capstone course in financial planning

Personal Financial Planning Capstone

This capstone course bridges academic coursework with actual practice management, introducing students to the skills and tools needed for developing a comprehensive financial plan for a client.

What you can learn.

Review the financial planning CFP® Board topics, including ethics and principles of communication and counseling
Apply the process and techniques for preparing and presenting a financial plan
Meet the course requirements for the CFP Board education standards

About this course:

Spring 2023 schedule.

Enrollment limited. Early enrollment required. Internet access required. Materials required.

This course applies towards the following certificates & specializations…

Female financial advisor working with couple in home

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Accelerated Path to the CFP ® Exam

Earn your cfp ® certification on the accelerated path.

The CFP Board's Accelerated Path allows qualifying candidates to sit for the CFP ® exam sooner, speeding their path to CFP ® certification.

Candidates who qualify for Accelerated Path can bypass the majority of the coursework CFP Board requires in a standard education pathway, based on knowledge they have gained from other advanced degrees or certification.

Accelerated Path candidates must complete one of the following through a CFP Board Registered Program to be eligible to sit for the CFP ® exam:

Need a little guidance?

Connect with our seasoned team of Designation Specialists to discuss what course is right for you.

877.599.2669

Who qualifies for the accelerated path.

Previous education and licenses may fulfill CFP Board education requirements and allow you to apply for the exam through the Accelerated Path .

To qualify for the Accelerated Path, candidates must have one of the following degrees, designations or certifications:

• CFP certification from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) Affiliate located in your territory of residence outside the U.S.

Candidates who qualify for Accelerated Path are required to take a Capstone course or complete the Capstone Alternative (an option only for Accelerated Path candidates who also meet CFP Board's experience requirement)

What are the College's courses for Accelerated Path candidates?

Capstone Course (Accelerated Path Candidates)

While most Accelerated Path candidates complete the standard Capstone course, the College also offers an Alternative Capstone. The Alternative Capstone is a reduced course in which the standard 45-contact hours in the Capstone course (normally met by viewing OnDemand class sessions) are not required. Capstone Alternative students will move directly to the final project of creating and presenting a comprehensive financial plan.

In order to qualify for the Alternative Capstone, candidates must:

Learn more about CFP Board's requirements for the Alternative Capstone and submit an eligibility request form, visit the CFP Board website .

What's the difference between the Capstone and Capstone Alternative courses?

Participating in the Capstone Alternative course is different from the standard Capstone course in two ways:

1) Contact hours - The standard capstone course FP517 Financial Plan Development requires 45 hours of classroom contact before students may begin their capstone case study. Participants in the Alternative Capstone proceed directly to working on their capstone project — developing a financial plan. There is no need to meet the classroom contact hours requirement.

2) Eligibility - Students who enroll in the Capstone Alternative course must:

Students participating in the Capstone Alternative work directly with a dedicated grading faculty member who helps guide you through the course.

To learn more about CFP Board's eligibility requirements for the Capstone Alternative, visit the CFP Board website .

How do I enroll in a Capstone or Capstone Alternative course?

What other ways does the college help accelerated path candidates prepare for the exam.

The College also offers the following to Accelerated Path candidates:

The option to audit previous education courses for $399.50 per course

To refresh your knowledge of the other six education courses, you can take any or all of them on an audit basis for half price as an Accelerated Path candidate. Strengthening areas of weakness could make all the difference!

Each audit course is just $399.50.

Premium Exam Prep Review

We want you to pass the exam—the first time—and we stand behind our Exam Prep Review program. Let our expert instructors refresh your knowledge of key financial planning topics and prepare you for what to expect on the exam.

Contact a Designation Specialist at 877.599.2669 to enroll at available exclusive prices. No additional discounts or corporate rates apply.

"Great focus on content mastery by Kaplan. First time taking the test as a Challenge Candidate, and Kaplan materials were interesting enough to make me want to learn the answers to the questions in the test banks. I passed and felt well prepared."

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ , and CFP ® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company does not certify individuals to use the CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ , and CFP (with plaque logo) certification marks. CFP ® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements. The College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company is an education and exam prep review provider for the CFP ® Certification Examination administered by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP Board does not endorse any education or review course or receive financial remuneration from education or review course providers.

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FP 7: Financial Planning Capstone

In an environment of great uncertainty—in which clients often turn to their financial planners for advice on a wide range of complex issues—it is increasingly important that a financial planner has the skills to communicate recommendations in a clear, fair, and relevant manner. This relatively new financial planning communications course was designed to help assess and strengthen such skills. The course applies the technical knowledge students gained from various financial planning topics into various “real-life” client scenarios. Students will quickly see that, while technical knowledge is important, the ability to communicate complex financial planning techniques to an average client is perhaps equally as important.

More details

You'll Walk Away with

Course Details

Additional information.

FP 1: Fundamentals of Financial Planning/FINA1-CE9940 FP 2: Financial Planning Process and Insurance/FINA1-CE9951 FP 3: Investment Planning/FINA1-CE9959 FP 4: Income Tax Planning/FINA1-CE9960 FP 5: Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits/FINA1-CE9944 FP 6: Estate Planning/FINA1-CE9946 FP 7: Financial Planning Capstone/FINA1-CE9927

Course Number

FINA1-CE9927

Prerequisites

Continuing education units (ceu).

Personal Financial Planning Capstone

BUS ADM X433.7

Apply the substantive knowledge gained in prior courses to prepare and present a complete financial plan in an environment of nonliability. Considerable role playing is involved, and you receive feedback on written work. Enrollment is limited.

Accelerated Path to CFP ® Certification: If you are already a CPA, CFA ® , ChFC, CLU or attorney, then this capstone course is all you need to qualify you to sit for the CFP ® exam.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of all seven prior courses in the Certificate Program in Personal Financial Planning curriculum or semester equivalents of those classes.

Summer enrollment opens on March 20!

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Financial Planning

Plan your financial future.

We offer two enrollment options: 1) Academic Credit and 2) Extended Learning Credit . Courses in both enrollment options are taught 100% online. A select few are available through traditional classroom delivery for students currently enrolled at Texas A&M University in a degree-seeking program.

Both enrollment options are registered with the CFP Board of Standards. Students who wish to qualify for the CFP® Exam will need to complete all six courses and earn a ‘C’ or better in each course. Texas A&M University does not award the CFP® marks.

To learn more about the courses and what topics are covered, please visit the Learn more about the courses section.

Academic Credit & Minor Coursework

Starting Fall 2021, the prefix for all of our undergraduate courses changed to AGLS . If you do not see courses listed in Howdy, please double check that you are searching under the AGLS prefix.

Academic credit is limited to students who have applied to Texas A&M University through Apply Texas and were admitted into a degree program at the university. Our Academic Credit program consists of six courses with a total of 18 credit hours.

Extended Learning Certificate Coursework

Starting Spring 2022, the prefix for all of our certificate courses is changing to FPCC . Course names, numbers, and content remain the same.

Extended Learning Certificate Credit is available to students who do not wish to enroll in a degree seeking program. Courses taken for extended learning credit do not count towards a degree at Texas A&M and are not transferrable to an academic program.

Learn more about the courses:

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Financial Planning Program 979.845.5223 [email protected]

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Links & Resources

Texas A&M University does not award the CFP ® certificate. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP ® , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM and federally registered CFP ® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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Please note that our online registration will not be available during this time.

Please call 617-353-4497 to register by phone or email [email protected] for more information.

Financial Planning Program

As concern for financial security has grown, individuals have increasingly turned to trained financial planners to help them make informed decisions in the face of an overwhelming—and at times confusing—wealth of financial information.

The Financial Planning Program at Boston University's Center for Professional Education is one of the nation's most established and successful programs. For more thirty years, the Financial Planning Program has introduced a variety of financial strategies and products, while providing a strong foundation in financial planning. The flexibility of the program and the industry expertise of our faculty ensure that you gain knowledge in all relevant areas of interest. Graduates receive a Boston University certificate in Financial Planning, and are well prepared to excel on the examination leading to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ certification.

Available online , the Financial Planning Program consists of the following seven courses:

Effective May 20, 2020, for the foreseeable future, the classroom Financial Planning program has been paused. Historic information, including course descriptions, is available here .

Program Details

Program dates.

The online program has rolling admissions.

Requirements

While we do not have any prerequisites, we do recommend that students have a bachelor's degree, since it is required to sit for the CFP ® Exam .

To Learn More or Register for the Online Program

To inquire about Boston University’s Online Financial Planning Program, including upcoming course schedules and registration, please contact our education partners at MindMax, Inc. by calling 617-502-8822 or visit BU online Financial Planning .

Robert J. Glovsky Scholarship Fund

In 2010, Boston's University's Metropolitan College established The Robert J. Glovsky Scholarship Fund in recognition of Glovsky's nearly 25 years of service as the program director of Financial Planning.

The income from this permanently endowed fund now supports annual merit-based scholarships to students of financial planning at Metropolitan College's Center for Professional Education. The Fund grants up to $2,000 per year.

Application for the Scholarship opens in June for students currently enrolled at the Center for Professional Education with preference for students who have experience

Applications for 2022 closed September 30, 2022. The next application period begins in June 2023.

Program Streams

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Capstone Course: Developing Financial Plans

Florida State University | Learning For Life

Capstone Course – Developing Financial Plans Online Course

The Capstone course prepares students of financial planning to effectively and appropriately develop, communicate, and monitor financial plans. Students will recall, integrate and apply knowledge and skills from the eight core domains of financial planning to create a financial plan appropriate for a specific client (including recommendations, implementation strategy, and monitoring plan); effectively communicate the recommendations; and meet professional standards and act in accordance with professional ethics.

This course requires students to utilize skills obtained in other courses and work experiences in the completion of a comprehensive personal finance case. During the course, students are expected to:

Textbooks and Calculator

Cases in Financial Planning: Analysis and Presentation – 4th Edition Authors: Michael A. Dalton, James F. Dalton, Katheleen F. Oakley ISBN13: 978-1-946711-68-7 Published by: Money Education Available at many online retailers including the publisher, Money Education .

The Fundamentals of Writing a Financial Plan – 2nd Edition Authors: John Grable, Michelle Kruger, Megan Ford ISBN: 978-1-954096-57-8 Published by: The National Underwriter Company Available at many online retailers including the publisher, The National Underwriter Company

Financial Calculator: The following models are among those that comply with the CFP® Board calculator policy:

Financial Calculator: To see an exhaustive list of all the approved financial calculators that can be used on the CFP Board Exam please read the Calculator Policy for CFP ® Examination .

Prerequisites

In order to be eligible to take the Capstone course, students must meet the following criteria:

While there are no special degree requirements to participate in the FSU Certificate in Financial Planning program, the level of instruction is that of an upper-division college course. A bachelor’s degree is a condition of CFP® certification, although not a requirement to be able to sit for the Certification Examination.

Basic computer literacy including: the ability to connect to the Internet and navigate the web using search engines and links, the ability to use online communication tools including email and discussion boards, the ability to send and receive email attachments, and the ability to navigate software including saving and opening files to and from specific locations.

Technical Requirements

Browser (most recent version): Firefox, Google Chrome or Safari.

Extended Education Ventures

Financial Plan Development (Capstone)

The Financial Plan Development course serves as the capstone for the Financial Planning Certificate Program. This case-study class structure differs from the traditional lecture class in that you must take a more active role in the learning process. You will be required to complete a hypothetical directed case involving a written comprehensive financial plan and an oral presentation and defense of the comprehensive financial plan. This experience will help you prepare for the CFP Board’s comprehensive exam and serve as a model for application as a professional.

Successful completion of all six Financial Planning core courses.

Students who satisfy the CFP Board’s education requirements through the possession of an existing professional credential or an approved academic degree may be eligible to enroll in the Financial Plan Development (Capstone) course by taking advantage of the CFP Board’s “Accelerated Path” program. For more information on Challenge Status and eligibility, please visit the CFP Board website .

All courses in the Certified Financial Planning program are based on the most recent textbook edition available from the publisher. Contact our office if you have any questions regarding book editions or ordering. Students are encouraged to purchase books early in order to have them for the first week of class.

Required:

Book 7: Financial Planning Case Studies , Kaplan Financial

Financial calculator. One of the following is recommended: HP 17BII+, HP10BII, HP12C, TI BA 11 Plus, EL 738C

Supplementary Material:

Financial Planning Practice Standards

Materials from your previous financial planning courses

For withdrawal, transfer and refund information, see Policy Code D .

Customized Training and Multiple Bookings

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Capstone Course in Financial Planning

This final course integrates financial planning topics learned in the previous six courses and demonstrates how to apply this knowledge to the development of a comprehensive financial plan.

Click the ADD TO CART button above to purchase the course only. Click here to enroll in this course with book(s). Click here to enroll in this course with book(s) and an exam review.

Capstone in Financial Planning – BUSI 689

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 12/12/2022

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Course Description

This course will allow the student to create a written financial plan using the knowledge acquired from previous course work in the financial planning classes. The student will use a software package to incorporate all the elements of a successful financial plan for a case study client.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog .

This capstone course in financial planning is the last course in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) program. The course allows students to apply knowledge and skills obtained in each of the other subject matter specific financial planning courses. The purpose of the course is to train students to create comprehensive financial plans and prepare students to take the national CFP® examination to become a Certified Financial Planner.

Course Assignment

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations , the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (6)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided topic. The thread must be at least 350 words and integrate information drawn from experience and course-related information (books, articles, and presentations). In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words and integrate information drawn from experience and course-related information (books, articles, and presentations). Each thread must include at least 2 citations, and each reply must include at least 1 citation and biblical integration. (CLO: C, D)

CFP Rules of Conduct Assignment

The student will write a 3-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on the Rules of Conduct through the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards, Inc. The paper must address each rule in detail and include a supporting biblical perspective for each rule. (CLO: D, F)

Mini-Case Study Assignments (2)

There are 2 short Mini-Case Study Assignments in the course. These assignments are from the textbook and cover various aspects of a financial plan, such as financial situation analysis, taxes, insurance, investments, retirement, and estate planning. (CLO: A, E)

Comprehensive Financial Plan Assignments (4)

Using the case study information and the financial planning software, the student is required to complete the Comprehensive Financial Plan for cases from the textbook. (CLO: A)

Financial Plan Presentation Assignment

The student is required to both create a PowerPoint presentation of the Comprehensive Financial Plan and record the presentation of the financial plan as if the client were present. In a real-life situation, the PowerPoint presentation would be used to present the plan to the client. The audio recording must be embedded in the PowerPoint presentation. The presentation must be professional and written in a format that can be easily understood by the client, and the recording must correspond with the appropriate slides. (CLO: D)

Case Multiple Choice Quizzes (4)

The student is required to complete case study multiple choice questions for 4 cases throughout this course. Each quiz will cover a specific case assigned for the module. (CLO: B)

Estimate your Cost

Cost Per Credit Hour Per Semester for 7 to 15 Credits* Per Semester for 9 to 15 Credits* i Visit the Tuition and Financing page for more information.

Additional program fees may apply. See program page for details.

Disclaimer: This calculator is a tool that provides a rough estimate of the total cost of tuition, and should not be relied upon to determine overall costs, as pricing may vary by program and tuition/fees are subject to change. Estimates are not final or binding, and do not include potential financial aid eligibility.

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For eligibility requirements for military discounts at the doctoral level, please review the online benefits page .

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Boston University Center for Professional Education

Financial Planning Certificate Program

Call 617-502-8822 or Live Chat Below

Accelerated Path Program

*The CFP board has renamed the Challenge Status to Accelerated Path. Eligibility requirements have not changed.

Your degree must be from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university. See the official CFP Board website for details.

Enroll in the online Capstone Course in Financial Planning as an accelerated path candidate, and gain access to the materials you need to complete the course at your own pace with convenient packages that offer significant savings for the pragmatic candidate:

Capstone Course in Financial Planning: $995

Three months of online access to Capstone Course in Financial Planning materials

Essentials Package: $1,995

A CFP ® Certification Examination review course

Request Information

To learn more, contact an Enrollment Advisor at 617-502-8822 or complete the form below.

Find professional success as a CFP ®

Save more than $1,300 with your CFP ® exam review class included with BU’s comprehensive 7-course certificate program.

On-Demand Webinar

Watch a recorded webinar to learn more about the Financial Planning Program online

View Webinar

When can I sit for the CFP ® Certification Exam?

Exam offered in March, July, November

Learn More »

Calculate Your Course Completion

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Phone: 617-502-8822 Email: Click Here

Capstone Alternative Course

The Capstone Alternative course allows Accelerated Path candidates who have met the experience requirement an opportunity to bypass certain components of the Capstone requirement.

The coursework requirement for CFP ® certification includes completion of a 45-hour financial plan development Capstone course through a CFP Board Registered Program.

In the Capstone Alternative course there are no required contact hours - candidates move directly to the final project of developing and presenting a financial plan.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of topic areas. Those who will be successful in the Capstone Alternative course have extensive experience in developing comprehensive financial plans independent of financial planning software packages and are familiar with the following:

When the final project has been successfully completed, the candidate will have satisfied the coursework requirement for exam eligibility.

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CFP ® Certification Education Program

The nation’s best choice for advisors studying to become cfp ® professionals., designation at a glance.

$4,850 (tuition may vary based on course/package choice)

Complete in 24 months or less

100% online with Personal Pathway ® responsive e-learning experience

Get key instruction in all areas recommended by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, including:

What is the CFP ® Certification Education Program?

The CFP ® mark is one of the top certificates in financial planning available today, but preparing to earn it takes a broad range of knowledge and a strong educational background. Our program is meant for students and financial professionals interested in this prestigious certification and is best suited for the working advisor balancing many different responsibilities. Through our cutting-edge program and expert faculty instruction, you can set yourself up to pass the CFP ® exam in March 2024 while furthering your education and opening new doors for personal and professional growth.

Why Choose Our Program?

Graduates’ exam pass rate consistently 10-14% above national average

Flexible yet structured learning experience through all-online Personal Pathway ® program

Nationally-recognized experts and thought leaders on faculty to further your education

Educational packages and tuition based on your educational needs

CFP Certification Education Program Brochure

Download Program Brochure

Access CFP Certification Education Program Demo

Access a Demo of Our Leading Program

Compare CFP ® Certification Education Programs

Hear from Adam Holt about CFP Certification Education

Hear From Adam Holt, CFP ®

PROGRAM DETAILS

Educational requirements.

There are no prerequisite courses required before you can begin this program other than a high school diploma or the equivalent, but to receive the CFP ® mark, you must:

Continuing Education (CE) credit is required to maintain the CFP ® mark, as well as agreeing to the CFP Board’s ethics pledge. For more information, see the CFP Board’s website .

Tuition & Fees

Our courses combine engaging live and on-demand instruction options — and no webinar fees — for one flat tuition rate. Whether you prefer self-paced or structured learning experience, your tuition is the same.

Tuition covers all course fees, required study materials, access to convenient online learning tools, your examinations, and other fees. Supplementary study materials and review classes are also available for an additional cost.

HS 300 Financial Planning: Process and Environment

HS 311 Fundamentals of Insurance Planning

HS 321 Fundamentals of Income Taxation

HS 326 Planning for Retirement Needs

HS 328 Investments

HS 330 Fundamentals of Estate Planning

HS 333 Personal Financial Planning: Comprehensive Case Analysis

Qualified students may opt-out of the classroom hours requirement of HS 333 and move directly to completing the case study component. Learn more about the Accelerated Capstone Program — CFP® Exam with Accelerated Path .

Enhanced Online Learning: Webinar Classes Available

For select courses, a webinar study option is available for those who want a more familiar classroom feel as part of their student experience. Attend weekly classes online and ask questions in real-time. Many of these webinar classes come complete with smartphone- and tablet-ready material.

Program Faculty

CFP ® Program Director

ChFC ® Program Director

Assistant Professor of Financial Planning

Larry R. Pike Chair for Insurance and Investments

Professor of Wealth Management

WMCP ® Program Director

Director for the Granum Center for Financial Security

Frank M. Engle Distinguished Chair in Economic Security

Adjunct Professor of Advanced Planning

Co-Director of the American College Center for Retirement Income

Assistant Professor, CFP ® and ChFC ®

Clark/Bardes Endowed Chair in Retirement Planning and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation

Adjunct Professor of Taxation and Special Needs Planning

ChSNC ® Program Director

Associate Vice President of Curriculum Quality

Associate Professor of Business Planning

Adjunct Professor of Insurance Planning

Adjunct Professor at the American College of Financial Services teaching in the ChFC ® program curriculum

Adjunct Professor

CFP ® Certification Education, ChFC ® , and RICP ® Programs

Adjunct Professor of Retirement Planning

CFP ® Certification Education and ChFC ® Programs

Adjunct Professor of Business Planning

Adjunct Professor of Financial Planning

Assistant Professor, Academics

ChFC ® Program

Students should expect to spend 7-12 hours per week for each course in the CFP ® (or ChFC ® program). Each course contains 10 weeks worth of material.

Note: The course content for Personal Pathway ™ courses is required to be completed in 10 weeks.

Learning shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach, and working professionals shouldn’t have to choose between their education and their career. With Personal Pathway ® , you can tailor your coursework to your busy schedule, all with the convenience of accessing materials and resources anytime and from anywhere. Choose from:

Personal Pathway ® is a unique, state-of-the-art, and responsive e-learning experience. Powerful features include:

Upon enrolling in each course, students have 10 weeks to complete all of the required course requirements. Upon completion of all of the coursework a 4 week exam window opens for the student to schedule, prepare and take their exam.

Tuition includes all fees, your final exam, and course materials. For a complete listing, view the Tuition & Fees section.

Program tuition can be paid on a per-course basis, or packaged together as a program for a reduced rate, with multiple options available. To see our current tuition rate and options, view the Tuition and Fees section.

There are no prerequisites required to take program courses other than a high school diploma or the equivalent; you may begin at any time. However, in order to be awarded the designation, you must meet all necessary requirements of the CFP Board .

To enroll in the program, contact an admissions advisor at 888-263-7265 or click here to begin our online enrollment process .

The CE credit value of courses depends upon your individual state. For more information, see our CE Credit Listing page or check your state’s guidelines.

The Chartered Financial Consultant ® (ChFC ® ) designation and the CFP ® certification are two of the most common financial certificates. Professionally, they are similar, but what is required to earn each of the certifications varies greatly.

To earn ChFC ® certification, you will have to take eight different courses, but only seven to earn a CFP ® certification. The people who go for CFP ® certification are required to sit through a lengthy board exam. This is not the case with ChFC ® certification, which requires the candidate to take a test when each course is completed.

If you intend to pursue a career as a financial professional, you will be inclined more toward helping your clients manage their personal finances for the future. Your duties will vary according to your clients’ needs. You will be expected to understand your client's financial status and aid them when needed. These duties include helping them save for retirement, start a college fund, or any number of financial goals. Both CFP ® certification and our ChFC ® program can help with this.

View our course comparison chart to see how these courses overlap — and how you can earn multiple designations faster.

To earn your CFP ® mark, you must fulfill the following certification requirements:

Education Requirement

The educational requirement has two parts: first, complete the required coursework in personal financial planning, estate planning, risk management, professional conduct, and other subjects covered on the CFP ® exam through a CFP Board registered program before taking the exam; and second, receive a bachelors degree or higher from an accredited college or university up to five years after the date you pass the exam (degree may be in any discipline, not just financial services).

Exam Requirement

In addition to the education requirement, financial professionals looking to earn their certification must first take the CFP ® exam: a 170-question, multiple-choice test consisting of two three-hour sessions over the course of one day. The exam includes stand-alone and scenario-based questions, as well as more detailed case studies. For more details on preparing for the exam, check out our blog post .

Experience Requirement

To qualify for CFP ® certification, you must also complete either 6,000 hours of professional experience as a financial advisor or related to the financial planning process, or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience. You can fulfill the experience requirements either before or after you take the exam.

Continuing Education Requirement

Once a financial professional has been approved for the CFP ® mark, they will need to recertify with 30 hours of continuing education (CE) credit every two years, including three hours of ethics CE credit. The American College of Financial Services offers many programs with opportunities to earn CE credit.

Ethics Requirement

As part of earning your CFP ® certification or any other financial planning credentials, you must agree to adhere to high ethical and professional standards as a financial advisor and to act in the client's best interest during the financial planning process.

The CFP Board oversees the CFP ® mark. The CFP Board determines and enforces the standards for the certification.

The exam for certification is considered challenging. Through study and exam prep, such as The Dalton Review ® , The American College of Financial Services ensures students are well prepared to sit for the exam.

Completing a professional certification program is recommended for people looking to begin or enhance a career in financial planning.

Yes, certification coursework is for a professional certificate. Meeting all qualifications, including successful completion of the course, earns you the mark.

By the end of your certification process, you will have an in-depth understanding of investing and accounting financial analysis. You will also develop strong communication and listening skills. Since certified financial planners work closely with their clients, your certification will also help you polish your interpersonal skills. Certifications will help you enhance your problem-solving ability. You will have a well-honed understanding of the appropriate products and services needed to handle your clients’ financial problems.

The best certification for you as a financial advisor depends on your area of expertise and the career you intend to pursue. Financial advisor certifications may not be required, but are highly encouraged and supported by brokerage firms. Once you plan on pursuing a financial certification, it would establish your professional expertise in the financial services industry, whether the focus is on accounting, financial planning, investing, or other areas.

Continuing education courses let you develop your knowledge and skills in a specific area, and are very important for many financial planning certifications. CFP ® certification continuing education keeps financial planners up-to-date with what is new within the financial sector. For financial planners, learning is a never-ending process. As a professional financial planner, you will find CFP ® certification CE beneficial throughout your career.

As a CFP ® professional, you will be required to complete 30 hours of continuing education in regular reporting periods. This includes two hours of CFP board-approved ethics CE and 28 hours of CFP ® certification CE covering one or more of the CFP Board’s principal topics. The work is intensive and may require some effort. You’ll learn about such topics as securities, insurance, retirement planning, wealth management, and more. CFP ® certification continuing education is essential to keep your certification valid.

Yes, it does. You have to renew your certification every two years, before your certificate's expiry date. Identify the date of your need for renewal and secure the needed CE credit as quickly as possible. Do not wait for the expiry date before planning a renewal; otherwise, you will not be able to accumulate all the needed CE credit.

First of all, you will have to renew your certification; for that, you will have to pay an annual fee. You will also be required to submit a renewal application. It should be noted the annual certification fee is non-refundable, and acceptance of the fee payment does not guarantee or imply it will maintain your certification. After that, you must complete your continuing education (CE) requirement. Please keep in mind that your certificate expires after two years. Therefore, all your reported CFP ® certification continuing education hours must be sent to the CFP Board before the date of expiration.

You can also explore the webinars arranged by The American College of Financial Services to earn needed CE credit.

The ChFC ® and CFP ® certification are both general financial planning certifications and demonstrate the certificant has expertise in the foundational issues all planners face when working with clients.

While their education requirements are similar, there are differences between the ChFC ® and CFP ® certification requirements. As mentioned above, the ChFC ® program includes an eighth course, Contemporary Issues in Financial Planning. Through this course, ChFC ® students learn about specialized fields of financial planning, including planning for blended families, divorcees, and more fields that are not included in the CFP ® Certification Education Program curriculum.

Another major difference is the board exam requirement. After completing all necessary education and preparation, an aspiring CFP ® professional is required to take a thorough exam overseen by the CFP ® Board. Unlike CFP ® certification, however, there is not a comprehensive board exam to pass to earn your ChFC ® .

A bachelor's degree from a recognized institution or university in any discipline is also required to receive the CFP ® certification. ChFC ® candidates, in contrast, do not need a bachelor’s degree.

Because the courses The College offers are CFP Board-registered, our courses satisfy the CFP Board's educational requirement and provide insight into real-world situations. We offer seven courses so our students can acquire an enhanced understanding of financial planning. The seven courses are:

1. Financial Planning: Process and Environment

2. Fundamentals of Insurance Planning

3. Fundamentals of Income Taxation

4. Planning for Retirement Needs

5. Investments

6. Fundamentals of Estate Planning

7. Personal Financial Planning: Comprehensive Case Analysis

At The College, the courses above are offered by experienced instructors with proven track records in the field of financial planning. These instructors provide engaging coursework to the students throughout their certification education and help our students consistently pass their exams at rates 10-15% above the national average.

The CFP ® certification capstone course is one that will challenge students to amalgamate, synthesize, integrate, and apply elements of overall financial planning. It will also require students to apply the CFP Board’s practical standards and implement all the duties of the financial planning process. The Capstone course will develop the skills and abilities required in the career you intend to pursue. It will enhance your knowledge as a financial planner and evaluate your capability to produce responsible financial planning assistance to clients.

The CFP ® exam is a 170-question exam designed to test your skills and aptitude regarding real-life financial planning situations and demonstrate that you can properly apply financial knowledge and industry insights. The examination lasts for six hours and is fully computerized. The exam is divided into two three-hour sessions, with a lunch break of 40 minutes in between. This examination takes place three times a year, usually in March, July, and November. It is offered for eight days at 265 testing sites across the U.S.

The overall pass rate for the CFP ® exam was 63% in 2020. The pass rate has remained consistent since 2016, when the new exam blueprint was introduced, so it is safe to say it is very rigorous. You have to begin preparing for the CFP ® exam months before you plan to sit for it. You will have to be consistent with your studies and will have to put in a lot of effort, including studying topics such as securities and what it means to be a financial professional, as well as showing competency in all areas. To summarize, you must have a clear knowledge of what you want and what is expected of you in order to pass your exam.

The American College of Financial Services is one of many providers of coursework that allows you to meet the CFP ® certification education requirement . Students who engage with The College’s program pass their exam at rates that are consistently 10-15% above the national average - so there is some evidence that a quality program leads to higher pass rates!

That said, the coursework itself is not intended to directly prepare you for the exam; rather, we strongly encourage you to complete a dedicated CFP ® Exam review course.

Well before your exam day, make sure that you have completed all necessary coursework and gone through all the case studies depicted in our program. Stay focused once you begin studying, because many aspiring financial planners begin preparing for the exam, but only a small fraction of them complete it. As a result, maintaining consistency is critical!

Even if you have been an exceptional student your whole life and met the educational requirements, it will be quite difficult to study for the exam on your own. This is because you would have to search on your own for all the up-to-date facts, figures, and materials required to prepare, which represents an immense body of specialized knowledge.

Generally, you will need help from experts to prepare for the exam and, once you pass, you will be one step closer to earning your CFP ® certification (you must also meet certain other qualifications, such as holding a bachelor’s degree). At The College, we provide the highest-quality CFP ® exam preparation education for potential candidates. We make sure that our students appearing for the exam are well-prepared and well-equipped so they can achieve their goal of acquiring their certification, including review courses made available through our partnership with Dalton Education .

While The College’s CFP ® Certification Education Program will prepare you in many ways for the CFP ® exam, it is generally recommended that serious students seek out additional exam review courses to be properly prepared for their exam. Exam review courses will not only cover the materials, knowledge, and principles to be included in the exam, but will walk students through testing strategies, test dynamics, question format, and other information critical to success.

The College does not offer its own exam review courses, but currently partners with Dalton Education to offer exam review programs such as The Dalton Review™ . Students taking this exam review get a discount when they are students in The College’s programs; however, there are many other review courses available on the market for students to take.

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Fast-Track Your Certification

Leverage the experience you already have to earn your cfp ®️ mark., your cfp® certification may be closer than you think.

Our Capstone Course consists of both online, self-paced study and live online instruction — it's presented in two phases.

If you have one of the following credentials, you are automatically eligible to sit for your CFP ® exam once you complete this course*:

*The deadline to complete this CFP Board approved Capstone Course is approximately one month prior to the CFP Board’s Education Verification Deadline for each exam. See exam dates and pricing .

Want to Learn More?

Consisting of three online, self-paced learning lessons and a midterm exam, this phase introduces students to the financial planning process and teaches them to gather and analyze client data, develop recommendations and understand a complete financial plan presentation.

Consisting of live online lectures that students may attend or playback at their convenience, this phase lets students watch the instructor develop and deliver a financial plan, then use the same techniques to assemble and present their own financial plan.

Using the textbook

Cases in Financial Planning, 3rd Edition, Michael A. Dalton, James F. Dalton, Kathleen F. Oakley (ISBN: 978-1-936602-19-3) is included, you'll learn essential principles of financial plan development at your speed and when it's convenient for you.

Capstone Course Bundles

Cfp® certification capstone.

Blended coursework with self-paced and live-online instruction. Live-online classes are recorded and available for playback. Students can begin the course at any time. The Cases in Financial Planning ebook is included.

CFP® Certification Capstone + The Dalton Review® Guarantee to Pass™

This package includes the Capstone Course and The Dalton Review ® Guarantee to Pass ™ . Blended coursework with self-paced and live-online instruction. The Dalton Review ® Guarantee to Pass ™ Terms and Conditions should be viewed here .

CFP® Certification Capstone + The Dalton Review®

This package includes the Capstone Course and The Dalton Review ® . Blended coursework with self-paced and live-online instruction.

What Our Students Say About Dalton

"I recommend Dalton's CFP study program to anyone who is planning to sit for the test. It is thorough, well guided, and offers many resources for individual support. I can honestly say that I went into the exam KNOWING that I was going to pass."

"It came down to the enrollment advisor's responsiveness in addressing my questions/concerns as primary and then the ability to be flexible with online courses and working through the coursework. Absolutely would recommend Dalton! After having taken the exam (and passed!) last week, I appreciate Dalton's questions even more as they were more realistic to what I saw on the exam. Thank you! Keep up the good work!"

"Combined with hard work and dedication, Dalton Education made sure I had what was needed in order to succeed. Without their experience, diligence, and structure, I would have spent more time worrying about what to study and when rather than putting in the hours needed to pass. Dalton knows how to get it done the first time around!"

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Dalton Education CFP study program. I completed the 10 week review for the exam, including a 4 day live review. I successfully passed the CFP exam and I owe my success to Dalton and their incredible team of instructors. The Dalton materials, coursework, virtual classroom and schedule are not only intuitive and user friendly for a working mother, but they are top notch. I felt prepared for the exam, and after passing the exam I realized how Dalton had not only prepared me for everything but they over prepared me. I have a deep understanding for financial planning, and I look forward to taking my career to the next level. Thank you Dalton! A huge shout out to a team of highly intelligent and helpful instructors!"

"Dalton provided me the materials, resources, and structure that I needed to complete my certification. From the beginning, I greatly appreciated a detailed schedule for staying on track with the material while allowing you the flexibility between deadlines to manage your work and personal life alongside my certification work. It helped me plan study time accordingly and gave me a practical benchmark for preparation time. That said, each professor teaching the material stood out to me whether it was because of their experience with the CFP exam, pedigree, and/or knowledge and presentation of the material."

"What I love about the CFP course through Dalton is the flexibility. I have co-workers who are taking the program through other providers and they are stuck all day on a Saturday reviewing and taking tests – not for me. Also, the exam prep materials are amazing! I love the flash cards and the Quick Sheets. The instructors are amazing and I have felt very supported along the way. I would definitely recommend Dalton to others."

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COMMENTS

The Capstone Course
The Capstone course is a comprehensive financial plan development course created to enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities. This requirement was implemented in 2012 to assess your ability to deliver professional and competent financial planning services to the public. Who is required to take the capstone course?
Personal Financial Planning Capstone Course
This capstone course bridges academic coursework with actual practice management, introducing students to the skills and tools needed for developing a comprehensive financial plan for a client. View Course Options READ MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE Fall Winter Spring Summer Online Starting at $895.00 As few as 11 weeks 4.0 What you can learn.
Capstone in Financial Planning
This capstone course in financial planning is the last course in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP©) program. The course allows the student to apply knowledge and skills obtained in each...
Online CFP® Courses: BU's Financial Planning Courses
Capstone Course in Financial Planning Introduction to Financial Planning Enroll in THIS course Enroll in ALL courses This course provides a comprehensive examination of the general principles of financial planning, professional conduct and regulation, and education planning.
Accelerated Path for the CFP Exam
a Capstone course or a Capstone Alternative course (only for Accelerated Path candidates who also meet CFP Board's experience requirements) Need a little guidance? Connect with our seasoned team of Designation Specialists to discuss what course is right for you. 877.599.2669 Who qualifies for the Accelerated Path?
Course Details: FP 7: Financial Planning Capstone (FINA1-CE9927)
FP 1: Fundamentals of Financial Planning/FINA1-CE9940 FP 2: Financial Planning Process and Insurance/FINA1-CE9951 FP 3: Investment Planning/FINA1-CE9959 FP 4: Income Tax Planning/FINA1-CE9960 FP 5: Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits/FINA1-CE9944 FP 6: Estate Planning/FINA1-CE9946 FP 7: Financial Planning Capstone/FINA1-CE9927 Course Number
Personal Financial Planning Capstone
BUS ADM X433.7. Apply the substantive knowledge gained in prior courses to prepare and present a complete financial plan in an environment of nonliability. Considerable role playing is involved, and you receive feedback on written work. Enrollment is limited. Accelerated Path to CFP ® Certification: If you are already a CPA, CFA ®, ChFC, CLU ...
Courses
Courses - Financial Planning Courses We offer two enrollment options: 1) Academic Credit and 2) Extended Learning Credit. Courses in both enrollment options are taught 100% online. A select few are available through traditional classroom delivery for students currently enrolled at Texas A&M University in a degree-seeking program.
Financial Planning Program
Capstone Course in Financial Planning Effective May 20, 2020, for the foreseeable future, the classroom Financial Planning program has been paused. Historic information, including course descriptions, is available here . Program Details Program Dates The online program has rolling admissions. Requirements
Capstone Course: Developing Financial Plans
Capstone Course - Developing Financial Plans Online Course The Capstone course prepares students of financial planning to effectively and appropriately develop, communicate, and monitor financial plans.
CFP Capstone
With Dalton Education, we can help you fulfill the CFP Board's Capstone course requirement and ultimately fast track your CFP® certification. You will pass, the first time. CFP® Certification Capstone From Top Universities We partner with elite universities across the country to ensure professionals are proud of their education. So take your pick.
Financial Plan Development (Capstone)
The Financial Plan Development course serves as the capstone for the Financial Planning Certificate Program. This case-study class structure differs from the traditional lecture class in that you must take a more active role in the learning process. ... Materials from your previous financial planning courses. For withdrawal, transfer and refund ...
Capstone Course in Financial Planning
Capstone Course in Financial Planning. $995.00. Add to Cart. FP109. This final course integrates financial planning topics learned in the previous six courses and demonstrates how to apply this knowledge to the development of a comprehensive financial plan. Click the ADD TO CART button above to purchase the course only.
Accelerated Path Capstone Program
The CFP Board, which administers CFP® certification, maintains an Accelerated Path Capstone Program allowing students with certain academic degrees or professional credentials - including ChFC®, CLU®, CPA, CFA®, licensed attorney, Doctor of Business Administration, or PH.D. in financial planning, finance, business administration, or economics — the ability to qualify to bypass ...
Capstone in Financial Planning
Capstone in Financial Planning - BUSI 689 CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 07/27/2021 Apply Now Request Info Course Description This course will allow the student to ...
CFP® Challenge Status
CFP Board has approved specific academic degrees and professional credentials as fulfilling most of the education coursework requirement for CFP ® certification. If you have one of these degrees, you can apply for the CFP ® Exam after you have completed the Capstone Course in Financial Planning. *The CFP board has renamed the Challenge Status ...
Capstone Alternative Course
The Capstone Alternative course allows Accelerated Path candidates who have met the experience requirement an opportunity to bypass certain components of the Capstone requirement. The coursework requirement for CFP ® certification includes completion of a 45-hour financial plan development Capstone course through a CFP Board Registered Program.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Education
Individual Courses: $895 per course. Case-study course (HS 333): $1,095. Accelerated Path Capstone Program - CFP ® Exam with Accelerated Path: $1,095. 7-Course Package: $4,850. 3-Course Package (HS 333 and HS 347 excluded): $2,365. CFP ® Exam Prep with The Dalton Review ®: $1,395. Guarantee To Pass ™ Review: $2,195.
New York University CFP Capstone
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA ®) CFP ® certification from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) Affiliate located in your territory of residence outside the U.S. *The deadline to complete this CFP Board approved Capstone Course is approximately one month prior to the CFP Board's Education Verification Deadline for each exam.
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American Airlines Financial Analysis and Planning Report SNHU FINANCE GRADUATE CAPSTONE FIN-700 FINAL 3 I. Executive Summary American Airlines is the largest U.S. airline with a market share of 19.5% and one of the largest in the world.