News and Events at Ashton College

Congratulations to the following Ashton CFP grads who successfully completed the CFP National Examination in November 2009. The results were recently released by the Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC).

Minetta McDonald

Wei-Chen Hsu

Ji Ma

Jarrod Merkel

Abeed Virani

Liang Wei Wee

Kitty Wong

Adrien Zhao

Our third CFP Accelerated Program launches in March. The program enables graduates to fast track the academic requirements for the CFP designation. Consisting of periods of self study and in-class learning, the program will suit financial planners with at least three years work experience. Contact Patrick Fowler, Admissions Adviser, for more detailed information or visit the website.

Ashton College and the Canadian Institute of Management (CIM) have renewed their articulation agreement. The agreement provides for the acceptance by CIM of Ashton College courses in the Diploma in Business Administration and the Diploma in Sales and Marketing Management. Graduates of these two programs receive a Certificate in Management and Administration from CIM. The agreement is for four years.

Under changes to the Motor Vehicle Act introduced by the BC Government last fall that take effect on Jan. 1, 2010, drivers will be allowed to use only hands-free cellphones and devices that require only one touch to activate. As of Feb. 1, a driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. In addition, drivers caught texting or emailing will be subject to three penalty points.

 A Certificate in International Legal English is now available through the English Language Centre. The Certificate program is offered over one month and prepares students to write the TOLES International Legal English examinations. Contact an International Admissions Adviser for more information.

Students wanting to apply to StudentAidBC for financial assistance for their studies at Ashton College, can now do so online by visiting http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/ila/. Although paper applications will still be acceptable, the online application process is faster.

The Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC) has announced changes to the CFP certification process effective July 1, 2010.

There are two examination sittings remaining in the current six hour, multiple choice format: November 14, 2009 and June 12, 2010. Candidates who do not pass one of these exams by July 1, 2010, will have to meet the new CFP Certification requirements.

The New Path to CFP Certification (effective July 1, 2010)

1)         Complete an FPSC-approved education program

2)         Apply to write the Professional Competence Examination 1 (PCE1)

3)         Pass the PCE1

4)         Complete a FPSC-approved Capstone course and at least one year of working experience

5)         Apply to write the Professional Competence Examination 2 (PCE2)

6)         Pass the PCE2

7)         Complete two further years of financial planning work experience

8)         Apply for the CFP designation

Prior Credentials

Candidates may be exempt from taking an education program if they hold one of the following professional designations or education credentials:

Certified General Accountant (CGA)

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA)

Member of a Provincial Law Society

PhD in Finance, Business or Economics

Changes to the Part-Time Canada Student Loan Program for study periods starting on or after August 1^st, 2009:

Two key changes are being implemented. With regards to the in-study loan deferral option, you can now either choose to defer payments so that repayment does not begin until 6 months after completion of studies (interest will accrue) or you can make payments while you are in school (first to any accrued interest, then to principal). The maximum part-time principal loan limit has been increased from $4,000 to $10,000. This limit does not include interest.

Visit http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc for more information.