Frequently Asked Questions

It is compulsory for all individuals to register with the IFPHK as a Candidate before one is eligible to proceed with his/her AFP Certification.  One must possess valid Candidacy before he/she can enroll to an education program or register for an examination. The IFPHK Candidates will, from time to time, receive useful study tools such as sample questions, exercises, study guides, education and examination schedules and much more.

The AFP Certification consists of a 120-hour education program and a three-hour examination paper.  The IFPHK recognizes your academic and professional qualifications and depending on your background, you may be allowed self study for the examination.  Please refer to information on the requirements for AFP Certification.

Individuals are required to make their Candidacy registration at the IFPHK website.

To become eligible for AFP Certification, individuals must maintain continuous annual registration until he/she becomes an AFP certificant.

Click here for fees associated with the Candidacy.

Graduates with Bachelor's Degrees awarded by accredited educational institutions can self-study through the AFP Certification Education Program, and directly attempt the CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level).

Master's Degree holders in Economics or Business Administration awarded by accredited education institutions can self-study through the AFP Certification Education Program, and directly attempt the CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level).

Depending on which professional designation you possess, you may be eligible to self-study through the AFP Certification Education Program, and directly attempt the CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level). You may refer to the List of recognized qualifications for CFP certification for further information.

Upon your successful registration as an IFPHK Candidate, you may register for the education program through the following three approved education providers (in alphabetical order):

1. Institute of Executive and Professional Development (IEPD), Macao University for Tourism (UTM)
2. Macau Institute of Management (MIM)
3. School of Liberal Arts (SLA), Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST)
4. School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPACE), The University of Hong Kong
5. UOW College of Hong Kong (UOWCHK)

Schedule may vary among the education providers. Please check on the websites of the education providers or the IFPHK.

The education curriculum is available at the IFPHK website.

Self-study is only offered to Candidates with Bachelor's Degrees or above awarded by accredited educational institutions and holders or certain professional qualifications. You may review the List of recognized qualifications for CFP certification of "Pathway to CFP Certification". If you do not possess any academic or professional qualifications as stated above, but you have completed certain Sub-Degree/Higher Diploma program that are eligible for applying transcript review, you may be exempted from taking the education program.

The Examination Syllabus is available at the IFPHK website.

Click here for the current examination fees for CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level).

Candidates admitted through "Pathway to CFP Certification" can log into a designated area in the IFPHK website will be provided to you to get the updated information including a study guide, exercises and sample examination questions.

The CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) will be held FOUR per year usually in MARCH, JUNE, SEPTEMBER and DECEMBER.

Yes.  The examination is set in two languages: English and Traditional Chinese. Should any discrepancy and/or inconsistency exist between the English and the Chinese versions, the English version of examination papers shall prevail and IFPHK has the final discretion.

CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) consists of around 95 - 100 multiple choice questions.

The time allowed for CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) is 3-hour.

The pass scores for the CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) will be determined in accordance with standard pass-score procedures for certification examinations. Because of the procedures adopted, the pass scores may vary from examination to examination and are not disclosed. You may refer to the Examination Handbook  if you wish to learn more about the pass score.

There is no limit on the maximum number of re-sitting examinations.

1.    An examination fee reduction is available for Candidates retaking the same examination.

You need to fulfill 4E requirements being that you have to:

· Complete the AFP Certification Education Program;

· Pass the CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level);

· Possess ONE year of qualified working experience; and

· Abide by the IFPHK’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility

NO. Once you attain your CFP Certification, the IFPHK will automatically change your status as a CFP certificant and you are no longer eligible to claim yourself as an AFP certificant.

Click here for details of the certification fees.

AFP Certification aims at providing individuals with multiple abilities to handle the common needs of clients, including:

1. Ability to identify the client’s objectives, needs and values
2. Ability to identify and collect information required for making financial advice
3. Ability to assess collected information to formulate advice for consumption, retirement, investment products and personal risk management insurance products

CFP Certification aims at providing individuals with knowledge and skills in ALL areas of financial planning. Additional abilities include:

1. Ability to synthesize the collected information to develop and evaluate strategies for developing a financial plan
2. Ability to construct, manage and review an investment portfolio
3. Ability to assess collected information to formulate advice in ALL areas of financial planning

The following table illustrates the core content of the AFP Certification and the CFP Certification: