CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Program - Terry College of Business

The best way to serve your clients as a financial planner is to offer sound advice based on current financial fundamentals. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation signifies your dedication to the profession and your commitment to providing clients sound guidance.

Program Information

Next Session

Program Format: In-Person/Blended Course Format

Date: September 3, 2024–September 9, 2025

Time: In person classes are held in Atlanta (and live virtual) every other Tuesday from 6:00–9:00 p.m.

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Information Sessions

Date: August 6, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m.

Date: August 20, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Information Session Registration

Contact

Lisa Griffiths

lisagrif@uga.edu (404) 467-5129

Program Manager, Executive Education

Overview

The Executive Education Program for CFP^® Certification is a registered program of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM Board of Standards, Inc. Upon successful completion of this certificate program. Students are eligible to apply for the CFP^® Certification Examination.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM, and CFPR.

“It’s a fantastic time to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ because the need for it is significant. The curriculum the Terry program uses now is the best that’s out there.”
– Andy Harbour
Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley CF

Class Format Options

Blended Format Option

In-person Atlanta-based Live Instructor Interaction with Remote Option

This blended course format marries traditional learning with the convenience of an online experience.

Consists of six academic courses, including a capstone
Classes meet live in an interactive, executive-style classroom, and you have the option to join remotely if necessary
Instructor-led sessions are supplemented with independent learning
Be a part of a cohort – network and discuss topics with other financial professionals while attending class

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Online Format Option

Convenient and Flexible

Our online CFP® program allows you to proceed at your own pace and location – perfect for the financial advisor who wants to fast track through familiar subjects.

Work as your schedule permits – with online delivery, the content is available whenever you are
Our program delivers truly interactive and engaging content
An advisor will be your partner through all 7 courses. Advisors will respond to email questions and provide feedback within 24 hours

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CFP® Q&A

What is a CFP® Certification?

CFP Certification is a nationally and internationally recognized professional certification offered through the CFP® Board.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. awards the CFP®and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification to individuals who fulfill initial and ongoing certification requirements:

1. Satisfy the educational requirements
2. Three to five years of work experience in a financial planning field
3. Pass the CFP® Certification Examination
4. Compliance with CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
5. Continuing education and recertification

Why are the CFP® Certification Requirements Important?

When selecting a financial planner, it’s important to remember that not all financial planners are “certified.” Anyone can call themselves a “financial planner.”

Only those who have gone through the certification process by the CFP® Board can display the CFP® certification marks. The CFP®certification provides a great sense of security by allowing only those who meet the requirements the right to use the CFP® certification marks.

What is required to obtain a CFP® Certification?

To obtain the CFP® certification, there are the four E’s: Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics.

EDUCATION: In order to receive the CFP® designation, you have to master the topics covered in the following areas:

– Fundamentals/Insurance Planning
– Investment Planning
– Income Tax Planning
– Retirement Planning
– Estate Planning
– Financial Plan Development – Capstone

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required in order to obtain the CFP® designation. This is not a requirement to be eligible to take the CFP® Certification Examination and does not have to be obtained before sitting for the exam or fulfilling the work experience. You have five years from the date you pass the CFP® exam in order to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement. The UGA CFP ® program is a graduate level program however, a bachelor’s degree is not required in order to apply.

EXAMINATION: CFP®practitioners must pass a comprehensive6-hour CFP®Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. You will be eligible to apply for the CFP® Certification Examination after successfully completing the educational requirement. The CFP® Examination is given three times a year and the fee for the exam is $595 and must be paid in full by the application deadline.

EXPERIENCE: CFP®professionals must have three years minimum experience in the financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP®certification marks. This experience may be obtained before or up to 5 years after the exam.

ETHICS: As a final step to certification, CFP® practitioners agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, known as CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Additional information can be found at www.cfp.net.

Do you have any requirements prior to enrolling?

Yes, a Bachelor’s degree is highly recommended but not required. Also an application via our website.

Do you offer Review Courses?

The University of Georgia, Terry College of Business does not offer an overall review for the national comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination, but nationally known companies offer reviews in Atlanta:

– Keir Educational Resources offer review materials and courses.
– Live Classes with instructor Bruce Starks
– Zahn intensive review uses a special classroom book designed by Ken Zahn
– The Dalton Review comprehensive CFP® review

Please note that there are fees associated with these programs.

How much study time outside of class should I expect?

The answer to this question varies, however, we recommend that for every hour spent in the classroom prepare to spend 2-3 hours outside of the classroom studying.

Do you accept the Hope Scholarship?

No, the Hope Scholarship and other financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant, Stafford Loan are only available to students attending for-credit courses which lead to a degree or other academic credentials. Certificate programs are not eligible for these kinds of scholarships.

Do you offer financial assistance for VA funding or military personnel?

At this time, we are not able to offer financial assistance for military personnel enrolling in our traditional program.

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA?

No, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used only for degree programs.

Are continuing education loans available for non-credit classes?

Yes, however, please contact us to discuss before starting the loan process.

Can I start a class while I am waiting for my loan to be approved?

No, payment has to be received before starting the program.

I have been laid off from my job. Are other options available for me?

You may be eligible through Workforce Investment Act funding. For WIA information, visit the Department of Labor serving your area.