APPLICATION PACKET CHECKLIST FOR Certified Financial

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REGISTRATION CRITERIA FOR
CFP BOARD-REGISTERED PROGRAMS

APPLICATION FOR INITIAL REGISTRATION
OF A FINANCIAL PLANNING CURRICULUM

V8/2012
Registration Criteria for CFP Board Registered Programs
(Updated January, 2012)

The following section contains the financial planning program registration criteria and
guidelines.

They are designed to be used in encouraging the evaluation of existing programs and to
assist in establishing new programs. The intent is to identify issues of special interest to
financial planning education and to establish minimum requirements in the form of
registration criteria and guidelines.

The guidelines are general indications of the nature and range of issues that should be
considered in evaluating an educational program. They provide additional interpretation
as to the intent of the registration criteria.

The registration criteria enumerate standards that the financial planning program must
meet to become a CFP Board-Registered Program. The criteria represent program
expectations; those items that are REQUIRED are presented in this section in ALL
UPPERCASE LETTERS.

A. General Criteria
A.1 Institutional Accreditation
Applications will be accepted from four-year degree-granting institutions
and graduate degree-granting institutions currently accredited by a
regional accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education.

Applications from institutions accredited by a national institutional or
specialized accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such
institutions must offer four-year degrees and/or graduate degrees,
preferably in disciplines related to personal financial planning and must
demonstrate compliance with other criteria to the satisfaction of the
Director of Education.

Certificate program applications from regionally-accredited institutions
that offer two-year degrees shall be considered on a case-by-case
basis, subject to proof acceptable to the Director of Education that the
institution may offer non-degree programs at the upper division
baccalaureate level of higher.

A.2 Degree/Certificate Title
The title for educational programs should contain the words “financial
planning.” For degree programs, the key words should be found in
majors, concentrations, specializations, or other forms of emphasis.
THE WORD OR LETTER MARKS OWNED BY CFP BOARD,
®
NAMELY, CFP AND CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, MAY BE
USED IN THE PROGRAM TITLE ONLY WITHIN REQUIREMENTS
SPECIFIED BY CFP BOARD AND ONLY AFTER REGISTRATION
WITH CFP BOARD IS APPROVED. CFP BOARD’S MARK LOGOS
(PLAQUE DESIGN AND FLAME DESIGN) MAY NOT BE USED IN
THE PRGORAM TITLE. CFP Board does NOT require use of its marks
in the program title.

V8/2012
A.2.1 The following three requirements must be met for approval to use CFP
Board’s word or letter marks in the title of a CFP Board-Registered
Program:
a. The program title is represented as one of the following (or a
®
variant that has “CFP Certification or “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER™” as core words):
®
i. CFP Certification Education Program
®
ii. CFP Certification Professional Education Program
®
iii. CFP Certification Financial Planning Education Program
iv. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification
Education Program
v. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification
Professional Education Program
vi. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification
Financial Planning Education Program.
b. The word “certificate” is never used in the program title along with
®
“CFP Certification.”
c. The following disclaimer is clearly associated with the program title
on all educational certificates provided by CFP Board-Registered
Program (in legible font size proportional to the text being used):

This certificate indicates completion of the educational
®
coursework component of CFP Board’s CFP certification
®
program. To be authorized to use the CFP , CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and certification
marks, individuals must complete additional examination,
experience, ethics and other requirements. The prohibition
against using marks owned by CFP Board in the title of
the program except as specifically provided is to help
ensure proper use of those marks and to avoid confusion
as to the source of the courses.

A.2.3 This criterion about program title is intended to ensure that the
educational institution has a substantial commitment to personal
financial planning, not merely an interest that is peripheral to a related
discipline. It also encourages institutions to use nomenclature that is an
accurate indicator of the program’s emphasis. The degree/certification
title identifies the program as being in financial planning. This is also
useful to prospective students and employers of the graduates.

In a program where a financial planning major is actually a supplement
to a related field, or a general degree, or an option leading to a degree
in a related field, it may not qualify for CFP Board registration. To be
registered the program must clearly have a substantial and primary
focus in financial planning. The official degree/certificate title should
reflect this by containing the words “financial planning.”

A.3 Length of Program
A.3.1 Undergraduate Degree Programs
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS SHALL BE AT LEAST
FOUR YEARS IN DURATION, WITH AT LEAST 18 SEMESTER
CREDITS (3 OF WHICH CONSIST OF THE FINANCIAL PLAN
DEVELOPMENT COURSE) AT THE UPPER DIVISION IN THE
FINANCIAL PLANNING CORE TOPICS

V8/2012
Since the nature of financial planning is interdisciplinary, it is expected
that institutions will use their resources in various ways to create
financial planning programs. Educational institutions involved at this
time at the undergraduate level have developed programs through
schools of business, finance, accountancy, or consumer sciences.

The four-year length represents four academic years of full-time study,
or the equivalent, as customarily required for a bachelor degree. A list
of the financial planning core topics (i.e., the topic list determined by
CFP Board’s job analysis study) is included in the application form.
Courses covering the topics on that list are expected to be upper
division level courses.

Although 18 semester credit hours covering CFP Board topics is the
minimum length requirement, universities are encouraged to exceed
this. For example, a 21 credit hour curriculum could include seven
three-credit courses with titles such as: Financial Planning Process and
Fundamentals, Insurance Planning and Employee Benefits, Investment
Planning, Income Taxation for Individuals and Businesses, Retirement
Planning, Estate Planning and Taxation, and Case Studies in Personal
Financial Planning. See the section related to curriculum for further
guidance.

A.3.2 Master’s Degree Program
MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS SHALL HAVE AT LEAST 18
SEMESTER CREDITS (3 OF WHICH CONSIST OF THE FINANCIAL
PLAN DEVELOPMENT COURSE) IN THE FINANCIAL PLANNING
CORE TOPICS.

The length represents two academic years of full-time study, or the
equivalent, as customarily required of a master's degree. A list of the
financial planning core topics (i.e., the financial planning topic list
determined by CFP Board’s job analysis study) is included in the
application form.

A.3.3 Doctoral Degree Programs
DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS WILL VARY IN DURATION, BUT
SHALL REQUIRE COURSE WORK IN FINANCIAL PLANNING
SUBSTANTIALLY BEYOND THAT REQUIRED FOR A MASTER’S
DEGREE PLUS AN INDEPENDENT DISSERTATION OR RESEARCH
PROJECT.

A.3.4 Certificate Programs
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS SHALL HAVE AT LEAST 18 UPPER-
DIVISION SEMESTER CREDITS (3 OF WHICH CONSIST OF THE
FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT COURSE), OR 270 CONTACT
HOURS, IN THE FINANCIAL PLANNING CORE TOPICS.

Many educational institutions have developed post-graduate certificate
programs that focus on the required financial planning core topics (i.e.,
the financial planning topic list determined by CFP Board’s job analysis
study). Program length requirements, level requirements, and so on for
certificate programs are the same as for degree programs, whether the
certificate program is offered for academic credit or is a not-for-credit
program. Those institutions interested should carefully review the
V8/2012
detailed financial planning topic list found in CFP Board’s Guide to
®
CFP Certification and posted on CFP Board’s Web site, www.CFP.net.

In determining semester credit hour equivalency for a not-for-credit
program, CFP Board considers that, traditionally, one contact hour per
week plus two hours or more of preparation per contact hour, over a
15-week semester, is worth one semester credit hour.

CFP Board accepts course credit hour recommendations (number of
hours and level) made by the American Council on Education (ACE).
CFP Board does not require that certificate program courses be
reviewed by ACE, but encourages not-for-credit certificate programs to
consider an ACE evaluation.

B. Degree/Certificate Objectives
B.1 Statement of Objectives
B.1.1 A STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES SHALL BE DEVELOPED FOR
EACH FINANCIAL PLANNING DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM.

The statement should be realistic and explicit, reflecting the program’s
abilities, aspirations, and its response to the needs of students and
society. The objectives should represent a variety of commitments for
the financial planning program. They become a key set of self-imposed
criteria for degree or certificate program evaluation, and should involve
a conscious effort to reflect the goals of the institution, program, faculty,
students, and financial planning profession.

CFP Board will use the statement of objectives as a basic point of
reference in evaluating applications for registration. In addition to
considering specific criteria set forth below, CFP Board will expect the
resources of the institution and the program to be adequate to support
the stated objectives. It is anticipated that the content of the program
objectives will change from time to time. CFP Board will not impose any
preconceived norm or model. However, program objectives should
respond to public needs and be compatible with CFP Board purposes.

B.1.2 A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODS USED TO FORMULATE
OBJECTIVES SHALL BE PROVIDED.

This statement should include a description of the process, and indicate
who was involved in goal development (i.e., administration, faculty,
®
students, community, CFP certificants, other professionals in the field
of financial planning, etc.). In addition, comment should be provided on
the extent of involvement for each participant category.

C. Curriculum
C.1 Course Content
AT A MINIMUM, THE CURRICULUM SHALL CONTAIN COURSES THAT
ENABLE THE STUDENT TO ACQUIRE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE TOPICS
FOUND IN CFP BOARD’S FINANCIAL PLANNING TOPIC LIST.

The purpose of the topic list is to guide educational institutions to develop degree
and certificate programs in financial planning that deal with the skills and
knowledge deemed important to the tasks involved in comprehensive financial
V8/2012
planning. The required topic coverage and the recommended optional courses
described herein were formulated based on CFP Board’s job analysis study of the
practice of financial planning. The periodic updates of the job analysis study
practice will result in modifications to the curriculum guidelines from time to time,
approximately every five years. Topic coverage adequacy will be determined by
CFP Board’s review of detailed course syllabi, textbooks, student evaluation
methods, faculty credentials, and other relevant materials. Throughout the
registration period, course materials should be kept up-to-date and reflect current
law and practice.

C.2 STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING OBJECTIVES BASED UPON CFP BOARD
PRINCIPAL TOPICS (2011)
CFP Board has released a new resource regarding student-centered learning
outcomes relative to CFP Board principal topics. This new Learning Objectives
resource document was created by CFP Board-Registered Program Faculty to be
an effective guide in the development of course learning objectives, learning
experiences and program development. CFP Board-Registered Program directors
and faculty are welcome to use the guide in their classroom or learning platforms,
and we encourage Registered Programs to share and discuss this document with
colleagues and are encouraged to share and discuss this document with
colleagues.

C.3 FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT (CAPSTONE) COURSE

The purpose of the Financial Plan Development Course is to require the financial
planning student to demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply his or her
knowledge of financial planning topics, as received through the curricula taught by
CFP Board-Registered Programs. The Board’s adoption of this new course
requirement is recognition of the increasing importance for the educational
®
requirements for CFP certification to prepare students not only with technical
financial planning knowledge, but also the skills to integrate, apply and
communicate this knowledge to their clients. Through this new course requirement,
®
future CFP professionals will have proven their ability to apply the financial
planning process to real-life situations, as well as their ability to communicate their
planning recommendations to a client. The requirement will not only become part
of the standards for CFP Board-Registered Programs, but will be considered part
®
of the educational requirement for CFP certification.

THE FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT (CAPSTONE) COURSE MUST
CONTAIN A MINIMUM OF 45 CONTACT HOURS OR 3 SEMESTER HOURS.

The Financial Plan Development Course is competency-based, which means that
instruction and experiences consist of a body of related skills and knowledge that
affect a significant portion of one’s performance in a given profession. Through the
use of competency-based learning objectives, learner achievement can be
quantified against universally accepted performance standards. This form of
learner assessment provides a detailed summary of learner effectiveness relative
to the role of the personal financial planner, while also informing subsequent
education and experiences relative to this course.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the
content found within the Financial Planning curriculum
V8/2012
and effectively apply and integrate this information in the
formulation of a financial plan.

2. Effectively communicate the financial plan, both orally and
in writing, including information based on research, peer,
colleague or simulated client interaction and/or results
emanating from synthesis of material.

3. Collect all necessary and relevant qualitative and
quantitative information required to develop a financial
plan.

4. Analyze personal financial situations, evaluating clients’
objectives, needs, and values to develop an appropriate
strategy within the financial plan.

5. Demonstrate logic and reasoning to identify the strengths
and weaknesses of various approaches to a specific
problem.

6. Evaluate the impact of economic, political, and regulatory
issues with regard to the financial plan.

7. Apply the CFP Board Financial Planning Practice
Standards to the financial planning process.

Learning Experiences

In developing curriculum and instruction relative to the Financial Plan Development
Course, Registered Programs have the flexibility to utilize a variety of educational
experiences in order to meet the specified learning objectives required by CFP
Board. These experiences within this capstone course may include, but are not
limited to, case studies, practicum experiences, presentation formats, software,
and internships. The rationale for devising criteria focused exclusively upon
learning objectives is to give Registered Programs the opportunity to use their own
creativity in devising learning experiences that they believe are best suited for their
students, while still meeting the CFP Board required learner achievement
benchmarks relative to the financial plan development course.

C.4 Academic Level
AT A MINIMUM, THESE COURSES MUST BE TAUGHT AT AN UPPER
DIVISION BACCALAUREATE LEVEL.

For degree courses from a regionally accredited institution, the course level
assigned by the institution will be accepted. For all not-for-credit certificate
programs and other applicants, CFP Board’s review of detailed course syllabi,
textbooks, student evaluation methods, faculty credentials, and other relevant
materials and factors will determine course level adequacy. Course credit
recommendations (course level and credit hours) of the American Council on
Education (ACE) will be accepted. Although CFP Board does not require that such
courses be reviewed by ACE, it encourages not-for-credit programs to consider
evaluation by ACE.

V8/2012
C.5 Recommended General Education and Elective Courses
In addition to the core curriculum, institutions are encouraged to include the
following courses: communication skills, mathematics, ethics, humanities, and
social sciences. Upper-division courses that explore counseling issues and skills
(such as values clarification, goal-setting, modifying financial behavior), attitudes
towards money (fears, risk tolerance), consumer investment and savings
decisions, family and human relationships, statistics and decision-making sciences
are encouraged. Courses in basic psychology and sociology should be taken as a
part of the general education requirement.

C.6 Recommended Financial Planning Prerequisites
Certificate programs, undergraduate, and master’s programs should consider the
following list of courses as prerequisites or graduation requirements:
 Financial accounting
 Macro- and micro-economics
 Quantitative analysis
 Finance
 Business law
 Business ethics
 Computer science: financial applications
 Counseling skills

C.7 Courses in Program, Textbooks, Grading, Faculty Assigned to Courses
A LIST, DESCRIPTION, AND DETAILED SYLLABUS (COURSE OUTLINE) OF
ALL FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM COURSES SHALL BE PROVIDED IN
THE APPLICATION. TEXTBOOKS MUST BE IDENTIFIED FOR EACH COURSE.
METHODS OF GRADING STUDENT MASTERY MUST BE IDENTIFIED.
FACULTY RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING EACH COURSE MUST BE
IDENTIFIED.

Generally, courses will be those taught by the financial planning faculty and
available to financial planning students, or serve as electives to students in related
disciplines. Typical course names may include:
 Fundamentals of Financial Planning; Survey of Personal Financial Planning
 Insurance Planning and Risk Management
 Investment Planning
 Securities Analysis and Asset Allocation
 Personal Income Tax Planning; Taxation of Individuals and Businesses
 Retirement Planning
 Employee Benefits Planning
 Estate Planning and Taxation
 Financial Plan Development (Capstone) Course
 Financial Planning Internship

Universities are expected to require use of standard textbooks in each major
category on CFP Board’s topic list. “Exam prep” or Review Course materials are
not substitutes for textbooks that provide theoretical and practical approaches to
the topics.

C.8 Learning Experiences
Learning experiences outside the classroom are of particular importance in
planning. They provide exposure to independent problem solving, research, and
financial planning in a real work context. Educators are encouraged to include
internships, case practice, cooperative experiences, special projects, team
V8/2012
projects, and the like into the program.

Each course focused on CFP Board’s financial planning topic list should include
case studies in personal financial planning situations appropriate to the course
subject matter to develop the student’s ability to use critical-thinking, problem-
solving, and decision-making skills in the context of personal financial planning
process.

C.9 Synthesizing Elements of Comprehensive Financial Planning
At least one course in the program should attempt to synthesize basic elements of
comprehensive financial planning. This should provide knowledge of how the
planning process is made operative in a variety of contexts. A collection of courses
is not necessarily adequate to accomplish this goal. The sequence of courses and
the kinds of real world problems used for teaching purposes are important
influencing factors.

D. Faculty
D.1 Faculty Quality
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR TEACHING EACH
COURSE AND OTHER COMPONENTS OF A CFP BOARD-REGISTERED
PROGRAM SHALL BE APPROPRIATE TO THEIR PARTICULAR
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES WITHIN THAT PROGRAM, PARTICULARLY
AT THE UPPER DIVISION BACCALAUREATE AND GRADUATE LEVEL.

A CURRICULUM VITA FOR EACH FACULTY MEMBER SHALL BE PROVIDED
REFLECTING HIS OR HER QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. If
certain faculty positions are open at the time the application or renewal application
is submitted to CFP Board, the application shall state the standards to be used by
the institution in selecting faculty to teach in the program. The application also shall
affirm that current curriculum vitae will be sent to CFP Board as additional faculty
members are hired.

While faculty numbers may be adequate, individuals may be ill equipped or
inappropriately qualified for their respective teaching responsibilities. On the other
hand, individuals with appropriate backgrounds should teach courses. For
example, someone with graduate training in economics or with comparable
research or consulting experience should teach a course in economic analysis.
Because of course level requirements, all faculty members should have
appropriate graduate degrees. In lieu of having an appropriate graduate degree,
®
faculty may hold a current CFP certification plus a bachelor’s degree in a related
®
field, or a current CFP certification, a bachelor’s degree, and significant
experience related to the course content. Faculty members who are authorized to
®
use the CFP marks are encouraged to do so. In rare instances where a faculty
member in a certificate program does not have an appropriate graduate degree or
®
a current CFP certification and a bachelor’s degree, an academic officer of the
institution shall provide a letter stating that the individual is considered qualified by
that institution to teach the course at the upper division baccalaureate level (or
higher). In no event will a faculty member be deemed appropriate who does not
have at least a bachelor’s degree.

D.2 Accessibility to Students
Institutions are encouraged to make the faculty highly accessible to students, both
in and out of the classroom.

V8/2012
D.3 Research and Professional Involvement
D.3.1 The involvement of faculty in research related to personal financial
planning is encouraged. Academic research can make an important
contribution to the evolution of the profession and its ability to serve
society. It also provides opportunities for intellectual enrichment to
participating faculty and students.

D.3.2 The involvement of faculty in academic and professional organizations
related to personal financial planning is encouraged. Examples of such
organizations are the Academy of Financial Services (AFS) and the
Financial Planning Association (FPA). Involvement in related academic
and professional organizations can provide faculty with opportunities to
enhance their teaching techniques and can help faculty ensure that
approaches and hypothetical cases used in the classroom are
appropriate to the practice personal financial planning by individuals
®
with the CFP certification.

D.4 Program Head (Program Director)-Professional Qualifications
THE HEAD OF THE FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM WHO IS DESIGNATED
AS THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR MUST HAVE ONE OR MORE OF THE
FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
 BE A CFP CERTIFICANT OR BE ABLE TO QUALIFY TO SIT FOR CFP
®
®
BOARD’S CFP CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION (i.e., he or she must
hold a designation, license, or degree that would qualify under CFP
®
Board’s “Challenge Status” to sit for the CFP Certification Examination)
 HAVE GRADUATE EDUCATION IN FINANCIAL PLANNING OR A
RELATED DISCIPLINE FROM A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
CURRENTLY ACCREDITED BY ONE OF THE SIX REGIONAL
ACCREDITATION AGENCIES; or
 FOR A NON-DEGREE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, HAVE A GRADUATE
DEGREE RELATED TO EDUCATION, ADULT EDUCATION, OR BE THE
HEAD OF THE CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.

Just as faculty are encouraged to participate in academic and professional
organizations related to personal financial planning, Program Directors are strongly
encouraged to participate in such academic and professional groups. In addition to
the rationale for faculty participation, such participation by a Program Director also
provides opportunities to meet individuals who may serve the program in an
advisory capacity.

D.5 Registered Program Conference
Program Directors are expected to attend CFP Board’s annual Registered
Program Conference, generally held over the first weekend in August to facilitate
attendance by more than one faculty member. If a Program Contact other than the
Program Director is appointed to handle administrative matters and to be an
additional liaison with CFP Board, the Program Director should also facilitate
attendance by the Program Contact. In the event the Program Director and
Program Contact cannot personally attend, a substitute (generally a faculty
member) should attend. Administrative and/or departmental budgets are expected
to include sufficient funds for such attendance.

D.6 Collegiality
Directors, administrators, and faculty of CFP Board-Registered Programs are
expected to develop professional relationships with their peers at other colleges
V8/2012
and universities, and to encourage collegiality with peers at other CFP Board-
Registered Programs among faculty and administrators. From time to time CFP
Board may share names of Directors and Contacts at CFP Board-Registered
Programs with faculty and administration at colleges and universities that are
considering registering a financial planning curriculum with CFP Board.

E. Students
E.1 Admission Policy
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THE INSTITUTION'S
PUBLISHED STATEMENT OF PROGRAM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM

Careful consideration should be given to the standards for admission and the
composition of the student population in both degree and certificate programs.
High admission standards will tend to foster high academic performance. They
may be paramount in creating a quality program.

Students recruiting and admission policies should be in harmony with the program
objectives and capabilities. Thus, students should be considered for admission, not
only on the basis of prior academic work, but also in light of the compatibility of
their personal goals with the program objectives. Contributions that the student
may make to the program and the profession should also be considered.

Any policy that allows the entry of students who would not meet traditional
admission standards should be undertaken only after careful consideration of
special education programs that can be supported along with the regular
programs. The absence of such programs may result in the unfortunate choice
between lower academic performance standards or a high rate of failure.

E.2 Nondiscrimination Policy
ADMISSION AND OTHER PROGRAM STANDARDS SHOULD NOT
DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX,
NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERISTIC
PROTECTED BY LAW.

E.3 Education Verification
Program is required to upload a completion report for all students who have
completed the required coursework. These records must be uploaded to the CFP
Board Online Education Verification System, www.CFP.net/EdVerification. The
program must be current, in order to upload records. Record uploads will be
restricted to Program Directors and Primary Contacts, who will be given login
information upon registration.

CFP Board will randomly audit uploaded eligibility lists to ensure the accuracy of
the student records. If one of your program’s lists is audited, you will need to
supply documentation of the student’s completion of the required courses. CFP
Board will contact the Program Director and/or Primary Contact of Registered
Programs whose eligibility lists have been randomly selected for audit.

F. Other Resources
F.1 Library
A good library is critical to a successful financial planning education program. The
book collection should be substantial, covering not only financial planning topics,
but also closely related disciplines. Academic journals in the field of personal

V8/2012
financial planning, such as Financial Services Review, and related disciplines
should be included in the library collection.

Acquisition budgets and procedures should reflect the dynamic nature of the field.
Faculty input into acquisitions decisions should be solicited.

F.2 Student Organizations
Collegiality among students and faculty advisors, service to the community and
school, opportunities to network with financial planning professionals, leadership
opportunities, teamwork, and enrichment activities can be fostered through an
active student organization for financial planning program students. Accordingly,
CFP Board encourages formation and fostering of student financial planning
organizations, with participation and affiliation with national financial planning
organizations, such as Financial Planning Association (FPA) or other membership
organizations, as appropriate.

F.3 Continuing Education Programs
Well-established financial planning programs can offer continuing education
courses to meet the needs of professionals. These matters are sufficiently
important to merit the same competence and prestige associated with degree
related instruction. Institutions offering continuing education in subjects covered by
CFP Board’s topic list are encouraged to contact CFP Board to become a listed
continuing education sponsor.

F.4 Alumni
Schools should maintain contact with their graduates. The ability of graduates to
occupy positions of responsibility in professional practice is an important indicator
of an adequate program. In addition, graduates often can make very helpful
suggestions for improving the educational program, and assist with job placement.

V8/2012
APPLICATION FOR INITIAL REGISTRATION
OF A FINANCIAL PLANNING CURRICULUM

V8/2012
APPLICATION FOR INITIAL REGISTRATION
OF A FINANCIAL PLANNING CURRICULUM WITH CFP BOARD

CHECKLIST
Use this checklist to 1) help you determine that your institution’s financial planning curriculum
meets CFP Board’s registered program requirements, 2) assist you in completing the various
sections of the application and 3) help you organize and gather supporting documentation.

Application
Section I completed.
Section II completed.
Current curriculum vitae or resume is included for the Program Director.
Section III completed.
Statement of objectives is provided.
Statement on the methods used to formulate the objectives is provided.
Program entry requirements provided. (Non-degree programs only.)
Section IV completed.
Detailed syllabus is provided for each course and describes how students are evaluated.
Syllabus for Financial Plan Development (Capstone) Course includes grading rubric
and learning objectives.
Current curriculum vitae are included for each faculty member.
Section V completed.
$500 review fee included.
Application and supporting documentation sent to CFP Board.
Brochures, catalogues and marketing materials provided, if available
Brief description of the library resources available to faculty and students is provided.

Please send the completed application and all application materials by mail or email to:
Education Department
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
1425 K Street NW #500
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-379-2224
E-mail: education@cfpboard.org

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*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
APPLICATION FOR INITIAL REGISTRATION OF A FINANCIAL PLANNING
CURRICULUM WITH CFP BOARD

SECTION I: Institution Data

1. Institution Name:

College Name:

Address:
Address 2
City, ST Zip

Web site:

2. Institution’s Accreditation (A.1.1)*:

Regional Accrediting Agency: Choose One

Date of Most Recent Accreditation (yyyy):

AACSB Accreditation (yyyy):

SECTION II: Contact Information

1. Program Head/Program Director (D.4.1)*:

Name:

Title:

Degrees and Designations/Certifications:

Address: Address 1
Address 2
City, ST Zip

E-mail: Telephone:

Fax:

2. Chief Academic Officer/Dean:

Name:

Title:

Address: Address 1
Address 2
City, ST Zip

E-mail: Telephone:

Fax:
V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
3. Contact Person: This individual will be listed in public information including CFP
®
Board’s website and Guide to CFP Certification. They will also be granted access to
the CFP Board Online Education Verification System along with the Program
Director.

Name:

Title:

Address: Address 1
Address 2
City, ST Zip

E-mail: Telephone:

Fax:

4. Secondary Contact (Optional): If you have requested an additional contact for your
education uploads, please list that individual here.

Name:

Title:

Address: Address 1
Address 2
City, ST Zip

E-mail: Telephone:

Fax:

5. Name, Company, Phone, and E-mail of Consultant, if applicable:

SECTION III: Program Description

1. Degree programs: provide the correct degree title for our program listing (e.g. B.S.,
Personal Financial Planning) (A.2.1)*.

2. Non-degree programs: provide the correct program title for our program listing (e.g.
Professional Financial Planning Program).

3. Delivery Method:

a. Classroom

b. Self-Study (text based)

c. Internet
V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
4. Additional Locations the Program is Offered:
Institution Name City State

5. College Credit

a. Curriculum is offered on a credit basis.

b. Curriculum is offered on a non-credit basis.

6. Level of Program (C.4)* -All certificate programs and those degree programs from
institutions that are not regionally accredited must describe how course level requirements
are met (see page 10 of this application)

a. Courses are offered at the upper division baccalaureate level.

b. Courses are offered at the graduate level.

7. Length of Program (A.3)* -All certificate programs and those degree programs from
institutions that are not regionally accredited must substantiate that minimum length
requirements are met (see page 14 of this application).

a. Number of courses in your program:

b. Number of weeks of each course:

c. Number of contact hours in each course:

8. Assessment Tools – Describe the assessment tools used to determine satisfactory
completion of each course.

9. Explain if this program incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives
based upon CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
10. Explain how minimum length and academic requirements are met. Describe and
justify how the curriculum listed above meets or exceeds the minimum length (18 semester
credits or the equivalent) and cognitive level requirements in CFP Board’s registration
criteria. Programs offered online or via self-study must provide the methodology used to
measure course length. Use as much space as needed. Attach current ACE
recommendations, if applicable.

11. Date of Application (mm/dd/yyyy):

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
12. The information contained on this page is confidential. After payment, this page will be
removed from the application and shredded.

Review Fee: $500
a. MasterCard/Visa/American Express OR Check #_______________

b. Card
Number:_______________________________________________Exp:________
__

c. Name on
Card:____________________________________________________________

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
13. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES FOR THE PROGRAM (B.1.1)*
(Provide in the space below, use as much space as needed)

14. METHODOLOGY USED TO DETERMINE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES (B.1.2)*
(Provide in the space below, use as much space as needed)

15. PROGRAM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (E.1)*
(Provide in the space below, use as much space as needed)

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
SECTION IV: Financial Planning Curriculum (C.1 and C.7)*

List those courses to be taken by financial planning students that will give them proficiency in the
subject areas outlined in the Criteria for Registration. Use additional pages if necessary.
 FACULTY/ACADEMIC STAFF (D.1.1)* - Attach a current CV for each faculty member.
Please provide the following summary information with respect to all faculty engaged in the
teaching of the financial planning courses. If any faculty members for the courses in this
program are to be hired later, provide a statement of the hiring criteria and affirm that a
current CV will be provided for each faculty member hired to teach courses in this program
following the date of this application. Use additional pages if necessary.
 TEXTBOOKS (C.7)* - List all required textbooks used in each course. Required and
supplemental textbooks also should be listed on each detailed course syllabus and should
correspond with this list. If a different textbook has been selected for a course than is
shown on the syllabus, explain the discrepancy. If there are multiple sessions of the same
course that use different texts, provide an explanation to facilitate review of the materials.
Review course materials are not sufficient to substitute for standard textbooks, although
review course materials may be used as supplements to standard textbooks and other
materials. If faculty-designed compilations of materials are used to cover a significant
number of topics in a course, provide a copy of the table of contents in the application
package. CFP Board may request copies of textbooks to facilitate its curriculum review,
but do not need to be included in the application package. Use additional pages if
necessary.
 FINANCIAL PLAN DEVELOPMENT (CAPSTONE) COURSE (C.3)* - In addition to the
syllabus for the capstone course, please include a detailed grading rubric that assesses for
the seven learning objectives. All of the criteria, along with sample rubrics, and webinars
outlining the requirements for the course application can be found on the following website:
www.CFP.net/teamup/plandevelopmentcourse.asp.

Summary of Courses

Course Course Title
Number

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
Course Title:
Course Number:

Credit Hours:

Broad Subject(s) Covered:

Textbook Title:
Author:

Publisher:

Edition/Year:

Instructor Name:
E-mail address:

Academic Rank:

Degrees Held:

Professional Designations/Licenses/ Certifications Held:

Professional Practice Experience:

Explain if this course incorporates the Student-Centered Learning Objectives based upon
CFP Board Principal Topics document.

V8/2012
*References in parentheses reflect criteria under section III of the Criteria for Registration.
SECTION V: Registration Agreement

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION FOR CFP BOARD-REGISTERED PROGRAMS

It is understood and agreed that:

1. Authorization. This Registration Terms and Conditions Agreement (“Agreement”) is between
you and Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards., Inc., a Colorado nonprofit corporation
(“CFP Board”). Upon acceptance of the Initial Registration or Registration Renewal Application
(“Application”) by CFP Board and subject to these Terms and Conditions of Registration
(“terms”), CFP Board grants a limited, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, royalty-free, non-
exclusive, revocable license to use the CFP® Marks (as defined below) solely in connection with
the promotion of and the conduct of educational services in the United States. No other rights
are granted except those explicitly granted herein.

2. Term. Upon satisfactory completion of program application materials for CFP Board review, the
registration period will be for a period of twelve (12) months and must be renewed annually.
This Terms and Conditions agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from
the date of signature. Registration may be revoked by CFP Board for failure to adhere to the
Criteria for Registration of a Financial Planning Curriculum with CFP Board, as revised from
time to time, or any other designated policies and procedures of CFP Board. Any changes made
to the program as described in the Application must be approved by CFP Board. Substantial
changes, including but not limited to changes in location or methods of delivery, may constitute
a separate program and as such may require additional registration. This registration does not
extend to partners, affiliates or other departments of the institution providing the registered
program. Any program created or developed in conjunction with a third party curriculum provider
or in partnership with another institution(s) is considered a new program must be submitted for
additional registration.

3. Term of Use. Permission to use the CFP® Marks, defined here as solely CFP®, CERTIFIED
FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® applies only for the
registration period, as defined by CFP Board. At the end of such registration period, if the
registration is not renewed, the registration expires; all rights to use the CFP ® Marks terminate.
CFP Board may terminate any rights the Registered Program has in the use of the CFP ® Marks
if the Registered Program fails to maintain current registration status or if the Registered
Program violates any requirement for registration.

4. Restrictions on Use. Without limiting the other terms and restrictions set forth in these Terms,
unless otherwise approved by CFP Board in writing, the Registered Program and its authorized
agents (directors or staff) will not, directly or indirectly, (i) use the CFP ® Marks in conjunction
with the promotion and/or provision of any services, or in any other way, outside the United
States unless cross-border requirements have been met, (ii) use the CFP® Marks in conjunction
with the sale or distribution of any tangible goods, (iii) certify individuals to use the CFP® Marks,
(iv) use the CFP® Marks in a manner that implies another individual or company is qualified or
permitted to use the CFP® Marks, or (v) use the CFP® Marks in violation of CFP Board’s policies
and procedures, which are incorporated herein by reference.

The CFP® Marks may only be used by representatives of the Registered Program to describe,
advertise or promote the Registered Program. The CFP® Marks may not be used by authorized
agents of the Registered Program for any other purposes.
5. Quality Control. The nature and content of all advertising, promotional or other uses of the
CFP® Marks, and educational services associated therewith, will conform to the standards
specified by CFP Board (as modified from time to time) and must be approved by CFP Board.
CFP Board has the absolute right to monitor the manner in which the CFP® Marks are used and
the quality of educational services associated therewith. CFP Board retains, at all times, he right
to withdraw its approval of the use of the CFP® Marks if the quality, content, accuracy, or other
characteristics of any of the educational services associated therewith ceases to be acceptable
or otherwise is not in accordance with certain standards defined by CFP Board.

6. Protection of the CFP® Marks. CFP Board shall have the sole right to file applications to
register, and to obtain registrations for, the CFP® Marks with any governmental or non-
governmental organization. Registered Programs agree to cooperate fully with CFP Board in
filling such applications and obtaining such registrations, including providing CFP Board with
specimens of use of the CFP® Marks and executing any documents requested by CFP Board, or
in protecting, enforcing and defending the CFP® Marks. A representative of the Registered
Program will notify CFP Board in writing of any infringement, imitations, claims or other
problems with respect to the CFP® Marks which may arise or otherwise come to the attention of
the Registered Program. CFP Board shall have the sole right, but not the obligation, to take any
action on account of any such infringement, imitation, claim or problem. The Registered
Program will not institute any suit or take any other action on account of such infringements,
imitations, claims or problems without the prior express written consent of CFP Board.

7. Ownership; Goodwill. The right to use the marks of CFP Board is limited to those rights to use
the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® marks and does
not extend to any other marks of CFP Board. Any goodwill attaching to the trademarks of CFP
Board as a result of the Registered Program’s use of the CFP® Marks will inure to the benefit of
CFP Board. The Registered Program will be conducted in a way that does not adversely affect
CFP Board’s reputation or goodwill. The CFP® Marks will only be displayed or used as permitted
in these Terms and the Reference Guide for the CFP® Certification Marks, CFP Board-
Registered Program Version(as updated from time to time). The right to use the CFP® Marks
does not grant right, title or interest in or to any trademark, service mark, logo or trade name of
CFP Board. The Registered Program agrees not to: (i) challenge CFP Board as the sole,
absolute or exclusive owner of all right, title and interest and to the CFP® Marks and the goodwill
associated therewith, (ii) challenge the validity, control or use of any mark owned by CFP Board,
(iii) register, use, adopt, or promote any mark that in CFP Board’s estimation is confusingly
similar to any mark owned by CFP Board, (iv) take or encourage any action which would impair
the rights of CFP Board in and to the CFP® Marks or any goodwill associated therewith, or (v)
infringe the CFP® Marks or any other marks owned by CFP Board.

8. Revocation of Right to Use. CFP Board has the absolute and unrestricted right to revoke, at
its sole discretion, any rights the Registered Program has to the CFP® Marks if CFP Board, in its
sole discretion, determines that the Registered Program has misused the CFP® Marks or is
otherwise in violation of any CFP Board policy with respect to the CFP® Marks or the Registered
Program’s activities. It is further understood and agreed that any violation of CFP Board’s
policies is likely to cause irreparable harm, and the Registered Program will immediately stop
using the CFP® Marks or change the manner in which they are used, whichever CFP Board
requests. To the extent necessary, the Registered Program consents to the entry of injunctive
relief to halt any violation of CFP Board’s policies with respect to the CFP® Marks.

9. Indemnification. Neither CFP Board nor its directors, officers, employees and others acting on
its behalf shall be liable to the Registered Program for any actions taken or omitted in an official
capacity or in the scope of employment, except to the extent that such actions or omissions
constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence, and the Registered Program hereby releases
CFP Board and the persons identified above from any liability for any such actions or omissions.
The Registered Program further covenants and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless
CFP Board and its directors, officers, employees and agents from and against any and all
claims, demands, judgments, awards and expenses related thereto (including court costs and
reasonable fees of attorneys and other professionals) brought or threatened by any third parties
arising out of: (i) any breach by the Registered Program of its Application or these Terms, (ii)
any failure by the Registered Program or its authorized agents to comply with applicable laws,
(iii) the services provided by the Registered Program, (iv) any unauthorized representation,
warranty, agreement or the like, express or implied, made by the Registered Program or its
authorized agents to or with any third party with respect to any acts or omissions (including
statements, representations or warranties not authorized by CFP Board), or (v) acts or
omissions taken by the Registered Program in connection with the use of the CFP® Marks.
Notwithstanding the above, CFP Board expressly reserves the right to retain separate counsel
to participate in the defense or settlement of any such claims.

10. Limitation of Liability. TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL
CFP BOARD BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ATTORNEY’S
FEES, LOSS OF BUSINESS, REVENUE, PROFITS OR OTHER ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE,
HOWEVER CAUSED, REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATED TO THE USE OR THE INABILITY TO USE ANY OF CFP BOARD’S MARKS,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FORMS OF
DISCIPLINE, EVEN IF CFP BOARD HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT WILL CFP BOARD’S LIABILITY UNDER THIS DECLARATION
AND AGREEMENT, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND
DEFAMATION) OR OTHERWISE, EXCEED THE AMOUNT I PAID IN APPLICATION FEES.
LIABILITIES SHALL BE LIMITED AND EXCLUDED, EVEN IF THE REMEDY FAILS OF ITS
ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

11. Miscellaneous.

a. Integration. The Application, these Terms, and the documents incorporated herein by
reference constitute the complete agreement and supersede all prior or
contemporaneous oral or written representations and warranties. CFP Board reserves
the right to make modifications to the binding Terms of this contract upon notification to
the Registered Program. No modification by the Registered Program to these Terms
shall be binding upon CFP Board unless in writing and signed by CFP Board.

b. Assignment. The Registered Program, directors or staff, will not assign or transfer any
rights or obligations under these Terms. Any assignment or delegation by the Registered
Program or its authorized agents of these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder
shall be null and void. CFP Board may assign its rights herein, without my prior consent.

c. Relationship. The Registered Program’s relationship with CFP Board is that of a
licensee granted the right to use the CFP® Marks and in no way does the relationship
constitute an independent contractor, partnership, franchise, joint venture, agency or
employment relationship.

d. Interpretation. These Terms, which the Registered Program understands are binding
upon it in consideration of CFP Board processing its Application, shall be interpreted in
such a manner as to aid in effectuating the purposes and business of CFP Board. No
third party private right of action shall be permitted against CFP Board for acts or
omissions taken by CFP Board in the furtherance of its purposes and business or in
connection with these Terms. Failure of CFP Board to insist on strict performance of the
provisions contained herein does not prevent CFP Board from later enforcing its rights
under these Terms.

e. Enforcement; Survival. If the Registered Program does not stop using the CFP® Marks
immediately upon termination, or otherwise violates the provisions of these Terms, such
conduct will be considered exceptional and the Registered Program will pay any
expenses, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees, which CFP Board may incur while
enforcing this provision. Upon termination of the right to use the CFP® Marks, obligations
under paragraphs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of these Terms will remain in effect.

f. Choice of Law; Forum. These Terms and any action relating thereto shall be governed
by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia
and controlling U.S. federal law. No choice of law rules of any jurisdiction will apply. The
Registered Program will not bring any action arising from or relating to these Terms
except in a court of appropriate subject matter jurisdiction in the District of Columbia, and
the Registered Program expressly consents to personal jurisdiction and proper venue by
and in such court.

g. Headings; Severability. The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are for
convenience of reference only and are without substantive significance. In the event that
any provision of these Terms shall for any reason be held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, such validity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provision and these Terms shall be interpreted and construed as if such term
or provision, to the extent the same shall have been held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, had never been contained herein.

_________________________________________
CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER/OR OTHER
RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

_________________________________________
TITLE

_________________________________________
NAME OF INSTITUTION

_________________________________________

_________________________________________
ADDRESS

_________________________________________
DATE
EFFECTIVE 2012
CFP BOARD’S FINANCIAL PLANNING TOPIC LIST (78-TOPICS)
AT A MINIMUM, THE CURRICULUM SHALL CONTAIN COURSES THAT ENABLE THE
STUDENT TO ACQUIRE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE TOPICS FOUND IN CFP BOARD’S
FINANCIAL PLANNING TOPIC LIST.

“The purpose of the topic list is to guide educational institutions to develop degree and
certificate programs in financial planning that deal with the skills and knowledge deemed
important to the tasks involved in comprehensive financial planning. The required topic
coverage and the recommended optional courses described herein were formulated based
on CFP Board’s job analysis study of the practice of financial planning. The periodic
updates of the job analysis study practice will result in modifications to the curriculum
guidelines from time to time, approximately every five years. Topic coverage adequacy will
be determined by CFP Board’s review of detailed course syllabi, textbooks, student
evaluation methods, faculty credentials, and other relevant materials. Throughout the
registration period, course materials should be kept up-to-date and reflect current law and
practice (Criteria for Registration of a Financial Planning Curriculum with CFP Board,
January, 2012).”

Taught in Personal Financial Planning
General Principles of Financial Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Planning Cognitive Level or Above
1. Financial planning process yes no
2. Financial statements yes no
3. Cash flow management yes no
4. Financing strategies yes no
5. Function, purpose, and regulation of yes no
financial institutions
6. Education planning yes no
7. Financial planning for special yes no
circumstances
8. Economic concepts yes no
9. Time value of money concepts and yes no
calculations
10. Financial services regulations and yes no
requirements
11. Business law yes no
12. Consumer protection laws yes no
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Insurance Planning and Risk Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Management Cognitive Level or Above
13. Principles of risk and insurance yes no
14. Analysis and evaluation of risk yes no
exposures
15. Health insurance and health care yes no
cost management (individual)
16. Disability income insurance yes no
(individual)
17. Long‐term care insurance yes no
(individual)
18. Life insurance (individual) yes no
19. Income taxation of life insurance yes no
20. Business uses of insurance yes no
21. Insurance needs analysis yes no
22. Insurance policy and company yes no
selection
23. Annuities yes no
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Investment Planning Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Cognitive Level or Above
24. Characteristics, uses and taxation of yes no
investment vehicles
25. Types of investment risk yes no
26. Quantitative investment concepts yes no
27. Measures of investment returns yes no
28. Bond and stock valuation concepts yes no
29. Portfolio development and analysis yes no
30. Investment strategies yes no
31. Asset allocation and portfolio yes no
diversification
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Income Tax Planning Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Cognitive Level or Above
32. Income tax law fundamentals yes no
33. Tax compliance yes no
34. Income tax fundamentals and yes no
calculations
35. Characteristics and income taxation yes no
of business entities
36. Income taxation of trusts and yes no
estates
37. Basis yes no
38. Tax consequences of the yes no
disposition of property
39. Alternative minimum tax (AMT) yes no
40. Tax reduction/management yes no
techniques
41. Passive activity and at‐risk rules yes no
42. Tax implications of special yes no
circumstances
43. Charitable contributions and yes no
deductions
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Retirement Planning Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Cognitive Level or Above
44. Retirement needs analysis yes no
45. Social Security (Old Age, Survivor, yes no
and Disability Insurance, OASDI)
46. Types of retirement plans yes no
47. Qualified plan rules and options yes no
48. Other tax‐advantaged retirement yes no
plans
49. Regulatory considerations yes no
50. Key factors affecting plan selection yes no
for businesses
51. Investment considerations for yes no
retirement plans
52. Distribution rules, alternatives, and yes no
taxation
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Estate Planning Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Cognitive Level or Above
53. Characteristics and consequences yes no
of property titling
54. Methods of property transfer at yes no
death
55. Estate planning documents yes no
56. Gifting strategies yes no
57. Gift tax compliance and tax yes no
calculation
58. Incapacity planning yes no
59. Estate tax compliance and tax yes no
calculation
60. Sources for estate liquidity yes no
61. Powers of appointment yes no
62. Types, features, and taxation of yes no
trusts
63. Qualified interest trusts yes no
64. Charitable transfers yes no
65. Use of life insurance in estate yes no
planning
66. Marital deduction yes no
67. Deferral and minimization of estate yes no
taxes
68. Intra-family and other business yes no
transfer techniques
69. Generation-skipping transfer tax yes no
(GSTT)
70. Fiduciaries yes no
71. Income in respect of a decedent yes no
(IRD)
72. Postmortem estate planning yes no
techniques
73. Estate planning for non‐traditional yes no
relationships
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Interpersonal Communication Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Cognitive Level or Above
74. Client and planner attitudes, values, yes no
biases and behavioral
characteristics and the impact on
financial planning
75. Principles of communication and yes no
counseling
Taught in Personal Financial Planning
Professional Conduct and Fiduciary Context Equivalent to Application
Course Number
Responsibility Cognitive Level or Above
76. CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and yes no
Professional Responsibility and
Rules of Conduct
77. CFP Board’s Disciplinary Rules and yes no
Procedures
78. CFP Board’s Financial Planning yes no
Practice Standards
COGNITIVE LEVELS

The following examples explain the terms used to describe cognitive levels in CFP Board’s
curriculum registration forms, listed from lowest to highest level, based on Bloom’s
taxonomy.

Knowledge: The student will be able to recognize or remember
terminology, trends, and other specific facts (e.g.,
"Identify the meaning of a technical term.")

Comprehension: The student will be able to grasp facts and concepts
and apply them to solve problems, draw conclusions,
and recognize consequences (e.g., “Understand the
importance of a specific situation.”)

Application: The student will be able to use previously learned
information in new and concrete situations to solve
problems that have a single or best answer (e.g.,
"Calculate a payment.")

Analysis: The student will be able to break down or put together
ideas and information to clarify relationships and
produce conclusions and plans (e.g., "Analyze a given
situation to draw conclusions.")

Synthesis: The student will be able to creatively or divergently
apply prior knowledge and skills to produce a new or
original whole (e.g., “Given certain circumstances, what
can you conclude?”)

Evaluation: The student will be able to assess the validity of
information and issue conclusions and
recommendations in terms of external evidence and
internal criteria (e.g., "Evaluate a situation to
recommend a course of action"