Financial Education Challenge
This AFC certification pathway is available to those who have completed applicable coursework in personal finance, financial planning, consumer sciences, or equivalent curriculum from a regionally-accredited college or university. The Financial Education Challenge may allow you to use completed coursework to fulfill AFC education requirements.
Financial Education Challenge Eligibility Requirements
This pathway is for applicants who have completed or taught college-level coursework encompassing AFC core competencies.
If you took the course as a student:
- Transcript (official or unofficial) required showing completion of coursework with a passing grade.
If you taught the course as a professor:
- Syllabus detailing course content
- Experience Verification Form signed by Department Chair validating claim
This pathway is for applicants who have completed or taught college-level coursework encompassing AFC core competencies. Applicants are required to map the completed coursework to those competencies and submit the Financial Education Challenge Application with supporting documentation.
Coursework must be no older than 7 years. Exceptions may apply with qualifying professional experience. Applications are reviewed within 30 business days. Please see the AFC Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria.
Education Materials: Explore What Works for You
Several education materials are offered to support you on your journey to earning your AFC. Choose which materials work best for your learning style.
The AFC® Learning System
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.
The AFCPE® AFC Prep Course
The AFCPE AFC Prep Course is a structured, instructor-supported program, combined with the AFC Learning System, 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
The AFC Learning System has a printed textbook option to complement the digital course materials. This textbook is a printed version of the online AFC Learning System’s content and covers 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.
Financial Education Challenge Pricing at a Glance
Registration Fee: $125
One-time fee due upfront during registration. Includes the price of your transcript review.
Education Materials: TBD
This is determined at transcript review. If core competencies aren't met, you may be required to purchase supplementary materials.
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.
Financial Education Challenge Costs In-Depth
Full Challenge*
(All Competencies Met)
- AFC Learning System: $550 (Optional)
- AFC Instructor-Led Learning (includes Learning System): $1,150 (Optional)
Partial Challenge*
(Some Competencies Met)
- AFC Learning System: $550
- AFC Instructor-Led Learning (includes Learning System): $1,150
*Price does not include shipping. See Main Price List for shipping fees.
Note: If no competencies have been satisfied by coursework, please see Self-Paced Study pathway. Additional materials, including printed options, available for a fee.
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.
Review Other Learning Pathways
Self-Paced Study
Our most popular and most flexible pathway to certification . For self-starters, career-changers, and others who want to complete their certification in their own time, at their own pace.
Registered Education Programs (REP)
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.
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.
If you have questions about the Financial Education Challenge Pathway or other learning options for earning the AFC, we invite you to attend a free information session.
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