The Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) has released the Financial Planning Body of Knowledge (FP-BoK), which provides a compendium of all the detailed knowledge expected of a CFP professional and FPSC Level 1 certificant, stated the FPSC in an announcement Sept. 12.

“Together with the revalidated FPSC Competency Profile, the FP-BoK serves to further define the knowledge and competencies expected of CFP professionals and FPSC Level 1 certificants in Canada, and the differences between the two,” says the organization.

12 knowledge topics

The FP-BoK is made up of 12 knowledge topics detailing the knowledge expected of financial planning professionals in all financial planning areas. Also provided are accompanying case studies illustrating the application of knowledge in each topic.

The FP-BoK is intended to serve as a resource for financial planning students and educators. It is also aimed at helping financial services industry firms to provide clarity as to the knowledge they should expect from financial planning professionals they recruit or manage, says the FPSC.

Clearly defined and more consistent

“The Financial Planning Body of Knowledge lays the foundation for more clearly defined and more consistent delivery of financial planning throughout the profession,” says FPSC President and CEO Cary List. “This comprehensive publication will serve to solidify the place of FPSC Level 1 certification and CFP certification as true professional credentials.”