PB Program and Examination

The PB Program consists of three types of qualifications: PB Coordinator (entry level), Primary PB (intermediate level), and Senior PB (advanced level). Each qualification is certified by passing each examination. In addition, Senior PB is required to meet two or more years of practical work experience.

PB Program

The learning content of each qualification comprises the seven topic areas as follows:

• - Relationship Management
• - Wealth Management
• - Real Estate
• - Tax
• - Trust and Estate Planning
• - Mass Affluent Clients
• - Professional Ethics

The PB Program is based on the qualification examinations and the qualification renewal system (a two year renewal cycle) which requires to meet the continuing education requirement specified for each qualification.

PB Examination

The examination structure of each qualification is as follows:

PB Coordinator:

The PB Coordinator examination is available at more than 100 venues in all prefectures every day except for national holidays. The examination results can be confirmed immediately at the CBT (computer based testing) exam centers.

The PB Coordinator examination is offered in a CBT format with a set of multiple-choice questions comprehensively covering all seven topic areas (100 minutes).

Primary PB:

The Primary PB examination is available at more than 100 venues in all prefectures every day except for national holidays. The examination results can be confirmed immediately at the CBT exam centers.

The Primary PB examination consists of three units (100 minutes per unit). Candidates may choose the number of units they take at one attempt. Candidates may take all three units of the examination in one day at some exam centers. The Primary PB examination is offered in a CBT format with multiple-choice questions.

• Exam Content
• Unit 1:
  - Wealth Management
• Unit 2:
  - Real Estate
  - Tax
• Unit 3:
  - Trust and Estate Planning
  - Relationship Management
  - Mass Affluent Clients
  - Professional Ethics

Senior PB:

Only Primary PB and CMA holders are eligible to sit for the Senior PB examination. The Senior PB examination is offered twice a year (spring and autumn).

The Senior PB examination is offered in a written format: candidates are require to submit an “Investment Policy Statement” in approximately one month.

PB Qualification Renewal System

Based on the PB Qualification Renewal System, PB qualification holders are required to complete a certain number of points every two years to maintain their qualification by participating in continuing education programs (a minimum of 1 point of professional ethics must be included). Such programs consist of seminars, seminar abstracts and videos and registration fees vary depending on each type of program. PB qualification holders do not need to pay an entrance fee or annual membership fees.

Continuing Education Requirements to renew the qualification

- PB Coordinator: 1 point of Professional Ethics in 2 years
- Primary PB / Senior PB: 15 points in 2 years (1 point of Professional Ethics must be included)