The Financial Planning Association intends to assess the quality of its members’ entry-level financial planning courses. The association stepped away from providing entry-level education this year after suffering large losses in 2003.

Members will have their courses assessed by the Quality Education Accreditation Committee. If successful, they will gain accreditation.

CEO Kerrie Kelly says the assessment is designed to lift professional standards in the industry.

“Accreditation will reassure students and employers as to the quality and integrity of the course and give consumers the confidence that their advisers have achieved respected professional qualifications.”

Courses will be accredited for three years and will be audited each November. The first closing date for 2005 applications is February 2, with approved applications effective April 1.

Thereafter, closing dates are May 4, August 3 and November 2, for effective dates of July 1, October 1 and January 1 2006 respectively.