Overview Curriculum Requirements FAQ Schedule Information Sessions

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 a minimum of 2 hours outside of the classroom for every hour in the classroom.

How long is the program and how much does it cost?
The program is nine months in length. The program consists 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 Cases in Financial Planning. Program fee for the program is $4700. This does not include books and materials (approximately $1,100) nor meals or refreshments. Students will be refunded 100% prior to the first weekend of class, 90% after the first weekend of class and no refund after the second weekend of class.

Why choose University of Washington's Executive Certificate in Financial Planning program over another program?
This is an accelerated program that allows students to meet CFP Boards education requirement to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination in nine months. 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.

This program is a joint effort between University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business and KAPLAN Financial. KAPLAN Financial is the leading provider of review materials and courses for the CFP® Certification Examination as well as a nationally recognized publisher of financial planning education materials and courses. Combined with University of Washington's commitment to education, students entering this program can be assured of the best education available.

I have already completed classes in a self study program, can I transfer credit to your program?
University of Washington will allow students to transfer up to two classes from another CFP Board-Registered Program based upon review. Please contact Kaplan Financial to discuss this opportunity.

What is the process of attaining the CFP® certification?
In order to attain a CFP® certification, there are the four E's: Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics.

Education
The Education requirement can be fulfilled by successfully completing University of Washington’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. Once you are CFP® certified, you will be required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

Examination
The CFP® Certification Examination is given three times per year in March, July and November. The cumulative national pass rate on the examination is approximately 57%. Based on a 2004 Job Topic Study, the CFP Board issues a topic list covering 89 areas a candidate should be prepared to answer at the evaluation level or lower.

Experience
In order to receive a CFP® certification, the candidate must meet certain experience requirements, including a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university, and 3 years of related work experience. The related work experience must be completed in the 10 years preceding the exam or 5 years after the exam.

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

Can I get financial assistance for this program?
Students enrolled in this program may qualify for the continuing education loan through US Bank. For additional information, click on the following links below or contact Thyra DeHaven at 206 - 938-8686 or toll-free at 800 - 242-1200, ext. 5453.

Continuing Education Loans

Five Star Loan

Eligibility Chart