FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Framework

Financial Planning Curriculum Learning Level Descriptor

A curriculum learning level descriptor describes the demand placed on a learner by a qualification’s education program. All qualification frameworks demonstrate progression in learning by using level descriptors to describe the level of abilities, skills and knowledge a student must master to be prepared for competent practice. While qualifications with the same level descriptor are broadly similar, the qualifications’ education programs and curricula can differ in terms of content and duration.

FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Learning Level Descriptor establishes the overall level at which a financial planning education program should be delivered. While the level at which a specific module or subject within the program is delivered could fall below or exceed the recommended level, in aggregate, the student should master appropriate abilities, skills and knowledge at the recommended level to prepare him or her to competently and ethically practice financial planning. While knowledge, comprehension and application form part of the educational requirements of each module or subject, the student is expected to master and integrate the financial planning education program content at the analysis, synthesis and evaluation levels.

FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Learning Level Descriptor enables educators around the world to align the level of their financial planning education programs to FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Framework thereby creating greater national, regional and global consistency in the delivery of financial planning education and training and in the preparedness of students to competently and ethically practice financial planning.

Educators should deliver financial planning modules, courses or programs at a sufficient level of instruction that ensures the successful student is able to:

Knowledge

•    Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding (including critical understanding of theories and principles) of the practice of financial planning, as described by FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile and Financial Planning Curriculum Framework;

•    Apply advanced knowledge and understanding, and devise recommendations, sustain opinions and solve problems that indicate a professional approach to the practice of financial planning, as described by FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile and Financial Planning Curriculum Framework;

•    Collect, analyze and synthesize appropriate data to develop strategies and make judgments and recommendations that take into consideration relevant social, scientific, legal or ethical issues;

•    Communicate and present information, ideas, problems and solutions on financial planning matters to both specialist and non-specialist audiences; and

•    Develop the learning skills necessary to continue further study with a high degree of autonomy.

Skills

•    Apply advanced skills, demonstrating mastery and innovation, in solving complex and unpredictable problems in the field of financial planning.

Abilities

•    Reflect the competence to demonstrate, in study and practice contexts, the Financial Planner Abilities described in FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile;

•    Reflect the competence to manage complex technical or professional activities or projects in the field of financial planning, with responsibility for decision-making; and

•    Reflect the competence to take responsibility for continuing professional development in the field of financial planning.