. It discusses the concepts of needs-based planning, best-practice advice and placing the client at the centre of the service. The last chapter focuses on practice management, human resources, training, information support and marketing.

(ADTX) Advanced Taxation and Superannuation is a specialist module of the (FNS60404) Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). The module outlines the Australian taxation system including the taxation of residents and non-residents, deductions, tax offsets and dividend imputation. FBT and salary packaging explains what salary packaging is and how it can benefit employees. CGT and small business discusses key features of the Australian capital gains tax (CGT) system including calculating capital gains and losses. Business and investment structures are looked at in detail, explaining basic considerations in the selection of investment or business structures. The section on trusts defines a trust and explains the uses and applications of trusts, including their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, advanced taxation, superannuation and social security strategies discusses superannuation strategies such as transition to retirement and non-concessional contributions.

Assessments

The Advanced Diploma has two components of assessment:

• online, open-book multiple choice exam
• module assignments (“projects”)

The general requirements for assessments are identical for both distance only study and face-to-face tutorial support.

• Each module has a minimum four-month enrolment duration (see section 9 for further explanation)
• Students must receive at least 75 percent across all subject areas to pass. Examinations are completed online.
• Course fees cover a total of three examination attempts. Re-sits must be completed before the completion date unless an extension has been granted.

Students who are unsuccessful with a project may attempt it a second time. The resubmission attracts a $60 fee. Note that assignments are referred to as “projects” at Pinnacle

Course Provider

Pinnacle is an innovative, Australian-owned education company. We offer flexible and progressive study programs designed to help students build dynamic careers in the financial services industry.

Pinnacle gained status as a registered training organisation (RTO number 91217) in March 2006, providing accredited training services in the financial services sector. Under its scope of registration, Pinnacle offers the (FNS50804) Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and the (FNS60404) Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Pinnacle’s courses are nationally recognised and meet the rigorous standards set out in the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

More information on the advanced diploma (2mb)

Course cost

The Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) is normally over $2,100 within the industry, but as a special deal for NTAA members, InterPrac is offering the course for $1,788 (including postage & handling).

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