Prospective students who missed the January deadline to enrol in an accredited qualification offered by Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) need not fret; enrolment for the second semester starting in July is expected to open in March.
When Brian Parsons, a top achiever at MBSE in 2023, decided three years ago to switch careers and venture into financial advice, he quickly realised the importance of having the right qualifications.
On the advice of a friend who is a financial adviser, Parsons signed up for and successfully completed the Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF5) with MBSE in 2022. He continued with the Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF6) in 2023.
Parsons, who works as an independent financial adviser in Sandton, says he chose to finish each course within a year so that, having obtained the qualifications, he could concentrate on his business.
“It is quite challenging in terms of prioritising studies versus work,” he says.
The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (ACPF) provides the skills and knowledge required to provide holistic financial planning services to the “man in the street” and prepares students for further specialised studies in financial planning. The ACFP also addresses the education requirement to obtain the Financial Services Advisor designation awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.
The course consists of five compulsory modules: financial planning environment, business management, corporate financial planning, personal financial planning, and a financial planning case study. Parsons says that he found all the modules equally important building blocks for advising clients in a holistic manner.
Parsons says he found MBSE’s study programmes and guidelines – for example, what you need to study by what date for the semester tests – incredibly helpful.
“I think MBSE understands online learning very well and provides the tools and structures to assist students to succeed.”
He advises prospective students to stick to their study timetables.
“The study material was good. In 2023, there were more explanatory videos, which was great. MBSE uses good examples, recipes, and templates to explain concepts. But it is important to remember it is essentially self-study.”
To master the concepts, he says he focused on doing assessments. If he encountered difficulties, the MBSE lecturers were always there to assist.
Parsons recommends MBSE and the ACPF for those looking to enhance their industry expertise.
“Overall, a great organisation to deal with. Relevant content, knowledgeable and supportive staff,” he says.
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.
