Professional Designation Challenge
For those that hold a CFP®, CPA, ChFC or CFA.
Is this Pathway right for me?
Do you hold the CFP, CPA, ChFC or CFA certification? The Professional Designation Challenge Pathway may be right for you!
If your credential is in good standing, it will fulfill your educational requirement for the personal finance competencies of the AFC®.
Additional competencies must be satisfied by college-level coursework or through selected AFC self-study materials.
Am I Eligible for the Professional Designation 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:
1. 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 sciences, or equivalent curriculum. Submit your transcript electronically via your registration application.
OR
2.Choose from the education materials below for the option that works best for you.
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: $75
One-time fee due upfront during registration.
Education Materials: $550
Comes with the AFC Leaning System, an online learning tool. Extra materials available for an additional fee.
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.
Ready to Get Started? Submit proof of your current designation
Create your profile and register online. We will process your registration within three days and, upon approval, you’ll be able to start exploring your Certification Dashboard and the AFC® Learning System. If print materials are ordered, please allow 14 business days for delivery. Shipping fees apply.
Pay Exam Fee Later
Pay Exam Fee Up Front
Classic Study Bundle
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Registration Fee
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AFC® Exam Fee
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AFC® Learning System
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Printed Materials
Complete Study Bundle
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Registration Fee
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AFC® Exam Fee
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AFC® Learning System
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Instructor-Led Review Course
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Printed Materials
Classic Study Bundle
-
Registration Fee
-
AFC® Exam Fee
-
AFC® Learning System
-
Printed Materials
Complete Study Bundle
-
Registration Fee
-
AFC® Exam Fee
-
AFC® Learning System
-
Instructor-Led Review Course
-
Printed Materials
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
Financial Education Challenge
Registered Education Programs
Self-Paced Study
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