Now you can train others to earn the AFC® certification!
The independent training pathway provides individuals and organizations with an accessible and customized way to gain the educational requirements needed to sit for the AFC exam. All trainers apply through AFCPE.
Interested in becoming an Independent Trainer?
As an AFC Trainer, you can work in various capacities to support others on their journey toward certification:
- Facilitate training for individuals and groups seeking a tailored educational experience:
Deliver personalized instruction to help candidates meet the AFC certification requirements while expanding the reach of financial counseling education. - Support your professional and organizational growth:
Provide in-house training aligned with AFC certification standards, expanding your service portfolio and creating new opportunities.
Trainers operate independently, and their role within an organization is determined by organizational needs and arrangements.
Training Options for Independent Trainers
Once your application has been approved, you’ll select from these two training options:
AFC® Learning System
The NEW AFC Learning System was developed with an embedded Instructor-led learning option. As an instructor, you can leverage materials to make this a turnkey tool including:
- An Instructor Resource Book
- AFC Learning System access with all of your students utilizing the platform
- Portal access for course planning and promotional materials
- Using reporting suite to track student competency development
- Being listed on the AFC Independent Trainer student page
Custom Program
Independent Trainers are not required to use the AFC Learning System. You are welcome to develop your own training materials to prepare students for the AFC Certification Exam. If you decide to pursue this route you will need to:
- Submit your training materials to AFCPE for review and approval
- Develop your own marketing materials to market your courses to your network
- Provide your listing on the AFC Independent Trainer page for students
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility requirements:
- An AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) “In Good Standing” (all renewal fees paid, CEUs up-to-date, and signed AFCPE Code of Ethics).
- Passed the AFC exam at least 2 years prior to applying to become an AFC Independent Trainer.
- Must not have served on the AFCPE Exam Development Committee for at least 4 years prior to applying to become and AFC Independent Trainer.
- Must not have served on the AFCPE Certification Council for at least 2 years.
Note: AFCPE staff, Board of Directors, or anyone with access to exam content is not eligible.
Independent Trainers who opt-in to utilize the AFC Learning System will receive:
- Access to the AFC Learning System and Instructor Resource Guide
- Slides for delivering the course
- Additional resources for marketing and promoting your course on Partner Resource Central
- Group reporting to track how your learning groups perform in the AFC Learning System
- Listing on the AFC Independent Trainer Directory
- Referrals from AFCPE as requests for instructor-led training are received
Independent Trainers who do no opt-in to utilize the AFC Learning System will receive:
- Listing on the AFC Independent Trainer Directory
- Referrals from AFCPE as requests for instructor-led training are received
All Independent Trainers will be required to:
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Pay a one-time application fee of $500
- Pay an annual renewal fee of $250
- Issue signed Certificates of Completion to participants who successfully demonstrated knowledge of the AFC Core Competencies
Independent Trainers who opt-in to utilize the AFC Learning System will be required to:
- Acknowledge and adhere to the AFCPE Independent Trainer Agreement
- Acknowledge and adhere to the Learning System Educational Institution and Partner License
- Acknowledge and adhere to the Learning System Instructor Kit License Agreement
Independent Trainers who do no opt-in to utilize the AFC Learning System will be required to:
- Submit program curriculum for review and approval to ensure alignment with AFC Core Competencies
- Acknowledge and adhere to the AFCPE Independent Trainer Agreement
Eligible and interested?
Questions? Please contact AFCPE at: 614-368-1055 or independenttrainer@afcpe.org.
*The AFCPE Certification Council does not require, provide, accredit, or endorse any specific study guides, training or review courses, or other examination preparation products. The Council, certification staff, certification committee members, and certification subject matter experts (SMEs) 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 exam.
**The AFCPE Education Department does not have access to any confidential, non-public AFC exam information.
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