Registered Education Programs (REPs) are colleges and universities that have pre-approved coursework that meet the educational requirements to prepare students/professionals to sit for the AFC exam. Programs are available for both degree seekers and non-degree seekers.

Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Seeking Students

For students who have completed coursework through an AFCPE® Registered Education Program.

Is this Pathway right for me?

Have you completed the required coursework from one of the AFCPE® Registered Education Programs? Then, you may be eligible for this pathway. If your school is not on the list, check out the Financial Education Challenge Pathway. 

What Are the Requirements?

You must attend a school on our Registered Education Program (REP) list and complete all required coursework. Upon completion you’ll submit a transcript and AFCPE will approve you to sit for the AFC exam. A passing grade is required. 

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Non-Degree
Seeking Students

Designed for working professionals with virtual course offerings that satisfy the AFC® educational requirement.

Is this Pathway right for me?

This pathway is designed for adult learners who are seeking a more traditional learning experience through a college or university, but are not seeking a degree. Coursework is completed 100% online.


What Are the Requirements?

Enroll in an AFCPE Registered Education Program (REP) and complete the coursework. Submit a certificate confirming completion and AFCPE will approve you to sit for the AFC exam. A passing grade is required.

Please see the AFC Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria. 

Each AFCPE Registered Education Program has their own tuition and fees that are assessed independent of the AFC Certification program. Registration with AFCPE must be done either while enrolled as a student or within seven-years post-graduation from the registered university.

The Certification Council does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The Certification Council, certification staff, certification committee members, and certification subject matter experts do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the AFC certification examination.

Certification Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Registration Fee: $75

One-time fee due upfront during registration.

Bonus: If you are an AFCPE Student Member, then your registration fee is free!

Optional Education Materials: TBD

Each AFCPE Registered Education Program has their own tuition and fees that are assessed independent of the AFC certification program. AFCPE offers optional supplemental study resources.

Exam Fee: $375*

Can be purchased during registration or later.

Price shown reflects full-time student discount. Current university or college students studying full-time at the undergraduate, graduate, or PhD level are eligible to receive 50% off the AFC® exam ($375* vs. $750). Part-time students at REP programs can apply for a Student Exam Scholarship.

While candidates have up to three years to complete all certification requirements, access to the AFC Learning System is for one year.

Explore Optional Education Materials

Several education materials are offered to support you on your journey to earning your AFC. Optional materials and pricing below.

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The AFC® Learning System is a dynamic, self-paced educational program designed to help you build the knowledge and skills required to prepare you for the AFC® exam and become a confident, effective financial counselor. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, the system offers the resources and structure to support your educational journey

The AFC® Prep Course is a structured, instructor-supported program designed to help candidates prepare for the AFC® exam. It’s ideal for learners who benefit from guided instruction and accountability, this course blends independent study with expert-led support to reinforce key concepts and clarify complex topics.

Prefer learning offline or want a physical reference you can mark up and revisit? The AFC Learning System has a printed textbook option to complement the digital course materials.

This textbook includes the full AFC® Body of Knowledge, covering all core content areas needed to prepare for the AFC® exam. It’s perfect for learners who prefer reading from the page, highlighting key sections, or studying without screen time.

Ready to Move Forward?

Create your profile and register online. We will process your registration within three days and, upon approval, you’ll be able to start exploring your Certification Dashboard.

 

Student Member Bundle

$ 500 includes exam fee*
  • Registration Fee
  • Student Membership
  • Exam Fee
Popular

Basic Bundle

$ 450 includes exam fee*
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee

Please see the AFC Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria. 

While candidates have up to three years to complete all certification requirements, access to the AFC Learning System is for one year.

Certification registration fee is non-refundable. Please view the AFCPE® Refund & Transfer Policy for more details. 

The Certification Council does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The Certification Council, certification staff, certification committee members, and certification subject matter experts do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the AFC certification examination

Not Sure Which Pathway is Best for You?

Register for a free AFC Info Session

Join our Certification Team for a no-pressure, informative session to get all the information you need to make your decision!

Our info sessions are held monthly. Can't make it live? Register and we'll send you the recording!

Or, send us an email at certification@afcpe.org to discuss your options.

Learn More

Explore Other Pathways

Financial Education Challenge

For those who have completed applicable coursework in personal finance, financial planning, consumer sciences, or equivalent curriculum from a regionally-accredited college or university.

Self-Paced Study

Our most popular and most flexible pathway to certification . For self-starters, career-changers, and others who want to complete their certification in their own time, at their own pace.

Professional Designation Challenge

If you hold a CFP®, CPA, ChFC or CFA designation, this may be the pathway for you. These professionals are exempt from a portion of the AFC core competencies.

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