Financial Education Challenge
For those who have completed applicable coursework from a regionally-accredited college or university.
Is this Pathway right for me?
Have you completed coursework in personal finance, financial planning, financial counseling, consumer sciences or something similar?
The Financial Education Challenge Pathway may be right for you!
Through this pathway, you may be eligible to use your coursework to fulfill the education requirements for the AFC® certification.
Am I Eligible for the Financial Education Challenge?
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), you must provide verification that your certification is in good standing AND complete either:
- Verify completion of applicable coursework that satisfies the competencies not met by your designation. Coursework must be from a regionally-accredited college or university in the United States in personal finance, financial planning, consumer services, or equivalent curriculum, Submit your transcript electronically via your registration application. related coursework from a regionally-accredited college or university in the United States. You will complete an application mapping your completed coursework to the related AFC core competencies.
We will review your transcript and process your application within 30 business days. Once we determine whether the educational requirement has been fulfilled, we’ll send you written notification with instructions on next steps.
Coursework must be no older than 7-years to qualify for the Financial Education Challenge pathway. If coursework is older than 7-years, you may still qualify if you have been working full-time in the financial services field for at least 4 of the last 7-years or part-time in the financial services field for at least five of the last 7-years (validated through an Experience Verification Form).
Please see the AFC Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria.
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.
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 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.
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: $125
One-time fee due upfront during registration. Includes the price of your transcript review.
Education Materials: See below
The cost of your education materials is determined by your transcript review. If core competencies are not 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.
Education Costs
Full Challenge
(all competencies met)
- AFC® Learning System: Optional ($550)
- AFC® Instructor-Led Learning (includes Learning System): Optional ($1,150)
AFC® Learning System
$550
- AFC® Instructor-Led Learning (includes Learning System): Optional ($1,150)
AFC® Instructor-Led Learning (includes AFC® Learning System)
$1,150
- Included with Instructor-Led Learning
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.
Not Sure Which Pathway is Best for You?
Explore Other Pathways
Self-Paced Study
Registered Education Programs
Professional Designation Challenge
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