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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93710  Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is an undergraduate qualification that offers a combination of theory and practice in the area of financial services. Qualifying learners will develop:
  • An integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and application of specific issues in financial planning.
  • Research skills, financial planning skills as well as skills in communication.
  • Skills that relate to advice on financial services products.

    Rationale:
    The Qualification aims to:
  • Contribute to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development.
  • Empower learners with financial planning knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to function and progress in a financial services related field.
  • Recognise and cater for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment.
  • Meet the needs of learners in a variety of positions in the financial services industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification may be obtained in wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:
  • It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Such 'non-standard' learners will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisation/company.
  • Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:
    > The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
    > Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
    > The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
    > Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
    > The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
    > The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum level of attainment required for entry into this qualification is a:
  • A relevant Higher Certificate.
    Or
  • An equivalent qualification.

    In addition to the above admission criteria, the following will also be considered:
  • Work experience.
  • A detailed motivational letter and CV.
  • Prior learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of six compulsory modules all at NQF Level 6 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Financial Planning Environment, 20 Credits.
  • Personal Financial Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Business Financial Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Practice Management, 20 Credits.
  • Income Tax Planning, 20 Credits.
  • Integrative Module (Project), 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A learner attaining this qualification will be able to:
    1. Describe the financial planning process in detail.
    2. Describe, explain, analyse and synthesise financial planning concepts.
    3. Analyse a variety of products and make an informed decision based on the client's needs and suitability of the product to the need.
    4. Provide a comprehensive financial needs analysis to a client.
    5. Record the advice process as per regulatory requirements.
    6. Analyse market conditions, regulations, investment products, risk products and provide solutions to clients based on their financial need.
    7. Implement a monitoring process for client feedback and re-evaluation.
    8. Provide and implement a business management operation in line with FAIS compliance requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way to some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Theory and principles are applied in a work-based context.
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes.
  • Knowledge of the financial services sector is demonstrated.
  • Research skills are displayed in solving work related problems.
  • Knowledge acquired is communicated.
  • An understanding of how to manage resources and processes is demonstrated in a business context.
  • Ideas and interests are articulated and promoted through effective communication in written modes.
  • An understanding of socio-economic challenges in South Africa is demonstrated.
  • An ability to propose solutions to problems is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learner's competencies will be assessed in an integrated way utilising both formative and summative assessments.

    Assessment centres on:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through modules.

    These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was benchmarked against similar international qualifications as depicted below.

    The Chartered Insurance Institute in the United Kingdom (UK) offers a Certificate in Financial Planning which is a relevant learning pathway for those employed in support or ancillary (non-advisory) functions in the financial advice market. It provides a solid grounding in the financial services market in general and financial planning advice in particular. The Certificate develops knowledge and understanding of:
  • Regulatory issues.
  • The mechanics and purpose of the main investment products.
  • The process of giving advice to clients.

    The qualification consists of the following modules:
  • UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics.
  • Investment and Risk.
  • Retirement Planning.
  • Integrated Financial Planning.
  • Long Term Care Insurance.
  • Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics.
  • Financial Protection.

    Georgetown University, Washington, D.C, in the United States of America, offers a Certificate in Financial Planning which is designed for established financial professionals and working professionals entering the field. The Certificate aims to:
  • Develop as informed, competent, and ethical financial planners and leaders in the financial planning industry.
  • Acquire the knowledge, skills, and ability to advise individuals, families, and small businesses.
  • Prepare for the CFP exam.

    This qualification consists of the following six modules that focus on the theory and practice of personal financial planning:
  • Capstone Course in Financial Planning.
  • Estate Tax Planning.
  • Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance Planning.
  • Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management.
  • Retirement and Employee Benefits.
  • Taxation of Persons, Property and Other Entities.

    Conclusion:
    The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning compares favourably in general module content, as well as in level and duration (one year), with those international qualifications used for comparison. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities for the qualifying learner:

    Horizontal articulation with other qualifications, at NQF Level 6 includes the:
  • Advanced Certificate in Banking Services.
  • Advanced Certificate in Micro Finance.
  • Advanced Certificate in Business Management.

    Vertical articulation with other qualifications, at NQF Level 7 includes the:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Planning.
  • Bachelor of Business Science in Finance. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.