CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification Education Program
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification Education Program
The Northwestern University CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification Education Program offers CFP-Board-approved courses to prepare students to pass the CFP® Exam. We have designed each of our classes to meet your needs, whether you are a career changer or longtime planning professional. Students who pass all required courses and satisfy the CFP Board’s education requirement will have their successful program completion reported to the CFP Board. They will also receive a certificate of completion from Northwestern University, one of the world’s top universities, which they can proudly display on their wall and share with their clients.
About CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification Education
Is financial planning the right career for you?
Hear from CFP® professionals about their career paths and the rewards of being a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner.
On-Campus Program: Weeknight
The weeknight program offers a skills-based approach, with assessments designed to simulate the daily life of a successful planner. Our instructors worked closely with the CFP Board to design this new curriculum.
Best option for:
Career changers
Students who like meeting their instructor and peers in person
Professionals of all levels who want a more traditional learning experience
Frequency and Location
Once a week on our Chicago campus (Wieboldt Hall, 339 E Chicago Avenue), plus some online assignments.
Time to Completion
As little as 14 months when students take concurrent classes. (Due to the course workload of this program, taking more than two courses per term is not recommended.)
Courses are held according to the posted schedule, but may be subject to change.
* NOTE: The Financial Plan Development and Presentation (Capstone) course is only offered during the spring and fall terms. Please plan your schedule with this in mind.
Online Program: Instructor Led and Self-Paced
Best option for:
Professionals who have worked as a financial advisor or planner
Students who want the option to take classes from anywhere "on the go"
People comfortable with technology and those that are highly self-motivated
Frequency and Location
"Live" courses meet twice weekly; self-paced are on your own time. All courses are online.
Time to Completion
Approximately nine months
Required Courses
Introduction to Financial Planning and Insurance Planning
Investment Planning
Income Tax Planning
Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits
Estate Planning
Financial Plan Development and Presentation
To learn more about the online option, visit our partner Dalton Education.
CFP® Exam Review
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies has selected The Dalton Review® as the exclusive review for our CFP® certification education programs. The Dalton Review provides students with a high quality curriculum and is led by outstanding faculty. To learn more, visit our CFP® Exam Review page.
CFP® Certification Education Program Courses
The on-campus program consists of seven courses, approved by the CFP Board. Start with an introduction course, then progress through 5 specialized courses, and finish with the Capstone course. Explore all of them on the CFP® Certification Education Program Courses page.
CFP® Certification Education Program Faculty
Northwestern School of Professional Studies CFP instructors are current industry professionals with deep subject matter expertise. Read about their qualifications on our CFP® Certification Education Program Faculty page.
CFP® Certification Education Program Tuition and Financial Aid
The CFP certification will bring students recognition as a credible expert, but the most important lesson they need to learn is how to develop trust with their clients. Once trust has been established, a judgment-free, mutually beneficial long-term relationship can exist.”
- Thomas Canale, faculty member and founder of Canale Financial Group. Read Thomas' story.
Find out more about Northwestern's CFP® Certification Education Program
Contact SPS Enrollment Advisers
SPS Enrollment Advisers at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies can be a resource to you for inquiries regarding our certificate programs.
