Executive Director’s Message: Reimagining the Journey: Introducing the AFC Learning System

Written By: Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director

As someone who has drawn inspiration from the lessons of distance running, I see our strategic journey not as a sprint, but as a marathon – one shaped by the path ahead and the collective energy of all who travel with us. The marathon is more than a test of endurance – it’s a journey filled with lessons about preparation, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful milestones. As we reach the midway point of our 3-year strategic plan, I find myself thinking about our own journey through this lens. 

Looking Back: The Road Behind Us 

Eighteen months ago, together with the AFCPE Board, Staff, and input from our larger professional community, we embarked on a 3-year strategic plan with a fundamental mission: To uphold and elevate the highest standards for financial counseling, coaching, and education, while also expanding access to AFC® professionals for all people in every community.  

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in enrollments in the AFC program, but our completion rates have not been growing at the same rate. So, just as marathoners adapt to new running technologies and training philosophies, we knew that we had to  adapt our educational offerings to help ensure that more candidates can reach the finish line – prepared, confident, and inspired to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve.  

Setting Goals: Advancing with Purpose 

In developing the new AFC Learning System, our guiding principles were clear. We sought to: 

• Improve Completion Rates and Exam Readiness: We aim to support candidates in reaching their certification goals without lowering the high standards that are the hallmark of the AFC. 

• Create a Stronger Feedback Loop: By understanding where candidates excel and where they face obstacles, we can continually refine our educational components and better support learners at every step. 

• Build Motivation and Reduce Barriers: We set out to design a system that not only motivates learners but also makes it easier to stay on track – fostering the confidence required to sit for the exam. 

• Expand Our Independent Trainer Program: By empowering AFCs to become trainers, we can extend the reach and impact of the designation, bringing quality financial education to communities across the country. 

Each of these goals echoes a lesson from the marathon: success depends not only on individual effort but also on the quality of the support and resources available along the way. 

Innovative Features: A Tailored Experience for Every Learner 

The new AFC Learning System is a platform designed to meet learners where they are and help them go further. Some of its key features include: 

• Personalized Learning Path: The system dynamically adapts to their unique knowledge gaps, learning preferences, and pace. Whether they’re just beginning or reviewing for the final exam, their path is tailored to maximize their  strengths and address their  specific needs. 

• Interactive Learning Tools: Learners engage with interactive section quizzes, flashcards, and a variety of activities that bring complex concepts to life, making study sessions more effective and enjoyable. 

• Real-Time Progress Tracking: Learners can monitor their study progress and identify improvement opportunities, allowing them to adjust their study plan as needed. 

• Audio Learning Materials: For auditory learners and busy professionals, the platform offers audio resources that make it easy to study on the go – whether commuting, exercising, or multitasking in daily life. 

• Comprehensive Practice Exam: Candidates can prepare with confidence by taking a full-length practice exam, building both knowledge and exam-day readiness. 

The Impact: Empowering Professionals, Expanding Access 

The launch of the AFC Learning System is about more than technology – it is about people. It is about supporting the next generation of financial counselors, coaches, and educators as they work to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families nationwide. 

By fostering higher completion rates and ensuring candidates are better prepared for the exam, we are not only upholding our commitment to excellence but also making the designation more accessible to a wider, more diverse group of professionals.  

The Road Ahead: Join us on the Journey 

The marathon analogy is not just about endurance; it’s about community. Every marathoner knows the importance of encouragement from fellow runners, volunteers, and loved ones along the way. It is in this spirit that we invite our community – AFC professionals, current and aspiring candidates, AFCPE Members, and partners – to join us as we embark on this next phase. 

• Tell someone about the AFC Learning System 

• Make the case for AFC Certification in your organization 

• Learn more about getting your group certified 

As we pass this mid-way milestone in our strategic plan, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and look to the road ahead.  The journey of a marathon is not only measured by the miles we have covered, but by the promise and potential of the miles yet to come. 

With the launch of this new AFC pathway, we are well-poised to enhance the learning experience, uphold the highest standards, and expand the reach and impact of the AFC designation nationwide. Together, we will continue to run – step by step, milestone by milestone – toward a future where financial well-being is within everyone’s reach. 

Here’s to the road ahead, and to all who travel it with us.