The creation of the CFP® certification is our legacy. Financial education is our mission.
With a 50+ year heritage in financial planning education, the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company offers premier financial education to students and professionals looking to add to their skillset and advance their careers. In 1972, we created the country's first financial planning credential, the CFP® certification. Today, we remain at the forefront of financial planning education by responding to the needs of the industry with professional designation programs and graduate degree programs designed to set professionals up for success by helping them add to their skillset, develop in their careers, and create better outcomes for their clients. As a financial education provider with programs that offer stackable credit across accredited professional designations, CFP®️ certification and a Masters degree in Personal Financial Planning, College for Financial Planning®️—a Kaplan Company empower advisors for their current career stages while earning credit toward their next credential.
After earning their most recent financial credential through College for Financial Planning, our graduates reported:
80%
72%
69%
15%
Explore Our Programs
CFP® Certification
We offer proven and flexible education programs to fit your lifestyle and career path, as well as an industry-leading review course and CFP Board-approved ethics and continuing education.
Professional Designations
Developed for every stage of your financial career, these industry-benchmark credentials help you stand out among other financial advisors.
Master of Science Degrees
Our online master’s degree programs give you the flexibility to achieve your next education goals. Pursue a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning or Financial Analysis.
Certificates
Original Creator of the CFP® Mark: In 1969, the International Association for Financial Planners (IAFP) and the College for Financial Planning were created to help meet the financial needs of Americans.
In 1985, the College entered an agreement to establish an independent, nonprofit certifying and standards-setting organization. Ownership of the CFP® marks and responsibility
for continuing the CFP® certification program was transferred to the new organization, International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners, Inc. (IBCFP), now known as CFP Board. For more information, please visit www.cfp.net/about-cfp-board/history
80% Are More Confident Speaking to Their Clients: This is one of the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by the College for Financial Planning® —a Kaplan Company between June 27 and August 7, 2023. For this survey, a sample of 951 2022 and 2023 graduates of the College for Financial Planning was interviewed online in English. The sample includes 613 graduates who earned a professional designation, license, or certification; are working in a financial planning role; and answered this question.
72% Reported an Increase in Client Base: Increase in client base is dependent on numerous factors other than, or in addition to, completion of the specialized financial designation, including specific employment conditions and individual experience. The College for Financial Planning® —a Kaplan Company does not guarantee any increase in clients resulting directly from such designation. Results are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by the College for Financial Planning® —a Kaplan Company between June 27 and August 7, 2023. For this survey, a sample of 951 2022 and 2023 graduates of the College for Financial Planning was interviewed online in English. The sample includes 541 graduates who earned a professional designation, license, or certification; worked in a financial planning role both the year before and the year after receiving their last professional designation, license, or certification; and answered this question.
69% Career Satisfaction: This is one of the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by the College for Financial Planning® —a Kaplan Company between June 27 and August 7, 2023. For this survey, a sample of 951 2022 and 2023 graduates of the College for Financial Planning was interviewed online in English. The sample includes 804 graduates who earned a professional designation, license, or certification, and who answered this question.
15% Earnings Increase: Earnings increases are dependent on numerous factors other than, or in addition to, completion of the specialized financial designation, including specific employment conditions and individual experience. The College for Financial Planning® —a Kaplan Company does not guarantee any earnings increase resulting directly from such designation. Results are the findings of a quantitative survey conducted by the College for Financial Planning between June 27 and August 7, 2023. For this survey, a sample of 951 2022 and 2023 graduates of the College for Financial Planning was interviewed online in English. This earnings increase was based on 530 graduates who were employed in a financial planning role both the year before and the year after receiving their most recent professional designation.