Frequently Asked Questions

Will this program qualify me to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination?

Yes.  Upon successful completion of this program, students will meet the education requirements established by CFP Board and will be eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

What is the time commitment required for study outside of the classroom?

Depending on the student's previous experience and education, a student can expect to spend 2 hours outside of the classroom, for every hour in the classroom. 

How long is the program and how much does it cost?

This is a 12 month program consisting of six courses:  Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance Planning, Investment Planning, Income Taxation and Tax Planning, Retirement and Employee Benefits Planning, Estate Tax Planning and a Cases in Financial Planning.  Tuition for the program is $4,200.  Refunds will not be given for partial completion of the program. Tuition does not include books and materials.

Why choose Christian Brothers University's Certificate in Financial Planning program over another program?

Quality instruction is a must for any outstanding educational program.  All faculty members have advanced degrees and certifications and are experienced professionals in their respective fields.

Although this program is registered with CBU, we have partnered with Kaplan Financial® .   Kaplan Financial® is the leading provider of review materials and courses for the CFP® Certification.  Because of CBU's commitment to academic quality and a focus on achievement, students entering this program can be assured of the best education available. 

What is the process of attaining the CFP® certification?

In order to attain the CFP® certification, there are the four Es:  Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics.

I have already completed classes in a self-study program:  can I transfer credit to your program?

Christian Brothers University will allow students to transfer up to two classes from another CFP Board-Registered Program.  In addition, CBU will offer a tuition reduction for each class that is exempted.  If you are granted an exemption from a class, we still encourage you to sit through the class and complete the class assignments.  We want to insure you receive the best possible education and preparation for becoming a financial planner.

Education

The Education requirement can be fulfilled by successfully completing CBU's Certificate in Financial Planning program.  Certain professionals such as a Ph.D., D.B.A., JD, CFA, CPA, ChFC or CLU may challenge the exam. 

Examination

The CFP® Certification Examination is given three times per year in March, July and November.  The national pass rate on the examination is approximately 50%.  Based on a 1999 Job Topic Study, CFP Board issues a topic list covering 101 areas a candidate should be prepared to answer at the evaluation level or lower.

Experience

In order to receive the CFP® certification, the candidate must meet certain experience requirements.  If a candidate has a bachelor's degree, then 3 years of related work experience is necessary.  Without a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 5 years of related work experience.  In addition, this experience must be completed in the 10 years preceding the exam or 5 years after the exam.

Ethics

CFP® certificants are required to abide by CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.  In addition, CFP® certificants are required to disclose to CFP Board if involved in a criminal or civil proceeding.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM, and CFP(with flame logo)®, which it awards to individuals who
successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

CBU does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER^TM, and CFP(with flame logo)® certification marks. CFP certification is granted only by Certified
Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing
an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics,
experience and examination requirements.

School of Business
650 East Parkway South
Memphis, TN 38104-5581
Phone (901) 321-3315   Fax (901)-321-3566