Integration Of Professional Certification Examinations With The Financial Planning Curriculum: Increasing Efficiency, Motivation, And Professional Success

Abstract

<p>This article provides a theoretical-based rationale and plan of action for educational programs to encourage and create opportunities for the integration of course study with professional exam preparation, while highlighting the complementary benefits for students, academic programs, and the financial services profession. Serving primarily as a model for faculty associated with university-based financial planning education, this article also provides a foundation for future research in this area. In addition, the article presents descriptive information on select designations and licenses currently available that finance and financial planning students could pursue concurrently with coursework.</p>

The What, Why and How of Generic Skills: A Financial Planning Case Study

“…Purnell and Levy (2011) described more specific key attributes which included the ability to gather information, to understand a client's needs and be able to articulate the value of professional financial advice in a complex world of regulation, tax laws and financial product features. In the United States, Goetz et al (2005Goetz et al ( , 2011 has advocated professional practice courses which entail education in generic skills such as negotiation, networking, CV writing, business communication, client management and career planning, as well as professional certification in financial planning exams in order to improve student employability. Furthermore, while the previously mentioned Financial Planning Education Council framework sets a national curriculum for financial planning, it does not go so far as to set a detailed generic skills matrix.…”

A Peer-Based Financial Planning & Education Service Program: An Innovative Pedagogic Approach

“…Student volunteers participating in this type of program develop many of the skills that will be needed after entering the workforce, such as sophisticated abilities in program development, client communication, and public speaking, which will serve to ease their transition into the professional world (Goetz et al, 2005). Students may apply hours of service toward the experience requirements for nationally recognized certifications in financial services such as the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), or Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) professional designations (Goetz et al, 2011). Another developmental benefit of the program is that it instills a sense of importance in community service and ethics among the students participating, consistent with the philosophy and pedagogy of service-learning (Jacoby, 1996(Jacoby, , 2003Palmer et al, 2009).…”

Industry Certifications in Digital Marketing and Media Education: An Examination of Perceptions and Use Among Educators

“…A common issue other business-related disciplines have encountered when integrating certifications into higher education is the sheer number of certifications available in some fields. The financial planning discipline notes close to 100 potential recognized certifications for its graduates (Goetz et al, 2011), while the number of IT certifications available exceeds 100. Thus, other business disciplines have found valuable student outcomes and perceptions from the integration of certifications into higher education, but great complexity exists.…”