To accommodate the scheduling needs and experience levels of
different audiences, the Center offers two formats of the Financial
Planning Program.
The Traditional Program
The Traditional Program leading to the Certificate in Financial
Planning is comprised of an introductory course and five core
courses. At the end of the program, we also offer an optional
review course that summarizes and integrates all the material
previously covered. Upon successful completion of all required
courses, participants will receive a certificate of completion from
St. John's University. Students who successfully complete the
program will be eligible to sit for the CFP(tm) Certification
Examination. St. John's University is registered with the Certified
Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Each course meets for one evening per week, usually from 5:30 p.m.–
8:30 p.m. for eleven weeks. Students typically complete the program
in 18 to 24 months. For specific dates and course fees, please
consult the schedule (see below) or call us at (212)
277-5161.
The Fundamentals of Financial
Planning
This introductory short course
provides students with the fundamentals of financial planning and
acts as a foundation for the core courses in the financial planning
program. Designed for individuals who wish to learn about the field
of financial planning, the fee for this course can be credited
toward a portion of the first core course (Financial Planning, Risk
Management and Insurance Planning).
Financial Planning, Risk Management
and Insurance Planning
The first core course focuses on the principles of financial
planning and risk management. Topics include the financial planning
process; economic environment; time-value of money; legal concerns;
financial analysis and ethical and professional considerations in
financial planning; identification of risk exposures; legal aspects
of insurance, property and liability policy analysis; employee
benefits; social insurance; and medical and disability
insurance.
This course also addresses the use of the financial calculator.
Students not proficient with the financial calculator will be
required to take an additional one-day workshop to improve their
skills.
Investment Analysis Planning
This core course identifies how the
candidate must evaluate a client's risk tolerance level, tax
status, liquidity and marketability needs in order to select the
proper investments. Topics include regulation of securities and
markets; investment vehicles; client assessment; investment theory;
financial markets; strategies and tactics; and modern portfolio
theory.
Income Tax Planning
A review of the fundamentals of
income taxation. Topics for discussion include tax law research
process; tax computations and concepts tax accounting; tax
planning; tax implications of securities; life insurance; annuities
and employee benefits; and hazards and penalties.
Retirement and Employee Benefit
Planning
Provides an overview of personal and
employer-sponsored retirement. Topics include IRAs and tax
sheltered annuities; qualified retirement plans; Social Security
and Medicare benefits; distribution options taxation and income
tax; and tax deductible/benefit limitations.
Estate Planning
This core course covers the
fundamentals of estate planning, including the federal estate tax
system and how it works; estate planning considerations and
constraint tools; and techniques for renewal of estate
planning.
Review Course (optional)
This summary course covers all the
key concepts addressed in the five core courses listed above and is
highly recommended as the last step before taking the national
exam.
The Executive Program
For qualified students who wish to
study at an accelerated pace, we offer the Certificate in Financial
Planning for Experienced Professionals, which is an integrated,
sequential five-course program. Each course meets for six
consecutive Saturdays. This format enables students to complete the
program in one year, while covering the same content and yielding
the same certificate as the Traditional Program series. This
program can also be delivered at a company's location, and the
schedule can be adjusted to meet employees' needs.
The five core courses in
the Executive Program are:
- Financial Planning, Risk Management and
Insurance
- Investment Analysis and Portfolio
Management
- Taxation of Persons, Property and Other Entities
- Retirement and Employee Benefits
- Estate Tax Planning
In addition, students are entitled to take an optional
Review Course, as they get close to the exam date.
The next Executive Program will be offered in Fall
2007.
Call (212) 277-5161 or email cpe@stjohns.edu for a complete
Fall 2007 course list and registration form.