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Self-Paced Study: A Pathway Toward the AFC

Self-Paced Study is the most flexible pathway to earning your AFC certification. It is our most popular pathway and is perfect for self-starters, career-changers, and others who want to complete their certification on their own time, at their own pace.

Education Materials: Explore Your Options

Several education materials are offered to support you on your journey to earning your AFC. We believe in giving you options to determine which works 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 textbook option to complement the digital course materials. It is a printed version of the online content covering all core content areas needed for AFC exam preparation.  It’s perfect for learners who prefer page reading, highlighting key sections, or studying offscreen.  Learners keep the textbook after online access is removed.

Self-Study Pricing at a Glance

Registration Fee: $75

One-time fee due upfront during registration.

Education Materials: $875

The AFC Learning System, 12-month access. 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, if purchased, is for one year.

Ready to Get Started? 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 delivery. Shipping fees apply. 

Pay Exam Fee Later

Pay Exam Fee Up Front

Classic Study Bundle

$ 950 not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • AFC® Exam Fee
Popular

Complete Study Bundle

$ 1,050* not including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • AFC® Exam Fee

Classic Study Bundle

$ 1,700 including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • AFC® Exam Fee
Popular

Complete Study Bundle

$ 1,800* including exam fee.
  • Registration Fee
  • AFC® Learning System
  • Printed Materials
  • AFC® Exam Fee

*Does not include shipping. 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.

Explore Other Learning Pathways

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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.

Women talks to a financial counselor

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.

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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 Self-Study Pathway or other learning options for earning the AFC, we invite you to attend a free information session. 

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