Financial Management (Financial Planning)

Looking for a flexible, part-time way to learn the skills of financial planning? BCIT’s associate certificate program gives you hands-on, applied learning for the essential skills of finance and investment. Whether you’re new to the industry and hoping to start an exciting career, or if you’re already working in financial planning and hoping to further your skills, clients, and income, this part-time program gives you just the skills you need.

About the program

• Part-time, on-campus
• 8-course program to Associate Certificate
• 4-course option to write CFP certification exam

To learn more about what the associate certificate program can do for you, see the Program Details.

Who should complete the Associate Certificate in Financial Planning?

Earning your associate certificate can expand your career options and skills. This program may be of benefit to you if any of the following apply:

• You work as a financial planner and are looking to improve your skills
• You work in a bank that wants a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to gain credibility and meet current hiring standards and Financial Planner (FP) regulations
• You are new to the financial industry and are looking to quickly earn the skills to begin working in an entry-level position
• You are working, but looking to change careers with part-time study
• Have an interest in financial planning and investment and want to learn more before dedicating yourself to a full diploma or bachelor’s program

To begin your journey to an improved career today, visit the Entrance Requirements page to apply.

What grads can do

Graduates of the program who already work in the field hold more credibility than previously and often move on to gaining more and larger clients, which translates into more income. Students who begin the program with no previous experience can expect to be qualified for entry-level positions across the country starting at $30-35,000 plus commissions.

Additionally, many graduates of the program may continue their studies to earn a diploma or bachelor’s degree to enhance their skills, open even more job prospects, and increase their earning and promotion potential.

To learn more about the types of opportunities available to graduates, visit the Graduating and Jobs page.

Students intending to pursue the CFP® designation have the option of completing just the core curriculum courses to help qualify to write the CFP® Level 1 exam:

• FMGT 1810 – Personal Financial Planning 1
• FMGT 3430 – Taxation and Financial Planning
• FMGT 3600 – Security Analysis
• FMGT 4810 – Personal Financial Planning 2

Although not a core curriculum requirement, students who have not previously studied introductory accounting are strongly encouraged to complete FMGT 1152 – Accounting for the Manager before completing FMGT 3430 – Taxation and Financial Planning.

About Flexible Learning

Take a single course, or work towards a credential — all at a pace that’s right for you.

Part-time courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible day time delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (April).

To apply to this Flexible Learning program and earn your credential, you simply need to submit a program application. Applications are processed throughout the year.

Bring your own device

Most courses and programs in the School of Business + Media are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Please ensure you bring a laptop to every class. Plug-in outlets will be provided at most stations in classrooms, but not in all classrooms, so please ensure you have at least 2 hours of battery life available at the beginning of each class. Check the following recommended computer requirements prior to the start of class. If a program or course does not require you to provide your own device, that information will be provided by your instructor or indicated in the course outline.

For online classes, it is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content.

Important Updates to Flexible Learning

English Requirement: Find out more.

With just eight courses to complete your associate certificate in financial planning, this program gives you the most focused training to improve your career with part-time study. You also have the option of accelerated study with four courses to write your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam.

Please note: part-time programs and courses are open enrolment and although we make every effort to accommodate demand, course registration cannot be guaranteed in every semester. High demand courses fill quickly and may result in students unable to register for a course that semester. Courses may also be cancelled due to low enrolment.

This part-time program consists of just eight courses and is designed to give working professionals and people new to financial planning a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. As part of the associate certificate training, you’ll study key aspects of investment and economics that you can use immediately in your current job, or to help you prepare for a new career in financial planning.

By completing your associate certificate in financial planning, you’ll be earning valuable experience and training to help you succeed in your chosen field. Currently, job prospects are strong and getting stronger with more opportunities for financial planners and associated jobs.

Graduates with no previous industry experience can expect to qualify for positions earning $30-35,000 per year, plus commissions, while experienced financial advisors can expect to see their current income rise with more and larger clients. Graduates with experience can also begin their own contracting business, working solely on commission, where very skilled planners can earn up to $180,000/year.

Some job opportunities include:

• Financial Planner
• Financial Advisor
• Investment Advisor
• Assistant Financial Planner

For program related inquiries, please reach out to:
fmgtpts@bcit.ca

Deacon Devlin
Flexible Learning Coordinator – Accounting, Finance, and Insurance
604-412-7453 | Deacon_Devlin@bcit.ca

Contact a Flexible Learning Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:

• Course selection and program planning
• Declaring your program
• Making changes to your approved program plan
• Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
• Laddering options
• Job placement and graduate outcomes
• Student life