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Foundational Programs

Expertise is more than years of experience. Starting early, you can better serve your clients by earning a designation that covers all the important areas of financial planning. See how a solid foundation helps you grow your career (and your earnings) faster.

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Broad Knowledge, Broad Benefits

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Ready for Anything

Your first foundational designation gives you the breadth of expertise for common client questions and issues — to help them achieve personal goals.

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Proven Professional

Current and prospective clients will see your designation as evidence of your expertise – and you can verify you know what you practice.

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Set to Specialize

Foundational designations give you a first look at areas of specialization – in some cases, with courses that count toward advanced designations.

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The Foundation for Your Success

No matter your years of experience, education, or business model, you can earn a designation to help you get ahead faster. Because gaining expertise is not just a matter of time – it’s a matter of making your time count.

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CFP®

CFP® Certification Education Program

Pass your exam the first time with a program whose pass rates remain above the national average.

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ChFC®

Chartered Financial Consultant®

Go further to address diverse client needs with comprehensive knowledge in key areas of financial planning today. CFP® professionals need just one more course!

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FSCP®

Financial Services Certified Professional®

Jumpstart your career with a 360-degree curriculum emphasizing financial product knowledge, prospecting and marketing, and business planning principles.

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WMCP®

Wealth Management Certified Professional®

Deepen your value with a goal-based planning framework that emphasizes how you impact people, not just portfolios.

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Foundational Track

Master of Science in Financial Planning

Achieve two career milestones together: Satisfy the education requirement to sit for the CFP® exam and earn your master’s degree simultaneously.

Female in her late 20's sitting at the computer and smiling

CFP®

CFP® Certification Education Program

Pass your exam the first time with a program whose pass rates remain above the national average.

Younger female advisor speaking with an elderly female client

ChFC®

Chartered Financial Consultant®

Go further to address diverse client needs with comprehensive knowledge in key areas of financial planning today. CFP® professionals need just one more course!

Male advisor meeting with his married couple clients

FSCP®

Financial Services Certified Professional®

Jumpstart your career with a 360-degree curriculum emphasizing financial product knowledge, prospecting and marketing, and business planning principles.

Female advisor sitting at her desk speaking with clients

WMCP®

Wealth Management Certified Professional®

Deepen your value with a goal-based planning framework that emphasizes how you impact people, not just portfolios.

Financial advisor working with a married couple

Foundational Track

Master of Science in Financial Planning

Achieve two career milestones together: Satisfy the education requirement to sit for the CFP® exam and earn your master’s degree simultaneously.

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Deliver Real Earnings Power

13%

Higher growth in earnings 1

20%

Higher growth in earnings (under 40) 1

1.6x

Higher earnings for client-facing pros 2

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Interested but not ready to enroll yet? See which designation or degree interests you and what makes The College your ideal partner for foundational expertise at this stage of your career.

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Take the Next Step

If you’ve already earned a foundational designation, congratulations! Now it’s time to specialize. The College can help you through this stage, too.

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footnotes

1 Based on reported three-year growth compared to financial professionals with no designations.

2 FUSE Research Network. The American College of Financial Services Designation Outcomes Study. 2024. Client-facing financial professionals include financial advisors, financial planners, representatives, and agents (not home office staff, executives, or field leaders). Figures are based on average earnings (total dollar amount) in the most recent year worked compared to client-facing financial professionals with no designations.