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Independent Training

Designed for groups who want a more personalized learning experience.

Is this Pathway right for me?

If you are an organization or group seeking a more curated, customized education experience, then the Independent Training Pathway may be right for you!

Through this pathway, you choose your preferred trainer-developed program led by an AFC professional to fulfill the education requirements for the certification.

What are the requirements?

Select your preferred Independent Training Program by clicking the link below and enroll in that program. You can register with AFCPE upon enrollment or after completion of the training program. Once you complete a training program, submit your certificate of completion and AFCPE will approve you to sit for the AFC exam.

Each AFC Registered Independent Training Program will determine their own tuition and fees and will contract with an interested individual or organization independently of the AFC Certification program.

Optional 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.

A supplementary tool to support your preparation for the AFC examination. The guide is included with the self-paced study pathway and available as an add-on for all other pathways. It is designed to guide you through the material, providing you with additional tools and resources to develop your skills, test your comprehension, and put your knowledge into practice.

This option provides a curated selection of the books required to fill in any gaps from your submitted education. This abbreviated study package includes the AFC Online Study Guide and will provide everything you need to cover the AFC Core Competencies. 

Certification Pricing

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Registration Fee: $75

One-time fee due upfront during registration. Includes the price of your transcript review.

Education Materials: Varies by Trainer

The cost of your education materials is determined by the Independent Training Program you select.

Exam Fee: $750

Can be purchased during registration or later.

Classic Study Bundle

$ 475 not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • Transcript Review Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Online Study Guide
  • Recommended Textbooks
  • AFC® Webinar Review
Popular

Complete Study Bundle

$ 1,075 not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • Transcript Review Fee
  • AFC® Exam Fee
  • AFC® Online Study Guide
  • Recommended Textbooks
  • AFC® Webinar Review

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

Books and materials that ship outside the U.S. will incur a $35 international shipping charge.

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

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

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.

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