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Independent Training: Flexible, Customized, and Yours to Lead

The independent training pathway gives individuals and organizations an accessible, customized way to meet the educational requirements for the AFC exam. As an Independent Trainer, you decide how you deliver it. 

Become an Independent Trainer

Choose Your Approach: Independent Training Options

Once your application is approved, you’ll select from the following training options.

person working on their laptop with the AFC Learning System on the screen.

The AFC Learning System

The 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
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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:

  • Develop your own marketing materials to promote your courses to your networks
  • Provide your listing on the AFC Independent Trainer page for students

Independent Trainers do more than teach content. They carry AFCPE’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice into every session, modeling the competence and integrity candidates will be held to as certified professionals. It’s the same standard that makes the AFC a trusted mark of excellence in the field.

Review Professional Standards

Independent Training Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the 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.

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 

Please contact AFCPE at: 614-368-1055 or independenttrainer@afcpe.org. 

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Take the First Step to Becoming an Independent Trainer

As an Independent Trainer, you decide how you deliver your course to AFC candidates. It’s your chance to shape the next generation of financial counselors.

Apply for Independent Trainer

*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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