ABSTRACT
This chapter provides background to the investigation of the conceptions of the professionalism of financial planners. It discusses the importance of a body of knowledge with particular reference to the accounting and auditing professions by a discussion of the issues surrounding the emerging body of knowledge for financial planning. The chapter then deals with an analysis of the current certified financial planner certification requirements prescribed by the standard setting and professional associations in the study. It discusses the role played by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in developing a personal financial planning standard. The concepts of profession and professionalism are widely used among many contemporary occupation groups. The literature reveals a common body of knowledge is a trait of a profession. The literature shows evidence of the importance of a common body of knowledge in the accounting and auditing professions. Post-professionalism provides an alternative to how professions can be viewed.
