For two top-performing students, the Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (HCert) has delivered more than just technical knowledge – it brought clarity, confidence, and confirmation that they had chosen the right career path in financial planning.
The qualification is offered by Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) and is aimed at individuals looking to enter or grow within the financial services industry.
For Adellé Jordaan, 38, the HCert proved to be a turning point in her professional development. Jordaan, who works as office manager at PSG Wealth’s Johan du Plessis office in Preller Walk, described the course as well structured and practical, helping her to deepen her understanding of the financial planning field.
Having entered the industry in 2019 with no formal qualification, she initially learned from colleagues. When encouraged by her employer to study further, PSG Wealth supported her with a bursary, while Du Plessis covered the remaining costs. After writing her RE5 with Moonstone, she enrolled for the HCert in 2023 and is now pursuing the Advanced Higher Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6).
Jordaan said the HCert helped her to grow in both confidence and competence.
“Completing the Higher Certificate gave me both direction and confidence. It solidified my goal of becoming a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) and motivated me to pursue further studies. It’s also opened new doors, including potential roles as a para-planner or associate adviser.”
Ingre Oosthuizen, 43, a financial adviser based in Rosebank, said she had to complete the qualification to continue working in the industry. Initially uncertain about her new career direction, she found that the HCert shifted her mindset.
“Before starting with the qualification, I was unsure if the new career path I chose was the one I wanted to follow. After completing my studies, I have a positive and dedicated outlook to not only excel, but to achieve my new goals.”
Learning that transfers to the workplace
Offered at NQF Level 5, the HCert consists of four compulsory modules – Financial Planning Environment Fundamentals, Risk Planning Fundamentals, Investment and Retirement Planning Fundamentals, and Introduction to Tax in Financial Planning – along with one elective, selected from Business Assurance Fundamentals, Retirement Funds Fundamentals, or Healthcare Benefits Fundamentals.
The course is recognised by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority for all product sub-categories of Category I Financial Service Providers and meets the Fit and Proper competency requirements of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act. It also fulfils the educational requirement for the REGISTERED FINANCIAL PRACTITIONER™ (RFP™) designation awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.
Both Jordaan and Oosthuizen pointed to specific modules that had the greatest impact on their professional thinking.
Oosthuizen cited the Retirement and Investment Planning module as particularly influential.
“This had the most impact on my business, as it is an integral part of my business model in helping my clients and ensuring I have the best knowledge when doing their financial planning.”
For Jordaan, the Financial Services Sector module stood out.
“It broadened my understanding of industry players, financial products, legislation, and the importance of ethics – helping me see financial planning as a structured, ethical profession with real social and economic value.”
Both said the course helped them to apply their learning in real-world settings. Oosthuizen, for instance, drew on her training when assisting a client’s family after the client passed away.
“It made a big difference, not only in the beneficiaries’ lives, but my confidence in communicating and planning with knowledge.”
Jordaan said she used the course content in client onboarding.
“I used what I learned to assess clients’ current financial positions and identify their needs through a proper financial needs analysis, helping to build better, more tailored financial plans.”
Flexible study, real support
The HCert can be completed in one academic year full-time or over two years part-time. As a distance learning programme, MBSE offers flexible study options for working professionals. Students can register at any time and work at their own pace using a user-friendly online platform that complies with the South African Qualifications Authority’s requirements.
Oosthuizen said she followed the provided study plan, even though balancing work, study and home life was often challenging. She set aside extra time during exams, using focus music and repeating mock tests to reinforce her understanding.
Jordaan focused on integrating the content into her daily work, which helped with information retention and showed her the practical value of what she was learning.
“Don’t just memorise – understand the content and apply it to your work. Collaborate with others and stay engaged.”
Both agreed that MBSE’s resources – such as mock assessments and access to lecturers – played a key role in their success. Oosthuizen said the assessments helped her to track her progress.
Jordaan added: “The practical nature of the assessments made the content easier to apply and understand, especially when it came to legislation and real-life client scenarios.”
For those considering the HCert, Oosthuizen offered this advice: “Put in the work, bite the bullet, eat the frog. If you are committed and follow the guidelines, the course has no obstacles or is difficult beyond reach. There is a big support system, and if you already have background in the field, the materials build on the practical application.”
Enrolments
MBSE offers the following accredited qualifications:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
- Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
Apply at www.mbse.ac.za.
For more information, email help@mbse.ac.za.
