Program Overview
Over the last three years, financial advisors who are a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM have reported an increase in gross earnings of $20,000-$40,000 in the year following their CFP certification. More than 95 percent of them report feeling satisfied or very satisfied with their careers.

The Online Executive Certificate in Financial Planning program is an independent, self-study, online education program, designed to fulfill the education requirement to sit for the CFP Certification Examination. The program is designed to be completed in nine months but may be completed in more or less time, depending on a student's schedule. Program Requirements:
Please note: Beginning January 1, 2007, candidates for CFP® certification must earn a bachelor's degree prior to holding the CFP certification. For students enrolling January 1, 2012 or later, the financial planning presentation course will be required.

Currently, there are no prerequisites or admissions process for University of Pacific program; however, a general knowledge of finance terms and an understanding of financial planning issues are desired.

The Online Executive Certificate in Financial Planning program is offered in two different formats:
Web-delivered and Live-online. See Tuition/Fees tab for more information.
 
Additional requirements of the program include:

1. Computer and Internet access
2. Proficiency with a financial calculator (calculator training workshops are available).
3. All coursework must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" or better.
   
   Certificate of Completion
   Students who successfully complete all the courses will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from the University of Pacific .

The program consists of six modules:

• Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance
• Investment Planning
• Income Tax Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Estate Planning
• Financial Plan Presentation

Students complete the program at their own pace via highly interactive content, including video introductions for each module, instructor whiteboard examples and lectures, interactive games, exercises, homework and exams. This program is appropriate for anyone who cannot attend a regularly scheduled class or is a disciplined, self-study student. Access to the program is granted for nine months, with a one-time complimentary extension. Further extensions may be purchased.

• Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Insurance
This course introduces participants to the theory and practice of financial planning. It provides an overview of the financial planning process and offers guidance for managing a client's risk while achieving goals through savings and investments. Topics include life, health, disability and long-term care as well as property, Social Security and personal liability insurance. In addition, the course covers time value of money, education and retirement funding. A financial calculator, such as an HP 12C or 10BII, is required.

• Investment Planning
This course introduces concepts regarding modern portfolio theory, risk reduction, debt and equity securities, derivatives (including options and futures contracts) and asset allocation strategies. Participants will learn how to determine a client's risk tolerance and select appropriate assets based on the assessed risk tolerance and the client's goals.

• Income Tax Planning
This course provides detailed coverage of gross income inclusions, exclusions, deductions before and after adjusted gross income, and tax credits, while focusing on the taxation of individuals, sole proprietorships, C-corps, S-corps, partnerships and LLCs.  In addition, participants will learn planning techniques for taxation avoidance and minimization strategies.

• Retirement Planning
This course provides a comprehensive overview of qualified (defined benefit, profit share, 401(k) plans and non-qualified (deferred compensation, incentive stock options, employee stock purchase plans) retirement plans, other tax-advantaged plans (SIMPLE, Roth and traditional IRAs), and employee benefits.  This course also presents an overview of the Social Security disability and health care programs such as Medicare.

• Estate Planning
This course provides professionals with an introduction to wills, trusts, the probate process and the taxation of estates.  Course participants also will learn the tax implications of gifts and bequests during lifetime and at death.  The approach provides students with taxation avoidance and minimization techniques useful in planning a client's estate.

• Financial Plan Presentation
The Plan Presentation course consists of both online, self-paced study combined with live-online instruction.  Students will learn how to prepare and present a financial plan using financial planning software and multiple approaches to identifying and planning for a client's goals and risks.

Students complete the program at their own pace via highly interactive content, including video introductions for each module, instructor whiteboard examples and lectures, interactive games, exercises, homework and exams. This program is appropriate for anyone who cannot attend a regularly scheduled class or is a disciplined, self-study student. Access to the program is granted for nine months, with a one-time complimentary extension. Further extensions may be purchased.

Students can customize their educational experience by supplementing their program with additional study aids such:

•· Live End of Course Review, a live online instructor-led summary of the most important concepts in the course.

•· Textbook Bundle, receive required textbook automatically.

•· The Dalton Review® for CFP Certificate Examination, considered the premier CFP review course in the country.

For more information about CFP® certification please visit: http://www.cfp.net.

Currently, there are no prerequisites or admissions process for University of Pacific program; however, a general knowledge of finance terms and an understanding of financial planning issues are desired.

FAQ

Textbook List

The Certified Financial Planner Program is offered in two different formats: