The way Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) structured and ran the Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (HCWM) made completing the qualification manageable and a pleasure, even while working full time, says Etienne Janse van Rensburg, who was one the HCWM’s top students in 2021.
Click here to find out more about the Higher Certificate in Wealth Management or to apply.
Note: The deadline to apply for MBSE’s NQF 8, NQF 6 or NQF 5 qualifications in the first semester of 2022 is 31 January (see below).
One of the qualification’s other top three achievers, financial adviser Jacques de Villiers, says he would definitely recommend studying through MBSE.
“I have a couple of people in my life that have or are studying through distance learning, and every time we have a chat, Moonstone is by far the winner in terms of ease of use, support, quality and professionalism. I will recommend Moonstone any day, as it is the place where hopes and dreams can come alive.”
Top student Adriaan Barnard, also a financial adviser, is also happy to recommend Moonstone, because “the whole process was enjoyable, and the support was world class”.
Janse van Rensburg, who is an employee benefits consultant, decided to study for the Higher Certificate to obtain 120 credits to fulfil the fit and proper requirements. He also sees it as a stepping-stone to obtaining the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
He decided to study at MBSE because he had written his RE5 exam through Moonstone.
“I was also specifically looking for a course which could be done entirely online. Moonstone offered a well-rounded, balanced online course which ticked all the boxes in this regard. I found this to be a great way to work through the study material at my own pace as and when I was able to, while still meeting the deadlines set for each of the course requirements.”
De Villiers says the decision to choose MBSE was easy. “My wife and I completed our RE5 and RE1 assessments through Moonstone and realised just how professional and dedicated Moonstone personnel are.”
De Villiers says he was somewhat nervous when he started on the qualification, as it was the first time in 22 years that he had studied. However, he says Edel Goldbach, MBSE’s Academic Manager, and her team “made me feel at ease from the first interaction and it was all smooth sailing from there”.
Barnard says he decided on MBSE because it is reputable, and the communication was fast and efficient.
Lecturers are helpful and knowledgeable
Janse van Rensburg says he had “a great experience” studying for the Higher Certificate.
“MBSE is very professional, and the lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, which goes a long way when providing high a quality of teaching.”
He says the course is very well thought out and structured.
“All the course material is also kept up to date, so relevant and current changes are considered, meaning students learn what is relevant and are not being taught outdated or irrelevant material. There are also numerous mock exams to work through to test your knowledge and understanding. Additionally, the lecturers often arrange online sessions for students who wish to attend or need assistance working through the study material with practical examples.”
Barnard says he “thoroughly enjoyed” studying for the Higher Certificate, and the course content is valuable to any financial planner.
Both he and De Villiers particularly enjoyed the modules on business insurance and tax in financial planning.
“I have several clients that own businesses, and tax is a vital role in their planning,” says Barnard.
He says the qualification has already benefited his work as an adviser, because it gives him confidence when discussing financial planning with high-net-worth individuals.
De Villiers says his advice now has more depth and he is able to assist his clients with a broader range of needs.
Realistic pace
Many MBSE students work full-time and face the challenge of balancing their work and study commitments.
Janse van Rensburg says structuring the modules to time frames with incremental deliverables, which could be achieved at a realistic pace, “made it easy to keep studying”, as was having the study material available online through the student portal.
De Villiers says the support he received from his family kept him going when, feeling overwhelmed by work and studies, he wanted to quit.
Janse van Rensburg has registered with MBSE for the Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning. Thereafter he plans to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, so he can write the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa’s competency board exam and obtain the CFP designation.
Barnard and De Villiers also intend doing the Advanced Certificate.
First semester deadline looms
MBSE offers the following NQF 8, NQF 6 and NQF 5 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)
The deadline to apply for these qualifications in the first semester of 2022 is 31 January.
MBSE also offers two NQF 4 qualifications:
- Further Education and Training: Short-term Insurance
- Further Education and Training: Wealth Management
You can register for the two FETC qualifications at any time during the year.
Click here for more information about our qualifications.
