Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) celebrated a significant achievement in the CFP® Professional Competency Examination (PCE) in July: two students ranked among the top five candidates.
According to results released by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) earlier this month, one MBSE student claimed fourth place, while another tied for the fifth/sixth position.
In addition to these top results, MBSE students demonstrated a strong overall performance. The pass rate of MBSE students was notably higher than the average, and their average marks exceeded those of their peers.
According to Edel Goldbach, MBSE’s academic manager, these outcomes affirm the effectiveness of MBSE’s approach to education and the dedication of the academic team.
With more than a decade of experience in insurance and financial planning training, MBSE is an accredited private higher-education institution registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and is an accredited skills development provider for the Quality Council of Trades and Occupations.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, the highest qualification currently offered by MBSE at NQF level 8, plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the CFP® PCE.
The Postgraduate Diploma consists of four compulsory modules: financial planning environment, personal financial planning, corporate financial planning, and a case study.
Graduates are well positioned to sit the PCE and pursue the prestigious Certified Financial Planner® designation.
Goldbach says students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma through MBSE undergo a highly demanding programme, featuring rigorous formative and summative assessments.
“These assessments are designed to ensure they develop the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed to serve both personal and corporate clients in a professional, competent, and ethical manner. As Aristotle aptly put it, ‘The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet’, a sentiment that perfectly captures the essence of their journey.”
Upcoming changes to the CFP® examination
From 2025, the FPI will introduce the Capstone Project, replacing the current format of the CFP® PCE.
The Capstone Project is designed to assess not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical application of financial planning skills through a comprehensive financial plan. This shift will focus more on real-world problem-solving, moving away from traditional exams towards a more integrative approach.
MBSE is well positioned for this transition. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning already underscores practical and relevant case studies, assessing students on their ability to apply knowledge rather than simply testing memorisation or understanding. With a programme structured around real-world scenarios, MBSE ensures that students are well prepared for this shift in assessment style.
Monique Brummer, MBSE’s operations manager, says: “This focus on applied learning equips students to excel in the financial planning profession, making them ready for the challenges posed by the new Capstone Project.”
As many top MBSE graduates attest, the online learning platform’s academic staff bring valuable industry experience into the classroom, offering students exposure to practical and useful scenarios that go beyond the purely academic or theoretical.
“At MBSE, we take pride in our students’ success and remain committed to offering high-quality education that prepares future financial planners for both current and evolving industry standards. We congratulate our students on their exceptional performance and look forward to further successes as the financial planning landscape evolves,” Brummer says.
Enrolments for 2025
MBSE offers the following accredited qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
- Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za.
For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za.
