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Self-Paced Study

Get the education materials and study at your own pace for the exam.

What is Self-Paced Study?

Self-Paced Study is the most flexible pathway to earning the AFC® certification. AFC candidates working through the Self-Paced Study program receive the study materials and prepare for the AFC exam at their own pace.

Is this pathway right for me?

The Self-Paced Study is our most popular pathway and is perfect for self-starters, career-changers, and others who want to complete their certification on their own time, at their own pace.

Explore Education Materials

Several education materials are offered to support you on your journey to earning your AFC. Choose which materials work best for your learning style.

AFC learning sys

 The AFC Learning System is a dynamic, self-paced educational program designed to help you build the knowledge and skills required to prepare you for the AFC® exam and become a confident, effective financial counselor. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your expertise, the system offers the resources and structure to support your educational journey.

AFC prep course

The AFC® Prep Course is a structured, instructor-supported program designed to help candidates prepare for the AFC® exam. It’s ideal for learners who benefit from guided instruction and accountability, this course blends independent study with expert-led support to reinforce key concepts and clarify complex topics.

printed materials

Prefer learning offline or want a physical reference you can mark up and revisit? The AFC® Learning System has a printed textbook option to complement the digital course materials.

This textbook includes the full AFC® Body of Knowledge, covering all core content areas needed to prepare for the AFC® exam. It’s perfect for learners who prefer reading from the page, highlighting key sections, or studying without screen time.

Certification Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Registration Fee: $75

One-time fee due upfront during registration.

Education Materials: $875

Comes with the AFC® Online Study Guide and includes your choice of study materials. Comes with the AFC® Learning System. Extra materials available for an additional fee.

Exam Fee: $750

Can be purchased during registration or later.

While candidates have up to three years to complete all certification requirements, access to the AFC Learning System is for one year.

Ready to Get Started? Choose Your Bundle!

Create your profile and register online. We will process your registration within three days and, upon approval, you’ll be able to start exploring your Certification Dashboard and the AFC Learning System. If print materials are ordered, please allow 14 business days delivery. Shipping fees apply. 

Pay Exam Fee Later

Pay Exam Fee Up Front

Classic Study Bundle

$ 950 not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • Instructor-Led Review Course
Register Now
Popular

Complete Study Bundle

$ 1,600 not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • Instructor-Led Review Course
Register Now

Classic Study Bundle

$ 1,700 including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • Instructor-Led Review Course
Register Now
Popular

Complete Study Bundle

$ 2,300 including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • Instructor-Led Review Course
Register Now

Please see the AFC® Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria. 

Certification registration fee is non-refundable. Please view the AFCPE® Refund & Transfer Policy for more details. 

The Certification Council does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The Certification Council, certification staff, certification committee members, and certification subject matter experts do not have involvement in the creation, accreditation, approval, endorsement or delivery of examination review courses, preparatory materials, educational programs, or training programs/products that prepare candidates for the AFC certification examination.

Not Sure Which Pathway is Best for You?

Register for a free AFC Info Session

Join our Certification Team for a no-pressure, informative session to get all the information you need to make your decision.

Our info sessions are held monthly. Can't make it live? Register and we'll send you the recording!

Or, send us an email at certification@afcpe.org to discuss your options.

Learn More

Explore Other Pathways

Financial Education Challenge

For those who have completed applicable coursework in personal finance, financial planning, consumer sciences, or equivalent curriculum from a regionally-accredited college or university.
Learn More

Registered Education Programs

AFCPE partners with over 30 institutions-click to see if your school is one of them. Interested in a more traditional classroom experience? Check out our non-degree options.
Learn More

Professional Designation Challenge

If you hold a CFP®, CPA, ChFC or CFA designation, this may be the pathway for you. These professionals are exempt from a portion of the AFC core competencies.
Learn More

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