Kaplan Financial Planning Vs The Others

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  Aust on 22/10/2014 - 17:35

  Hi, It might depend on your preferred employer.
  My wife did hers through Kaplan (paid for by her employer provided she passed each Exam) but that was only because the company she worked for made a decision to use them. That was with a Australia wide Insurance broker with a financial services arm if that helps.

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  mcsill on 09/12/2014 - 09:44

  +1

  Hi, I can offer some advice. Just to be totally transparent with my views, I want to inform you that I am a current employee of Mentor. However, my views represent my personal opinion based on my observations, research, and involvement in the industry.

  I have not found any indication or proof that job ads or potential employers prefer graduates from one particular RTO over another. What is important is not the price or the perceived reputation of the company but the depth and quality of the course.

  Don't allow yourself to opt for the cheapest price…because that will ultimately be reflected in the quality you will receive. The press has been awash in the last year with articles of how advisers can obtain a 'qualification' in a number of days and have no real grasp and understanding of the industry. Which has lead to numerous cases of advisers being put under the microscope, cheating, caught out as being unprepared; and ultimately caught up in scandals.

  Not only do you need a to qualify in a course that covers the technical knowledge and skills requirements but you also need to find a course that highlights the practical aspects of the industry: communication, client retention, business growth; ethics; and most importantly continued professional development (CPD).

  In part of your search to find the most comprehensive course available, you must ask questions: What is the completion rate? How thorough is their CPD? What level of support do students receive? Are students treated like a number or an individual? And where do their graduates work?

  An awful lot of RTOs out there operate like factories…churning out qualifications - it is in their best interest because they receive Government funding and the faster they qualify their students the better it is for their bottom line.

  Some courses may vary in price, some may be more challenging and take longer to complete but at the end of the day, the ultimate question you need to ask is: If I complete this course will my understanding be thorough enough to enable me to enter my chosen field with absolute confidence?

  Hope some of this is helpful…

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  DS2k on 07/04/2015 - 23:02

  Hi Rep,

  Have you managed to complete your Dip in FinPlan?
  What advice would you give someone in similar situation?
  I am mainly after qualification as I have done a lot of study in the field.

  How much can I get it for at a min?

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  Willy Bargin on 29/04/2015 - 23:00

  +1

  I completed (1-4) at http://pinnacle.edu.au and completed (5-6 Work paid/has a deal with Kaplan) which is necessary to give advice about margin lending and SMSF :)

  For me the training was better at Pinnacle . (don't know if its still the same) the final exam was a phone mock client.
  Kaplan is very straight and to the point, Financial test on PC in their office. Mostly online

  Some other information found here
  http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1779762

  BTW - most entry level jobs provide the training :)

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  Suse73 on 18/11/2015 - 10:25

  I studied with Monarch Institute (www.monarch.edu.au) finished in early 2015 and I found them good. I was initially told Kaplan was the most well regarded etc but my employer (Westpac) had a few people study through Monarch. They sent me the first module to look at before I enrolled and I guess that gave me confidence after reading it that it was a good course. Personally I'd demand any provider send you a sample of their course material first to view to ensure it's high quality, reads clearly and has relevant examples before handing over hard cash. A friend of mine studied with either Integrity or Mentor (can't remember) and they did the same thing. Good luck :)

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  abh_gup on 17/03/2016 - 02:01

  Mentor education is good if you are already in the industry as they fast track courses very well and completely and more flexible with timings/workshops.
  Kaplan is really comprehensive and better for new students or if you do have the time to commit or are a newbie.
  Pinnacle is good for govt fee help and correspondence learning on a tighter budget.
  Monarch is good enough if an employer pays for it.

  I suggest read up on their websites or go for Kaplan if in doubt or new to FP.

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  Bricher18 on 10/06/2017 - 20:34

  Yeah, financial planning course is very much in demand nowadays as it brings great career opportunities. My niece also want to become a registered investment advisor Las Vegas and really want her to succeed. Told her to take help from http://linkfinancialadvisory.com/ as heard that professional advisors are there to help!

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  hoey888 on 10/06/2017 - 21:45

  A recruiter will look one way; HR department looks at your qualification from RTO and ticks a box. Depends which one ticks your fancy more.

  I've done the Diploma and Advance Diploma from two different institutions in Melbourne and that was an experience. Two very different learning expectations and outcomes. Eg some have open book assessments whilst others are closed book exam format examinations; both for the same RTO minimum qualification.

  mcsill… totally agree with you on your mention points. You get what you pay for. There's a reason why 'certain institutions' are more well known/recognised.

  Tip: If you are looking at staying in the financial planning industry long term and providing advice; consider post graduate qualifications. (CFP, FChFP, Masters… etc). PM me if you have further questions.

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  kdv on 29/06/2017 - 11:53

  Hi,

  Has anyone here done Diploma in Financial Planing with Mentor Education? They have good offer $1323 until tomorrow. How is the study material? Because when I opt for their free trial course I got only assessments to which their advisor said that's how the notes will be.

  I am so confused between Kaplan and Mentor. Is Kaplan notes and education better compared to Mentor/other institutes?

  People from the industry and DFPs Please advice.

  Thank you.

  • 

    Gradesbrah on 30/01/2018 - 10:58

    HI KDV,

    Did you end up taking the course? Any recommendations?

    Thank you

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  stadlec101 on 03/09/2020 - 16:40

  Hey guys,
  Has anyone done the Grad dip of financial planning with Kaplan?? if you have. Hit me up. I have a few questions to ask