What Is the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional® (FPQP) Designation?

The Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^SM (FPQP^®) designation introduces financial planning to professionals with no prior experience and also helps deepen foundational knowledge for support staff with some industry experience. It is offered exclusively by the College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company (CFFP). This article explains the designation, how it differs from the CFP^® mark, and the curriculum to help you decide if it's a good fit for your career.

About the FPQP^® Designation

The foundation of financial planning is developing strong relationships with new and current clients, so you can help them achieve their financial goals. The FPQP^® designation is for those who have no or some financial planning experience and want to start building that foundation. The program covers the main facets in personal financial planning with a focus on practical application, such as estate, tax, retirement, insurance, and investments. Holding the FPQP^® designation demonstrates to clients that you can gather, review, and analyze their financial information and offer a comprehensive picture of their financial well-being.

How Does the FPQP^® Designation Differ from the CFP Mark?

CFP^® certification is a professional designation for financial planners. Also known as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ mark, its governing body, CFP Board, administers the credential. CFP^® professionals are experienced personal financial advisors who take the lead in helping clients create comprehensive plans for meeting their long-term personal financial goals, such as retirement, college tuition, business startup, a home, and so on. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious designations in personal finance or personal financial planning.

Professionals who have earned the FPQP^® designation are part of a financial planning team and often do most tasks associated with financial planning services. Although FPQP^® designees can advise clients, they do not usually take the lead in client relationships.

The FPQP^® Curriculum

The FPQP^® curriculum consists of these 10 modules:

• The Financial Planning Process
• Business Ownership, Cash Management, and the Use of Debt
• The Time Value of Money
• Insurance Basics and Property Insurance
• Life and Health Insurance
• Investment Basics and Strategies
• Retirement Planning
• Tax Implications of Financial Decisions
• Estate Planning Basics
• Case Study and Master Index

The number of study hours is 100 - 125 hours to complete the FPQP^® program, and there is a final exam. This exam has 75 questions, and the passing score is 70 percent or better. Students have 120 days from the date they are provided online access to complete a designation program (including testing and passing the Final Exam). 

The Benefits of the FPQP^® Designation

The FPQP^® mark can set you apart from other paraplanners because it demonstrates you have the knowledge and expertise to provide advice to clients as part of an effective financial planning team. You are better able to assist financial planners and their clients while advancing your own financial career.

Earning the designation is also a sound financial decision. FPQP^™ graduates can generally expect a pay increase after earning the FPQP^® designation. Plus, it can help with your future education plans. By earning the FPQP^™ designation, you can receive credit for the completion of course FP511 General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Client Psychology in the CFFP CFP^® certification education program. This allows you to save both time and money while pursuing multiple credentials.

Considering the FPQP^® Designation?

The FPQP^® designation is well-suited for:

• New finance professionals who want financial planning credentials to advance their career
• Support personnel who work with financial planners and advisors
• Individuals interested in a broad base of financial knowledge to assist with their personal finances

To learn more about how to earn a financial planning designation endorsed by top financial firms, visit the FPQP^® web page.