NZCFS study upswing as deadline loomed

Financial advisers are now required to demonstrate competence standards equivalent to New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) version two - NZCFS5(v2).

Strategi Institute offers individual courses and a range of bundles priced according to specialist strands and delivery method; self-paced online, online but facilitated, in-class and facilitated. The fee for the individual online core strand is $1050 plus $750 for each additional specialist strand. Online facilitated, distance learning (which includes printed materials) and classroom options have higher fees.

Strategi suggests a completion period of six months for a strand or eight to nine months for the entire qualification for part-time study. Some people who went full time completed in a month, says Strategi managing director David Greenslade.

Last August Strategi rolled out fast-track workshops to support advisers who had still not started the level 5 qualification. At the time Greenslade says many people who delayed starting the qualification were struggling to make an income in the tough financial market.