FAQ - Certified Financial Planning

Yes, but the courses are rigorous. For example, the Income Tax Planning course can be quite demanding and it is recommended that it be taken in a term by itself.  However, each individual student’s situation is unique with regard to the demands on his/her time and the level of knowledge in each area. It is ultimately up to the student to determine his/her ability to take more than one course per semester.
 

NCPR 500 Personal Financial Planning should be taken first. In addition to topics related to personal finance, the course provides an introductory overview of the topics covered in the other courses in the program.
 

No. The Capstone course can only be taken after completion of all six courses in the program. 

Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree are invited to apply. College seniors, who have met program entry requirements, are eligible for admission to the program.  It is recommended that students have a working knowledge of finance, financial accounting, statistics, economics, and business law and ethics. 

Yes.

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission. 
 

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course must have been taken within the last three years. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.  Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services 
 

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or a career transition. In particular, the Certificate in Certified Financial Planning prepares you for taking the CFP Board exam.

Yes, it is.  Upon your successful completion of our certificate program, the University will notify the CFP Board. To learn more about becoming a CFP professional, please visit the CFP Board's web site.
 

All the courses are now offered online.
 

The current CFP Board Exam pass rate for students who completed a CFP Certificate through UVA SCPS is consistent with, and tends to exceed, the national pass rate.

Personal financial planners assess the financial needs of individuals and assist them with investments, tax laws, and insurance decisions.  Financial planners help their clients identify and plan for short-term and long-term goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for financial analysts is expected to grow 16 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growing numbers of financial planners will be needed to assist the millions of workers expected to retire over the next decade.