
Self-Paced Study
Get the education materials and study at your own pace for the exam.
What is Self-Paced Study?
Self-Paced Study is the most flexible pathway to earning the AFC Certification. AFC Candidates working through the Self-Paced Study program receive the study materials and prepare for the AFC Exam at their own pace.
Is this Pathway right for me?
The Self-Paced Study is perfect for self-starters, career-changers, and others who want to complete their certification on their own time, at their own pace.
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.



A supplementary tool to support your preparation for the AFC® certification examination! The guide is now included with the self-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!
Let our qualified instructors help you connect the dots between the AFC® core competencies and the application of the material.
AFC® webinar review sessions are designed to give you confidence and clarity as you prepare to sit for the AFC exam.
- Live instruction and comprehensive review of the material
- Opportunity to ask questions
- More connection to study with your peers
Financial Counseling, Personal Finance, Surviving Debt (textbooks).
Certification Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Registration Fee: $50
One-time fee due upfront during registration.
Education Materials: $675
Comes with the AFC® Online Study Guide and includes your choice of study materials. Extra materials available for an additional fee.
Exam Fee: $730
Fee to take the AFC® Exam. Can be purchased during registration or later.
Ready to Get Started? Choose Your Bundle!
You’ll start by submitting your registration form with payment to the AFCPE® national office. We will process the registration and either mail you your study materials or send you an email with instructions to access online materials. (Please allow 14 business days for shipping and handling.)
You can then study for the examination using the selected study materials.
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® Online Study Guide
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Recommended Textbooks
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AFC® Webinar Review
Complete Study Bundle
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Registration Fee
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AFC® Exam Fee
-
AFC® Online Study Guide
-
Recommended Textbooks
-
AFC® Webinar Review
Classic Study Bundle
-
Registration Fee
-
AFC® Exam Fee
-
AFC® Online Study Guide
-
Recommended Textbooks
-
AFC® Webinar Review
Complete Study Bundle
-
Registration Fee
-
AFC® Exam Fee
-
AFC® Online Study Guide
-
Recommended Textbooks
-
AFC® Webinar Review
Education and exam fees are paid separately. Certification registration fee is non-refundable. Please view AFCPE®‘s Refund Policy for more details.
Optional course reviews are available through AFCPE® upon request for $675 and optional study guides are available for $100. 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 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET. Recordings are available to registered attendees.
Or, send us an email at certification@afcpe.org to discuss your options.
Explore Other Pathways
Education Challenge
Registered Education Programs
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