Add the AFC to Your Distinguished Designations
If you hold a CFP®, CPA, ChFC®, or CFA®, your credential satisfies the personal finance competency requirement for the AFC. Complete the remaining requirements and add the most trusted credential in financial counseling to your practice.
Professional Designation Challenge Eligibility Requirements
As a CFP, CPA, ChFC, or CFA, you must provide verification that your certification is in good standing. Additional competencies are addressed through one of two options.
Option 1 — Coursework Verification
- Complete coursework satisfying competencies not met by your designation
- Official or unofficial transcript showing completion with a passing grade
- Coursework from a regionally-accredited U.S. college or university
- Must be no older than 7 years (exceptions may apply)
- Submit transcript and application electronically at registration
Option 2 — AFC Education Materials
- Complete remaining competencies using AFC self-study materials
- AFC Learning System, Instructor-Led Prep Course, or printed textbook
- Choose the format that fits your learning style
- Materials available immediately upon registration approval
Please see the AFC Candidate Handbook for full eligibility criteria.
Education Materials: You Have Options for Your Learning Style
Several formats are available to support your learning journey. Choose what works best for you.
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.
Professional Designation Challenge Pricing at a Glance
Registration Fee: $75
One-time fee due upfront during registration.
Education Materials: $550
Comes with the AFC Learning 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 Your Designation, Choose Your Bundle
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
-
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
*Price does not include shipping. Please see Main Price List for shipping fees.
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.
Additional Certification Pathways to Consider
Financial Education Challenge
For those who have completed applicable coursework in personal finance, financial planning, consumer sciences, or equivalent curriculum from a regionally-accredited college or university.
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.
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.
If you have questions about the Professional Designation Challenge Pathway or other learning options for earning the AFC, please click or tap the button below to email us.
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