Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the FChFP program?

The Association of Financial Advisors Ltd (AFA) Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner (FChFP) program provides an essential grounding for advisers via the recognition of the role of ethics and compliance in the financial advice industry and the importance of their incorporation into business practice.

The AFA's Executive FChFP Program is made up of four courses:

• Ethics & Compliance in Practice;
• Client Engagement & Advice;
• Understanding, Applying & Implementing Financial Solutions; and
• Managing an Advice Business.

2. What is the International reputation of FChFP

FChFP denotes the designation of Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner. 'Chartered' being an indication of the high level of professional competency required and is recognised by all 11 members of the Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA) represented in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

3. What are the course entry requirements?

The pre-requisites for enrolling in the AFA FChFP program are as follows:

• Membership with the AFA.
• Evidence of at least 3 years' continuous practitioner experience with an Australian Financial Services Licensee (AFSL). Candidates with less than 5 years experience may enrol in FChFP but will not receive the FChFP designation until they have fulfilled the experience component.
• Evidence of current representative status with an AFSL.
• Evidence of completion of the Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) or approved equivalents.

For a full list of accepted equivalents, please view our Policies page in the Course Prospectus

4. Should I study by distance learning?

The distance learning program allows a degree of flexibility for those who wish to undertake FChFP courses at their own pace or are restricted from attending the intensive workshops.

Each of the four courses can be undertaken as follows:

• 12 week distance based study during which candidate completes a practice-based assignment (approx 2,500 words) and prepares for examination.
• Candidate sits examination (1.5 to 2 hour open-book), submits assignment to assessor panel.

Self-paced learning is ideal if you are remotely located or just can't take the time off work. You will be assigned an experienced professional facilitator and financial planner, who will be available by telephone and email to provide speedy assessment feedback.

You will have three months to complete the distance learning course. You can apply for an extension in writing so long as your application is received within this four month period.

5. If I am not an AFA member can I still enrol in the units?

Yes, but you will not be able to get the discounted AFA Member course rate.

6. Once I successfully complete the FChFP, what abbreviation can I use on my business cards?

You will be entitled to use the letters FChFP as long as you are a AFA Member and have been practicing for at least five out of eight years.

7. What Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available?

To be assessed for RPL, you will need to provide academic transcripts for:

1. Business Course. Requires Degree or Masters academic transcript that shows courses completed for Marketing (AFA 2) and/or Business Strategy (AFA 4):
2. CFP Course. Requires CFP academic transcript that shows courses completed for Ethics and Compliance (AFA 1) and FP Strategy (AFA 3):
3. Financial Planning Courses. Requires Degree or Masters academic transcript that shows courses completed for Ethics and Compliance (AFA 1) and FP Strategy (AFA 3);

RPL’s may be awarded up to a maximum of three AFA Executive FChFP Courses. Where a student claims RPL for all 4 courses (e.g. CFP in 2004 and MBA), they will need to do Ethics and Compliance (AFA 1)