Our certification marks represent the highest standards of excellence in the field of financial counseling and education. Our programs train professionals to guide clients through a holistic counseling framework of life-cycle financial education.
AFC® Program Competencies
Percentages below are in relation to the AFC exam.
- Set the Stage and Gather Client Information (10%)
- Establish the counseling environment
- Gather client information
- Form a strategic counseling plan
- Assist a Client in Creating an Action Plan (12%)
- Assist a client in establishing goals
- Assist a client in identifying strategies to attain goals
- Develop Financial Statements, Ratios and Spending Plans (10%)
- Educate a client about a cash flow statement
- Educate a client about a net worth statement
- Educate a client about personal financial ratios
- Educate a client about spending plans
- Manage Money (15%)
- Educate a client about financial services
- Familiarize a client with basic tax management
- Discuss employment considerations with a client
- Manage Credit and Debt (15%)
- Educate a client about uses of credit
- Educate a client about credit reports and scores
- Educate a client about credit products
- Educate a client about debt management
- Educate a Client about Consumer Protection (6%)
- Educate a client about consumer rights and responsibilities
- Educate a client about identity theft
- Educate a client about investor protection
- Educate a Client about Major Acquisitions (7%)
- Acquire property
- Educate a client about renting a home
- Educate a client about purchasing a home
- Educate a client about selling a home
- Manage Financial Risks (9%)
- Educate a client about financial risk
- Educate a client about insurance products
- Discuss Investment Basics with a Client (8%)
- Educate a client about investment fundamentals
- Educate a client about investment choices
- Educate a Client about the Financial Aspects of Retirement and Estate Planning (8%)
- Educate a client about retirement planning
- Educate a client about estate planning