The Paraplanner Skills Workshop

IFP Paraplanner activities are kindly supported by Scottish Widows

IFP has brought much needed consistency to the description of the Paraplanner role. Check out the IFP Job Competences of a Paraplanner which clearly sets out details of the role..

The Certificate in Paraplanning examination will be available to UK Paraplanners in 2010. Supported by Scottish Widows, the qualification is set at QCF level 4 ( equivalent to first year degree level). This is the first time a qualification has existed in the UK that specifically tests the skill set and competences of a Paraplanner. With its online, multiple choice approach, the examination will also require candidates to supply written responses to questions based on case studies. It will take place in designated testing centres where candidates will complete the examination online. The key benefits of successfully completing the certificate involve the not only the resulting professional recognition but also the further development to relevant skills and knowledge around the Paraplanning process.

IFP will run pilot schemes for the exam in early 2010, with the first public examination expected to take place by the end of Q2.

> Download Paraplanner Qualification Syllabus 

> Download Paraplanner Exam FAQs

PARAPLANNER SKILLS WORKSHOP

This two day interactive programme focuses on the skills, knowledge and competences required by a Paraplanner in a Financial Planning Practice. It’s popular, effective and a great way to improve your skills. Its the ideal preparation for the Certificate in Paraplanning examination too.

> Download the paraplanner training guide

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

• Summary
• Day one
• Day two
• Entry Requirements
• Venues
• Workshop dates
• Workshop fees
• Group size
• Terms and conditions

SUMMARY

On completion of this workshop delegates will be able to:

• Understand the Financial Planning process model
• Produce a client specific net worth statement and income and expenditure statement
• Recognise the interplay between a client's stated objectives
• Identify the assumptions that will be required to produce a client specific plan
• Produce initial calculations using a financial calculator
• Practise Financial Planning analysis using Excel.

Please note: this workshop does not cover specific product recommendations.

DAY ONE:

The day begins with a comprehensive overview and explanation of the six step Financial Planning process that is necessary to follow in every planning situation and the key functions that are performed by the paraplanner. 

The key skill focus on day one is the use of Financial Planning calculators. We consider this to be a fundamental requirement for Financial Planners generally and paraplanners in particular. The session on financial calculator fundamentals forms the foundation for the case study work completed during day one.

DAY TWO:

Day two reinforces the key learning points from the previous day and extends the range of planning awareness by considering the key issues of goals and objectives identification and risk analysis. Similar to day one, delegates work through a case study in order to practice skills and identify/develop the level of knowledge required at particular stages of the six step process. 

Building on the skills associated with the Financial Planning calculator on day one, day two develops this by demonstrating how delegates can perform these tasks using Microsoft Excel. Delegates are shown how to construct simple Financial Planning spreadsheet templates in order to perform a series of "what if" scenarios.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of FPC, Cert FP, CeFA; OR
• One year's experience of working within a Financial Planning business.

VENUES

Confirmation of the venue will be sent to delegates a minimum of one week prior to the workshop.

2010 WORKSHOP DATES

Although we would encourage delegates to attend both days at the same location, it is possible to take day one and day two at separate locations.

WORKSHOP FEES (per delegate)

Included within the price of this workshop is the cost of a financial calculator. VAT is not applicable and travel or accommodation must be booked independently.

> Download Registration Form

GROUP SIZE

Each workshop will take place with a minimum of four and a maximum of ten participants.
The Institute reserves the right to cancel any workshop which does not achieve the minimum number of participants no later than five working days prior to the date of the workshop. In this instance a full refund minus a charge to cover the costs of any materials or a transfer to another workshop will be offered.  The IFP will not be liable for any additional expenses incurred by the attendee.

BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Contact us | FAQs | Useful links | Site map