Anthony Oppedisano CFP® has been working in the financial planning profession since 1999. Over the last 10 years, he has led teams of financial planners, while providing advice as required. He shares his insights on the CFP® Certification Program.
1. Why did you decide to undertake the CFP® Certification Program?
I recognise that we need to continue to increase the level of professionalism in our industry and education is one key way to do this. I see the CFP® Certification Program as being the new standard that financial planners in the profession hold themselves to and on that basis, I felt it was important to achieve the designation.
As a planner with StatePlus, it’s a requirement to undertake the CFP® Certification Program, as everyone in the organisation views this as being the gold standard. Approximately 70 per cent of StatePlus planners are CFP® certified and StatePlus is working with the remaining planners to achieve the certification.
2. What were your aims, objectives and expectations in undertaking the CFP® Certification Program?
My aim in undertaking the CFP® Certification Program was to further develop both professionally and technically, with the ultimate aim to complete the program and attain the CFP® designation.
The program was challenging and time-consuming. The sense of accomplishment on completing the program was definitely worth the investment of time and effort.
3. What are some of your best study tips for completing the CFP® Certification Program?
Make sure you have plenty of time set aside and a study routine that suits your schedule and allows you to complete the requirements for all subjects. It helped that, in our office, there were at least two team members completing the individual subjects at the same time, so we were able to form a study group.
In the absence of peer support, I strongly encourage students take advantage of the study groups made available by the FPA. I would also recommend attending the webinars provided. These were a valuable source of guidance in completing the course requirements.
4. What did you like about the CFP® Certification Program and what areas of it can be improved?
I enjoy learning, so some of the areas of advice that we are not involved in on a day-to-day basis were of particular interest. The course requirements were also of a nature that allows students sufficient time to complete the requirements at their own pace and in their own routine.
The only area of improvement that I would consider is potentially an optional localised workshop from an industry professional to aid the learning process.
5. What does it mean to you, your employer and your clients to be a CFP® professional?
Personally, I have a sense of pride in being a CFP® professional and feel a sense of fulfilment in having completed the program. My employer shares my views with regard to the CFP® Certification Program and the need to continue to develop professionally, so as to increase the professionalism of the industry.
Most importantly, for the client, it means they can take comfort from the thought they are receiving advice from a planner and business that upholds the highest professional standards. The CFP® designation represents a strong level of education, capability and understanding for the industry, resulting in the highest quality advice to enhance a client’s personal circumstances.
6. What advice do you have for any planner considering undertaking the CFP® Certification Program?
The standards of our profession will, and should, continue to rise. I believe the CFP® designation will form a big part of this increase in professionalism. As challenging as the CFP® Certification Program may be, I am a firm believer that continual professional development is vital. The sense of achievement in completing the CFP® designation is well worth it.
Name: Anthony Oppedisano CFP®
Educational Qualifications: CFP®, Grad DFP, BAppFin
Position: Regional Manager
Practice: StatePlus
Licensee: StatePlus
FPA Professional Practice: Yes
Began the CFP® Certification Program: 2015
Started financial planner: 1999
