Certificate in Financial Planning

Program Overview

This graduate certificate program prepares individuals for the CFP® Exam, providing the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the financial services industry. Offered in person every other weekend, the program can be completed in approximately nine months while maintaining other commitments. Successful completion allows participants to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The program is a graduate certificate program designed to fulfill the education requirement to sit for the CFP® Exam .
• The program is offered in person and is designed for individuals new to the financial services industry and seasoned professionals.
• The program provides the skills, training, and knowledge to succeed in the financial services industry, as well as meeting the education required to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.
• The program can be completed in approximately nine months while maintaining a full-time job or taking other courses in degree programs.

Assessment:

• Successful completion of the curriculum allows participants to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination
• A passing grade on the final exam is 70%

Teaching:

• Classes are held in person every other weekend on campus - Friday eve from 5:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Every effort is made to ensure that classes meet every other weekend, but holidays and local events may sometimes alter the schedule.
• The program is delivered in person on the Duquesne University campus conducted Friday evenings 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
• Quizzes and exams are completed online.
• The cohort calendar is established to run every other weekend in this format with exceptions due to University or National holidays and to meet CFP Board verification deadlines.

Tuition for our program is $5,495 plus books and materials (books are not included in the tuition and are purchased by the student directly from Kaplan Financial. Payment must be paid in full before the first class and by established deadlines unless you enroll in the University approved payment plan. This payment plan option carries a sign-up fee and an interest charge for the subsequent two monthly payments. This program is considered non-credit and part-time and will not qualify for loan deferrals while enrolled. If an employer is willing to cost share or cover a portion or all of the tuition, the student will need to make arrangements for payment in full by the deadline with his/her employer. Tuition invoices will be made directly to the student only. Students should evaluate their own financial means for payment before applying. Related expenses not covered in tuition might include: campus or nearby parking costs, food and beverages, transportation expenses, financial calculator, internet access device for required online assessments (quizzes, case studies, final exams).