Introduction

Question Format

Level of Complexity

The FPSC Level 1 Examination in Financial Planning

The FPSC Level 1 Examination consists of approximately

The level of complexity generally increases as (1) the

Blueprint sets out the parameters as to what is

95 multiple-choice questions. Questions will be

difficulty of the situation and information to process

assessed on the examination and the percentage value

presented as single independent items or as part of a

increases and (2) the number of variables to consider

assigned to competencies as defined within the CFP

case set of questions linked to a detailed case scenario.

and the need to integrate different variables increases.

Visual C

Level of complexity is broken down into three levels for

Professional Competency Profile (Competency Profile).

The FPSC Level 1 Examination Blueprint guides test

Case Set Questions

10% - 20%

the exam questions: basic, moderate, and high. Levels

developers and the Panel of Examiners in the

Independent Questions

80% - 90%

are illustrated in Visual C.

development of the FPSC Level 1 Examination and

assists candidates in understanding what will be

Basic: 51% to 61%

tested on the examination.

Duration

Every question on the FPSC Level 1 Examination focuses

FPSC Level 1 Examination: 4 hours

primarily on a specific element of competency from the

Competency Profile and may also require integration
across several financial planning competencies.

Content

Application of knowledge of various facets of financial

planning to straightforward financial planning
situations. Questions at the basic level focus on
specific content areas and may require, for instance,
basic calculations, evaluation across single or a small
number of topics, or making simple recommendations.

Content on the examination will be allocated by the

Moderate: 39% to 49%

Examination candidates should use the FPSC

elements of competency outlined in the Competency

Application of knowledge in average financial planning

Level 1 Examination Blueprint together with the

Profile. Percentages are illustrated in Visuals A and B.

situations with multiple variables. Requires the

Competency Profile to focus their studies.

Candidates are also expected to have proficiency in

assessment and processing of a number of elements

Financial Planning Functions

to identify a solution or formulate a recommendation.

the Professional Skills included within the Competency

Visual A

Profile. In particular, Professional Skill 1Professional

Proportionally represents the percentage of content on

complex situations and may require, for example,

Responsibility will be integrated into at least 6% of the

the examination related to Collection, Analysis, and

multistep calculations and the assessment and

examination questions.

Synthesis and graphically illustrates the specific Core

integration of multiple variables and interrelated factors.

Financial Planning Competencies within each function.

High: 0%

The Technical Knowledge listed in the Competency

Profile is also a fundamental expectation though it is

Financial Planning Components

not explicitly weighed on the examination in the same

Visual B

way as are the competencies; candidates will be

Includes weightings for the seven Financial Planning

required to sufficiently apply the knowledge necessary

Components that span across all functions. Refer to

to demonstrate competence in the practice of financial

the Competency Profile for descriptions.

planning throughout the examination.

Questions at the moderate level focus on more

High complexity is defined as the application of

advanced knowledge of complex financial planning
situations involving multiple variables and considerable
integration to analyze situations and form
recommendations. High complexity questions will not
appear on the FPSC Level 1 Examination.

Blueprint: FPSC Level 1 Examination in Financial Planning

Financial
Planning
Functions

14 - 24%

100%

3.1: Synthesizes information

to develop strategies
to create a financial plan

90%

36 - 46%

80%

70%

1.0 - COLLECTION
2.0 - ANALYSIS
3.0 - SYNTHESIS

11-21%

40%

30%

35- 45%

6-16%

FUNDAMENTAL
FINANCIAL
PLANNING
PRACTICES

ESTATE PLANNING

3.0: Fundamental Financial

Planning Practices
Synthesis

1- 5%

RETIREMENT
PLANNING

2.2: Assesses information

to develop strategies

11-21%

6-16%

2.1: Considers potential

opportunities and
constraints to
develop strategies

15-25%

2.0: Fundamental Financial

Planning Practices
Analysis

2-8%

1.2: Collects qualitative

information

1.1: Collects quantitative

information

11-21%
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT

14-24%

TAX PLANNING

ASSET
MANAGEMENT

13-23%

20%

11-21%

10%

0%

9-19%

9-19%

60%

50%

Financial
Planning
Components

1.0: Fundamental Financial

3-9%
Planning Practices Collection

10-20%
RISK MANAGEMENT

Levels of
Complexity

In preparing for writing the FPSC Level

1 Examination, candidates should be
aware of the difference in levels of
complexity for the FPSC Level 1
Examination and the CFP examination.
The FPSC Level 1 Examination content
focuses on generally less complex
financial planning situations in
comparison to the CFP examination.
See reverse for definitions.

50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%

9 -49
3
1%
51-6

HIGH

%
%0

TE
ERA
MOD

IC
BAS

Blueprint: FPSC Level 1 Examination in Financial Planning

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