Current Students:

• Access Blackboard.
• Download and review program policies.

Prospective Students:

• Watch the Certificate in Financial Planning Webinar.
• Read a brief FAQ about the program.
• Download a program overview.

Program Description:

The field of financial planning is experiencing healthy growth. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-2011), employment opportunities for financial planners are projected to increase "faster-than-average" (30 percent) through 2018. Growth is expected to remain strong as baby boomers retire, financial products develop in complexity, tax laws change, and the industry regulations increase.

The Certificate in Financial Planning is offered in collaboration with Kaplan Schweser. This distinct program, taught by renowned faculty, requires nine months of rigorous part-time study. Georgetown University is registered with Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards Inc. to fulfill the education requirements of the CFP® certification.*

Designed For:

Program Objectives:
Program participants will:

• Develop as informed, competent, and ethical financial planners and leaders in the financial planning industry. 
• Acquire the knowledge, skills, and ability to advise individuals, families, and small businesses.
• Prepare for the CFP® exam. 

Program Requirements:

• Successful completion of six required courses.
• Students are strongly encouraged to complete all courses in sequence to earn a certificate.
• Students must complete the program within a two-year time period.

Program Structure and Content:

• Six required courses that that focus on the theory and practice of personal financial planning.
• Courses may be completed in 9 months.
• Core competencies in insurance, investing, taxation, retirement planning, and estate planning in addition to ethical and professional issues faced by financial planners.
• Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance Planning is available for state continuing education insurance credits. Visit the course page for further details.
• Classes meet on Fridays from 5:10 pm - 8:45 pm and on Saturdays from 8:15 am - 5:00 pm, every other weekend at the Clarendon Campus. See schedules below:

September 2011 Schedule  (Textbook List)
January 2012 Schedule       (Textbook List)

Registration, Tuition, and Costs:

• This certificate is an open enrollment program. No application is required.
• Total program tuition is $6,225.00. An early registration discount is available.
• Register for courses by clicking the links below. Registration options:
  
  • Individual course registration: Register for courses individually throughout the 9-month program. Payment is due at the time of registration for each course and the payment plan is not available.
  • Program registration and tuition discount: Register for the six required courses in one transaction before the start of the program to receive discounted tuition.
    • 50% tuition discount on the final course, Capstone Case in Financial Planning, making the effective tuition of the program $5,600.
    • Spring 2012 - Enter the registration discount code B28hyz23 when registering for the six courses including the Capstone Case in Financial Planning. In order to be eligible for the discount, students must register for all six courses prior to the start of Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance Planning.
    • Payment Plan Eligibility: The interest-free payment plan divides tuition into three installments between registration and program completion.
• Additional materials and costs.
  • Textbooks. The cost of textbooks is not included in the tuition. Textbooks cost between $700.00 and $1,000.00 over the duration of the program.
  • Financial Calculator. A financial calculator is also required at a cost of approximately $80.00.
  • This program is eligible for VA benefits. For more information about funding, please visit the Funding Resources page.

Program Prerequisites:

• A bachelor's degree or the equivalent. Those in the process of completing a bachelor's degree may also register.
• A minimum of three years of professional work experience is preferred, though exceptions are possible. 
• A TOEFL examination for non-native speakers of English is not required but students are expected to read, write and comprehend English at the graduate level to fully participate in and gain from the program.
• Computer and internet access. Most exams in the program are administered online. Therefore, access to a computer with internet connectivity is a program requirement.
• Any requests for exceptions to these requirements must be made in writing to the program director at CCPE.

More Information:
For more information or to speak with a program advisor, please complete the Request More Information Form or call (202) 687-7000.  Before calling, please read the Frequently Asked Questions document.

*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks , CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

CCPE does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING®, and 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.

The Georgetown University Center for Continuing and Professional Education is an educational affiliate of the Financial Planning Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Required Courses:

Capstone Course in Financial Planning
Estate Tax Planning
Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance Planning
Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
Retirement and Employee Benefits
Taxation of Persons, Property and Other Entities