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Financial Services Practitioner
| Program Code: | FSP |
| Campus: | Markham |
| Duration: | 2 Semesters (8 Months) |
| Start Dates: | Fall, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Ontario College Graduate Certificate |
Program Description
This intensive two–semester program is designed to prepare you to be a professional in the area of sales and marketing in the financial services industry. You will develop the skills necessary to build a practice in life insurance, living benefits, wealth management and group insurance. You will also have core competencies in developing comprehensive financial plans to meet the needs of individuals, families and businesses. Developed and delivered by industry experts, this program focuses your studies on sales and marketing skills that provide you with the tools necessary to deliver personal financial services. Graduates of this program complete a portion of the course–work for eligibility to write the CFP’s (Certified Financial Planner) Professional Competency Examination as well as credits towards their CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation. In addition, you can secure one credit (of the ten required) leading to eligibility to write the internationally recognized FLMI designation (Fellow Life Management Institute).
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility:
- Students must possess an undergraduate degree, college diploma or have minimum 5 years of work experience.
- English proficiency at the college level.
Applicant Selection:
- Students must be fluent in the English language, both written and oral. Prospective students may be required to undergo testing to assess literacy skills.
The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.
Fees
Your Career
In just two semesters you can complete the requirements to obtain your Life Insurance License and Mutual Fund License. You will be ready to work in financial services sales and marketing positions in the rapidly growing financial services sector including life insurance, wealth management and financial planning. You will also be able to apply your skills to develop and grow your own independent financial services practice.
Field Placement
This 28–week program provides you with the opportunity to become involved in the actual marketing of financial services products after the first half of the first semester. Placement in a financial institution or distribution organization ensures you’ll have the opportunity to apply your skills by assisting experienced advisors in building financial plans for their customers.
Curriculum
Currently under review:
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| FSP101 | Insurance Licensing Program | 3 |
| FSP102 | Insurance Company Operations | 3 |
| FSP103 | Foundations in Life Insurance and Living Benefit Products | 3 |
| FSP104 | Foundations in Investments, Groups and Specialty Products | 3 |
| FSP105 | Professional Selling Skills for Financial Services Practitioner | 3 |
| FSP106 | Financial Planning Fundamentals | 3 |
| FPL111 | Field Placement - FSP | |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| FSP201 | Canadian Investment Funds | 3 |
| FSP202 | Interpersonal Communication Skills for Financial Planners | 3 |
| FSP203 | Foundations in Investment and Retirement Products | 3 |
| FSP204 | Ethics, Compliance and Professional Development | 3 |
| FSP205 | Contemporary Practices in Financial Planning | 3 |
| FSP206 | Comprehensive Practices in Risk and Retirement Planning | 3 |
| FPL210 | Field Placement - FSP | |
Contact Us
| Student Inquiries: | Lori Pinder Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22015 Email: Lori.Pinder@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Coordinator: |
Sam Albanese |
| Associate Chair: | Jeff McCarthy Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26722 Email: Jeff.McCarthy@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Karen Murkar Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22337 Email: Karen.Murkar@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Director: | Gary Butler Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22600 Email: Gary.Butler@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Salaha Fatima Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22127 Email: Salaha.Fatima@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Susan Gao Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22365 Email: Susan.Gao@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Marc Combetto Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 77435 Email: Marc.Combetto@senecacollege.ca |
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Testimonials
“Sun Life Financial is pleased to partner with the FSP program at Seneca College. We are impressed with the quality candidates that apply to our company after graduating from this program. The program provides an opportunity for students to learn product knowledge and gain valuable skills that are necessary for success in the financial services industry.”
Angela Burdick
Director - Campus Recruiting
Career Sales Force
Sun Life Financial
“Transamerica supports the FSP as it represents a great collaboration between companies in the financial services industry, their distribution partners and a highly regarded and successful community college. The programs's co-op design also lends itself well to effectively bringing people into our industry in a practical and timely fashion.”
Ray McKenzie
Senior VP, National Wholesaling
Transamerca & AEGON Fund Management

