CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Education Program
The College of Charleston School of Business CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Certification Education Program is designed to broaden the financial skills and career options of professionals practicing in the financial services industry.
Benefits of Certification
Gain Trust
90% of consumers say they feel more confident working with an advisor with a financial planning designation.
Competitive Edge
83% of CFP® professionals say they have a "competitive edge" over financial planners who do not hold the credential.
Earn More
Advisors with CFP® certification earn upwards of 30% higher compensation than their non-credentialed peers.
Upcoming Dates
Check back for fall 2023 dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the most important step you can take to accelerate your career and serve your clients. As a CFP® professional, you'll enjoy a rewarding, in-demand career while helping people achieve their financial dreams.
18 months
Check back for fall 2023 pricing.
Contact us for a discount at proed@cofc.edu if you are:
- a College of Charleston student or alumnus.
- an organization that will be paying for more than one employee.
Courses meet on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and will alternate between in-person and virtual delivery. In-person sessions will be held at the College of Charleston. Students will have online coursework that will be completed weekly.
No, this is an exam preparation course that satisfies the education requirement to take the CFP® exam.
The College of Charleston does not award the CFP® or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. The certification marks, owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., are awarded to individuals who complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are federally registered service marks of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board).
Applicants are required to have completed approved coursework through a CFP Board Registered program and hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university. Additionally, applicants should typically be able to demonstrate three or more years of experience in the financial services industry.
Applicants who lack the aforementioned credentials may be admitted. An interview will help determine whether success in the program is highly likely. We have previously admitted candidates who have no professional background in financial services, but who were opting for a career change. Additionally, we have admitted students who are taking the program to enhance their personal understanding of financial planners.
Students who lack a strong background in financial services should expect to invest additional study time in order to keep pace.