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Become A Financial Counsellor

Get Financial Counselling Help

How to become a Financial Counsellor

To become a Financial Counsellor, the first step is to study the Diploma of Financial Counselling and complete the volunteer work placement component.

The Diploma of Financial Counselling comprises 17 units of study. It can be completed full time over one year or part-time over two years. A 220 hour structured work placement (volunteer) is a part of the course. Students are assisted by training providers to locate placement opportunities. Learn more

To practice as a Financial Counsellor you must:

  • hold the Diploma in Financial Counselling; and
  • be eligible for membership of your state financial counselling association (in NSW it’s FCAN); and
  • be employed by a financial counselling agency. 

Financial Counsellors assist people in financial difficulty.

Financial Counsellors provide information, support and advocacy to help people deal with immediate financial problems and minimise the risk of future problems.

Financial Counsellors work in community organisations, and their services are

FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, INDEPENDENT AND NON-CONFLICTED.

Financial Counsellors do not accept fees or commissions and are not financial planners, financial advisers, accountants, debt agreement or debt management firms or companies that advertise budgeting services.

HOW DO I BECOME A FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR?

To become a Financial Counsellor you will need the:
(a) Diploma of Financial Counselling qualification or be studying the Diploma; and
(b) as a part of the Diploma complete 220 hours Work Placement with a Financial Counselling Agency.

HOW DO I APPLY TO JOIN FCAN?

People wishing to join FCAN as a financial counsellor need to meet the qualification requirements and the FCAN ongoing membership obligations and requirements.

Or if you work in the sector you may be eligible to join as an Affiliate member or Credit Advocate member.

Members are obliged to uphold the Code of Ethical Practice, FCAN Constitution, Supervision Policy and National Standards and new members must agree to these also.

Complete the FCAN membership application form, provide a copy of your resume and qualifications. Lodge your application and documents with FCAN and your application is usually approved at the monthly Board Meeting.

To view the Membership Categories and Application/Renewal Form:

Positions Vacant
We advertise Financial Counselling Jobs and Positions Vacant in our weekly member E-Newsletter.

Financial Counselling services are always on the lookout for experienced Financial Counsellors and for people who are interested in volunteering while studying to become a Financial Counsellor.