Certified Financial Planning Certificate

Whether you are in the finance or insurance industry already, or are interested in moving into it, the Certified Financial Planner Certificate Program provides you with a strong foundation in financial planning and helps you prepare to obtain the CFP® Certification.  

The CFP® Certification Education Program addresses competencies in financial planning, insurance, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and ethics, and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in this field. As a program registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. you are ensured our curriculum aligns with the CFP® Certification and you will be well prepared to succeed on the exam.  

Why take the CFP Certificate Program or sit for the Certification exam? You’ll gain an edge over others in the field. With proof of your knowledge and skills, you’ll benefit from credibility in the industry.  

Our program is geared toward working professionals who have an undergraduate degree. Its flexible design allows you to manage your personal and professional obligations. Our faculty understand all that working adults must juggle and are here to support you to the finish. Students typically complete the program in 18 to 24 months.  

As a student, you’ll learn amongst engaged classmates who bring their diverse experiences from military and private backgrounds to the educational setting, enriching your own understanding of the industry.  

Key Takeaways 

• Online, synchronous classes
• Appropriate for individuals in the finance or insurance industries, or individuals in adjacent industries who have an undergraduate degree and a strong quantitative background
• Program is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Curriculum aligns with CFP® Certification, ensuring students are prepared to succeed on the exam.

Key Industry Information

Financial Advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future, and the demand for this type of job is forecasted to grow much faster than average over the next ten years.  

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor: Personal Financial Advisor

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages:

• Flexible programming: with core courses offered regularly, you can stay on your desired learning journey.
• One tuition rate: you’ll pay the same tution whether you reside in Virginia or out-of-state.
• Expert Faculty who understand adult learners: learn from Faculty who are experts in their industries and are experts at teaching. They understand the demands adult learners need to juggle and structure courses so you can balance your personal and professional life while learning.
• Synchronous learning opportunities: you’ll join online classes and can ask questions, dig deeper, and learn from instructors and classmates.

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Program Cost: $5,040

• This program is not eligible for financial aid
• You may take advantage of an optional, interest-free semester-based payment plan offered by the University to help spread the cost of eligible charges over monthly payment.
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Admissions Requirements & Deadline

DEADLINE INFORMATION

• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by July 1
• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1
• To begin in the summer (May): application must be submitted by April 1

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree.

To apply:

Complete an online application, including:

1. Submit your unofficial transcripts. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.
2. Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges to establish residency.

START YOUR APPLICATION 

Required Courses (7)

• It is highly recommended that students enroll in NCPR 500 prior to enrollment in other courses.
• The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.

NCPR 500 - PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Introduces the concepts of the financial planning process, client/planner interactions, time value of money applications, personal financial statements development and assessment, cash flow and debt management, and asset acquisition. Other topics and an overview of practice management concepts will be discussed. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 501 - INSURANCE PLANNING

Introduces students to risk management and insurance decisions in personal financial planning. Topics include insurance for life, health, disability, property and liability risks, as well as annuities, group insurance, and long term care. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 502 - INVESTMENT PLANNING

Provides an understanding of the various types of securities traded in financial markets, investment theory and practice, portfolio construction and management, and investment strategies and tactics. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 503 - INCOME TAX PLANNING

Focuses on principles and current law and practice of income taxation and its impact on financial planning for individuals, couples, and families in their roles as investors, employees, and business owners. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 504 - RETIREMENT PLANNING

Focuses on retirement preparation. Includes topics such as the importance of retirement planning, an evaluation of the clients’ needs, an understanding of Social Security and Medicare, and qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 505 - ESTATE PLANNING

Focuses on the efficient conservation and transfer of wealth consistent with the clients’ goals. Studies the legal, tax, financial, and non-financial aspects of this process, and covers topics such as trusts, wills, probate, advanced directives, charitable giving, wealth transfers, and related taxes. Prerequisites: Recommended but not required: Financial Accounting, Macroeconomics, and Statistics.

NCPR 506 - CAPSTONE: FINANCIAL PLANNING

Engages students in critical thinking and decision-making about personal financial management topics in the context of the financial planning process. Focuses on refining and developing skills for personal financial planners when working with individuals, families, and business owners in meeting financial needs and objectives. Prerequisites: completion of all other required courses. 

Meet the Instructors