Becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a valuable step for anyone looking to pursue a career in financial planning. The CFP certification signifies a commitment to the highest standards of ethics, competence, and professionalism in personal financial planning, making it highly sought after by employers and clients alike.
Online Certified Financial Planner (CFP) courses offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing you to complete the certification requirements while balancing other life commitments. Here’s an in-depth look at the best online CFP courses, each designed to help you reach your certification goals effectively.
Why Choose CFP Certification?
Before diving into specific courses, it’s helpful to understand why the CFP certification is so valuable. A CFP designation sets you apart in the financial planning field by ensuring you’ve completed rigorous education, passed a comprehensive exam, and committed to ethical standards. CFPs help clients with crucial financial matters like retirement planning, estate planning, investment strategies, and tax optimization, which are high-stakes areas requiring certified expertise.
Overview of Requirements for CFP Certification
To become a CFP, candidates must complete the following steps:
- Education: Complete a CFP Board-approved educational program.
- Examination: Pass the CFP exam, a 6-hour test covering major financial planning topics.
- Experience: Accumulate 6,000 hours of professional experience (or 4,000 hours in an apprenticeship program).
- Ethics: Commit to the CFP Board’s standards of ethics and professional conduct.
Online CFP courses are structured to help you meet the educational and examination components, providing the knowledge necessary to pass the exam and meet certification standards.
Top Certified Financial Planner Online Courses
Here’s a list of the top online courses available for CFP certification preparation. These programs vary in terms of content, structure, and pricing, catering to different learning styles and budget considerations.
1. College for Financial Planning (CFFP) – CFP Certification Education Program
- Overview: The College for Financial Planning is one of the oldest providers of CFP certification education. Its program is CFP Board-registered and provides comprehensive study materials, including self-paced lessons, live review sessions, and exam prep resources.
- Features:
- Online, self-paced format with optional live review sessions.
- Study materials include video lessons, practice exams, and textbooks.
- Offers a certificate upon completion, fulfilling the CFP Board’s educational requirements.
- Duration: Typically 9-12 months, depending on the pace of study.
- Cost: Around $5,200, with payment plan options.
This program is ideal for those who prefer a structured approach with ample support, including instructor-led review sessions.
2. Kaplan Financial Education – CFP Certification Program
- Overview: Kaplan is a well-known provider in financial education, offering a robust CFP Certification Program that includes a choice of formats: a self-paced course, a live online option, and an on-demand format. Kaplan’s program is highly regarded for its flexibility and the depth of its resources.
- Features:
- Includes Kaplan’s “Live Online Class Option” with expert instructors.
- Access to Kaplan’s QBank for practice questions, study planner, and study notes.
- Comprehensive review classes and exam prep packages available.
- Duration: 9-12 months, depending on chosen pace.
- Cost: Approximately $4,000–$5,500, with options for additional exam prep packages.
Kaplan’s extensive resources make it a solid choice for those seeking flexibility along with thorough exam preparation and practice questions.
3. Boston University – Online CFP Program
- Overview: Boston University’s CFP Program is a CFP Board-registered program offering a self-paced online course with comprehensive content, including videos, interactive exercises, and assessment quizzes.
- Features:
- High-quality course materials from an accredited university.
- Access to an interactive online community with fellow students.
- Faculty support and periodic review sessions.
- Duration: 12-18 months, self-paced.
- Cost: Approximately $4,500.
Boston University’s program is particularly appealing to those who appreciate the structure and recognition of a university-led program.
4. The American College of Financial Services – CFP Certification Program
- Overview: The American College offers a CFP certification education program focusing on practical financial planning skills with comprehensive content delivery. Known for its extensive alumni network and industry recognition, this program offers both online and in-person classes.
- Features:
- Flexibility with options for online and hybrid formats.
- Access to the American College’s alumni network, offering career support and connections.
- Live and recorded review sessions with experienced faculty.
- Duration: Typically completed within 12 months.
- Cost: Approximately $4,500.
This program is ideal for those who value networking opportunities and prefer a program with a practical approach to financial planning.
5. Dalton Education – CFP Exam Review and Education Program
- Overview: Dalton Education offers an intense, exam-focused CFP certification program designed for those committed to quickly and efficiently passing the CFP exam. Dalton’s “Guaranteed to Pass” program is highly regarded for its rigorous and structured approach.
- Features:
- Comprehensive materials include over 200 hours of video lectures and practice questions.
- Access to the Dalton Review, a series of intensive exam-preparation sessions.
- Option to enroll in a “Guaranteed to Pass” program.
- Duration: 6-10 months, depending on program choice.
- Cost: Approximately $6,500–$7,000.
Dalton is perfect for motivated learners focused on passing the CFP exam on their first try, as it provides a rigorous curriculum with high success rates.
6. CFP Board-Registered Programs on Coursera and edX
Overview: Many accredited universities offer CFP Board-registered programs on platforms like Coursera and edX, including programs from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Illinois.
Features:
Flexible, self-paced online format with access to university-level coursework.
Many programs include peer support and interaction with faculty.
Often more affordable than traditional in-person programs.
Duration: Typically 12-18 months.
Cost: Around $3,000–$4,000.
Programs on platforms like Coursera and edX offer accessibility and affordability, with high-quality content from recognized universities, making them ideal for independent learners seeking flexibility.
Choosing the Right CFP Program for You
When selecting an online CFP course, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best program for your needs:
Learning Style: Determine whether you prefer self-paced study, live instruction, or a combination of both. Some programs offer flexibility, while others have scheduled classes.
Budget: CFP programs vary in cost, from around $3,000 to $7,000, so finding one within your budget that meets your needs is essential.
Course Content: Ensure the program covers the CFP Board’s required curriculum and offers sufficient review materials and practice exams.
Program Reputation: Look for programs with a strong track record, high pass rates, and good reviews from former students.
Conclusion: Advancing Your Career with CFP Certification
CFP certification is a valuable asset that can significantly enhance your career prospects in financial planning. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned financial professional, there is an online CFP program suited to your needs. The right online course will provide the education, resources, and support needed to prepare you thoroughly for the CFP exam and help you succeed in your financial planning career.