Question 1

What is the relationship between Kaplan and College for Financial Planning^®?

Accepted Answer

In July 2018, Kaplan Professional acquired the College for Financial Planning^®, bringing together two respected leaders in financial services education. This transaction created College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company. College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company (CFFP) remains a separate institution, owned by Kaplan Professional and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Over the past year, Kaplan Financial Education and College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company have come together to offer wealth management and financial services education as one organization. The CFP^® Certification program, professional designations like the CRPC^®, master's degrees, and select continuing education courses are now offered under the name College for Financial Planning^®—a Kaplan Company.

Question 2

How does the acquisition of College for Financial Planning^® affect programs and exam prep products?

Accepted Answer

All wealth management products are now offered under the name College for Financial Planning^®–a Kaplan Company. Previously, our complete CFP^® certification program was offered under Kaplan Financial Education. Currently, programs differ in enrollment process, learning management system, and study tool support.

Enrolling in the CFP^® Certification Program

Currently, there are two complete CFP^® certification program tracks, with certificate- or graduate-level education. The certificate program was previously offered by Kaplan Financial Education, and is still offered on Kaplan's Learning Management System, supported by Kaplan's suite of study tools and textbooks. Enroll in the certificate program at kaplanfinancial.com/cfp/education-program. The graduate-level program is offered on CFFP's online platform, supported by the textbooks and study tools of the College. Enroll in the graduate program at cffp.edu/cfp.

CFP^® Exam Prep review is offered under College for Financial Planning^® –a Kaplan Company, and is available for purchase at kaplanfinancial.com/cfp/exam-prep-review. The Review programs are offered on Kaplan's Learning Management System, supported by the Kaplan suite of study tools and textbooks.

The required Ethics course for CFP^® certification renewal is offered under College for Financial Planning^®–a Kaplan Company at kaplanfinancial.com/cfp/continuing-education.

Enrolling in a Professional Designation Program or Master's Degree Program

Professional designations, like the CRPC^®, AAMS^®, and LUTCF^®, and Masters degrees are available for sale on cffp.edu. The Wealth Management Specialist (WMS) certificate program can be purchased at kaplanfinancial.com/wms.

Effective August 15, 2018, all certificates of completion and verification letters, including those for the Kaplan CFP^® certification education coursework and the Wealth Management Specialist program, will be issued by College for Financial Planning^®–a Kaplan Company.

Current students should continue to log in to their respective products through the kaplanfinancial.com and cffp.edu websites.

Question 3

What is the program format for the education program?

Accepted Answer

Each education program from College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company is designed to fit your career path and preferred study method. Whether you choose instructor-led classes or a self-study package, rest assured we will help you efficiently navigate through the education curriculum.

Question 4

What is the length of enrollment in the education program?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that you progress through and complete your coursework in a timely manner, the College has a maximum length of enrollment for its courses/programs. If you do not make academic progress according to these guidelines, you may be dismissed and required to re-enroll (see Re-enrollment policy below). Depending on the program offering, you may be eligible to purchase an extension, and the nonrefundable fee must be paid prior to dismissal from the course or program.

If you are enrolled in the full CFP® Certification Professional Education Program, you have a maximum of two (2) years to complete your studies. If you have not withdrawn or successfully completed the CFP® Certification Professional Education Program within two years from your date of enrollment, you will be dismissed from the program and any active courses will be assigned a final grade of F.

If you are enrolled in an Essential or EssentialPlus CFP® Certification Professional Education course, you have a maximum of ninety (90) days to complete each course. If you have not withdrawn or successfully completed the course within ninety (90) days from your date of enrollment, the final grade for the course will be recorded as an F.

Question 5

What will I receive when I register for a self-study online education course?

Accepted Answer

Self-study online (or SSO) courses are offered in the EssentialPlus and Essential packages.

If you selected print textbooks, you will receive your soft-bound book via UPS. If you selected an eBook, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access materials through the VitalSource^® platform. You can learn more about VitalSource^® later in the FAQs.

You will not receive a textbook or eBook for the 107 course because all materials are provided to you via your online classroom.

You will also receive a course confirmation via email, along with a username and instructions to establish a password for initial login. The following online assets are available to you after logging in with your username and password:

Getting Started Guide
Study Planner
Education QBank
OnDemand Class Access
Core Lecture Videos
Instructor Email Access
Updates/Errata

Question 6

What will I receive when I register for a live online education course?

Accepted Answer

Live Online Classes (also referred to as Accelerated Financial Planning (AccFP) courses) are offered in the PremiumPlus and Premium Instruction Packages.

If you selected print textbooks, you will receive your soft-bound book via UPS. If you selected an eBook, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access materials through the VitalSource^® platform. You can learn more about VitalSource^® later in the FAQs.

You will not receive a textbook or eBook for the 107 course because all materials are provided to you via your online classroom.

You will also receive a course confirmation via email, along with a username and instructions to establish a password for initial login. The following online assets are available to you after logging in with your username and password:

Getting Started Guide
Study Planner
Education QBank
Live Online Class Access and Archives
Core Lecture Videos
Instructor Email Access via InstructorLink™
Program Schedule and Documentation
Updates/Errata

Question 7

How long will I have access to my online assets?

Accepted Answer

Online assets for Kaplan programs expire at the end of the month in which you are taking your exam. For example, if you are attending courses or using products associated with a program cycle that began in March 2020 you will have access to your online assets until March 2021.

Exceptions:

Analyze & Apply Review QBank: The QBank will expire 12 months from the first access date.

Self-Study Online Courses (EssentialPlus & Essential Packages): You will have access to your course and materials for 90 days.

VitalSource^® eBooks: View the VitalSource^® FAQ below for complete details.

If you purchased a program from cffp.edu and have questions about your online access, please email cffpssc@cffp.edu.

Question 8

How many tests do I have for each education course and how much time is allowed?

Accepted Answer

Certificate-Level Education Program

For courses 101–106, there are 10 unit quizzes, 1 case study quiz, and 1 final exam. Each unit quiz has 10 questions, with an allotted time of 40 minutes per quiz. The case study quiz has 10 questions, with an allotted time of 60 minutes. The final exam has 50 questions, with an allotted time of 3.5 hours.

There are no quizzes associated with course 107. However, students are required to submit a written financial plan along with a video clip of explaining part of the plan to the client.

Graduate-Level Education Program

Examinations for the graduate-level education program must be administered via a disinterested third party. We do not require students in program to test at a testing center. Students are required to attempt the examination for their current course every 6 months in order to stay active. For additional details, visit cffp.edu or email cffpssc@cffp.edu.

Question 9

Due Dates & Testing Deadlines

Accepted Answer

Students enrolled in a CFP Professional Education Course are expected to familiarize themselves with testing deadlines. For specific offering due dates, please review the Testing Deadline Policy.

Question 10

Length of Program Enrollment

Accepted Answer

To ensure that you progress through and complete your coursework in a timely manner, the College has a maximum length of enrollment for its courses/programs. If you do not make academic progress according to these guidelines, you may be dismissed and required to re-enroll (see Re-enrollment policy below). Depending on the program offering, you may be eligible to purchase an extension, and the nonrefundable fee must be paid prior to dismissal from the course or program.

If you are enrolled in the full CFP^® Certification Professional Education Program, you have a maximum of two (2) years to complete your studies. If you have not withdrawn or successfully completed the CFP^® Certification Professional Education Program within two years from your date of enrollment, you will be dismissed from the program and any active courses will be assigned a final grade of F.

If you are enrolled in an Essential or EssentialPlus CFP^® Certification Professional Education course, you have a maximum of ninety (90) days to complete each course. If you have not withdrawn or successfully completed the course within ninety (90) days from your date of enrollment, the final grade for the course will be recorded as an F.

Question 11

Can I test out of CFP^® certification coursework via credit-by-exam?

Accepted Answer

Graduates of certain wealth management designations can test out of courses in our CFP® Certification Education Program. Full details and program eligibility can be found in our Credit-By-Exam Policy.

Question 12

Re-enrollment

Accepted Answer

If you have previously withdrawn or been dismissed from a CFP^® Certification Professional Education Program or course with the College you may re-enroll. You must settle any unpaid balances on your account prior to re-enrolling. Academic credit may be awarded for any courses successfully completed in your prior enrollment with the College.

Question 13

Can I audit a course?

Accepted Answer

A one-week audit access period is available upon request. Access includes online course material but does not include ancillary products or services. To request audit access please contact an Enrollment Specialist at enroll@cffp.edu or 800-237-9990 option 3.

One course may be audited at a time.
Each course may only be audited once.
Course audit is only available to prospective students

Question 14

Can I transfer credit?

Accepted Answer

Students from other institutions who are interested in potential transfer credit can consult our Wealth Management Transfer of Credit Policy.

Question 15

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are calculated for students enrolled in the Premium, EssentialPlus, and Essential offerings of the CFP® Certification Education in accordance with the Refund Policy.

Question 16

Can I re-enroll in the education program?

Accepted Answer

If you have previously withdrawn or been dismissed from a CFP® Certification Professional Education Program or course with the College you may re-enroll. You must settle any unpaid balances on your account prior to re-enrolling. Academic credit may be awarded for any courses successfully completed in your prior enrollment with the College.

Question 17

What is my next step to passing the CFP^® exam after completing the education requirements?

Accepted Answer

First of all, a big “congratulations” is due for completing the required education. We strongly recommend you keep the momentum going and move directly to preparing for the CFP^® exam. Our Exam Prep Review is critical to ensuring you build on the knowledge you obtained during the education program and take it a step further to prepare to pass the exam.

Question 18

What is VitalSource?

Accepted Answer

1. What is VitalSource^®?
VitalSource^® is the preferred and most used e-textbook platform in higher education today, and the VitalSource Bookshelf^® is the most advanced eBook software in the world. With VitalSource^®, you get three-way access to your books: download, online, and mobile. Notes and highlights automatically stay in sync no matter where you take them (mobile requires online sync). In the library, at the computer lab, or even in a clinical setting, you can access your books when you need them—whether you brought your laptop or not.

2. What products are available as eBooks?
Kaplan CFP^® exam education and review books are available as VitalSource^® eBooks. The eBook provides access to your study materials in a digital format for use on a personal computer, Apple^® mobile device (including iPad^®, iPhone^®, and iPod touch^®), Android™ mobile device, and the Kindle Fire.

3. How many devices will I be able to use my eBooks on?
When you purchase the eBook versions, you will get access to view them online. You can also access and download them on up to two personal computers and up to two mobile devices.

4. What are the features of the VitalSource^® eBooks?
Features of the eBook include:

Electronic notes and highlighting: When you make notes and highlight sections, the changes are stored on the VitalSource^® server, meaning they will be available if you access the eBook from another computer or device. Additionally, notes and highlights can be automatically synchronized between the web version of your products and your downloaded version (this requires that the computer containing your downloaded file be online). You can also share your notes and highlighted content.
Ability to export notes: You can copy/paste curriculum text and export your notes to a text file.
Flexible print options: You can print up to two pages at a time.

5. How do I access eBook products on my desktop or laptop computer?
When you purchase an eBook product, you will receive an email with installation instructions and a unique registration code to activate your eBook. With a compatible browser, you will be able to access your eBooks via the Internet at online.vitalsource.com or from a file you directly download.
To download the eBook files for use on your personal computer, your computer must meet certain system requirements.
Download the VitalSource Bookshelf^®
Important note to Microsoft Windows XP users:
You may need to download and install Microsoft’s .NET framework in order for the eBook to run properly on your computer. The installation program will automatically determine whether your computer needs .NET and prompt you through the download and installation of .NET prior to installing the VitalSource^® eBook. Downloading and installing .NET may take 10 to 40 minutes, depending on your computer’s configuration and your Internet connection speed.
If you prefer not to download Microsoft’s .NET framework, you can still access your eBook content using the online version of the eBook. (While the downloadable version can be accessed anytime, the online version is only accessible when you have an active Internet connection.)
More information about the VitalSource BookShelf^®
Find out more about system requirements.

6. How do I access eBook products on my mobile device?
The eBook version provides access to the curriculum in digital format for use on a personal computer, Apple^® mobile device (including iPad^®, iPhone^®, and iPod touch^®), Android™ mobile device, and the Kindle Fire, eliminating shipping and customs fees. When you purchase an eBook product, and it is assigned to your account, you will receive installation instructions and a unique registration code to activate your eBook.

An app for the eBook on Apple devices, including iPad^®, iPhone^®, and iPod Touch^® is available from iTunes.
An app for the eBook on an Android mobile device and software supporting the Kindle Fire are also available to download from VitalSource^®.

7. How long will I have access to my eBook?
You will have access to your eBooks through VitalSource^® for 1 year (online) from the date of your code redemption and 2 years access for downloaded material.

8. Are there any limitations to the VitalSource^® mobile apps?
Yes, there are some limitations to the mobile apps in comparison to the desktop version. Please see the important notes regarding your eBooks on mobile devices.

The functionality of the mobile device app is limited in comparison to the personal computer version of the VitalSource Bookshelf^® software. For example, notes and highlights are viewable, but users cannot make new notes from the app at this time. The app does, however, have search capabilities.
The eBooks are not optimized for mobile devices and, therefore, the text on mobile phones is very small. The app has zoom capability, but at the expense of easy navigation.
Use of the app will not affect your ability to download the eBook onto a personal computer. Students can download their eBook to a maximum of two compatible mobile devices, in addition to two personal computers. Additionally, candidates can access the online version of the eBook through online.vitalsource.com from any compatible Internet browser.
The app itself installs very quickly, but individual eBooks may take several minutes to download because of the large file sizes.
Users can only download their materials when WiFi access is available.

9. Who do I contact if I am having technical difficulties?
For immediate answers to common technical support issues, our eBook vendor, VitalSource^®, has a searchable Knowledge Base that contains the answers to several common questions.
If you require further assistance, visit VitalSource Technical Support or contact the VitalSource Service and Support line. They will connect you with a VitalSource Bookshelf^® expert who specializes in your exact question. The U.S.-based support center is open 24/7 to accommodate your schedule.

In the United States and Canada, please call 1.855.200.4146.
In the United Kingdom, please call 0808 2340361.
24/7 live chat is available in all areas by clicking on the VitalSource Technical Support link and then selecting the live chat option.

10. What are the system requirements for eBooks?

PC: Latest Windows Version 6.9.2; Windows 7/8/8.10 (32/64 bit); Microsoft .Net 4.5; DirectX compatible graphics card
- Internet connection for registration and downloading of eTextbook
MAC: Latest Mac Version 6.9; Mac OS x 10.8 or later
- Internet connection for registration and downloading of eTextbook
Apple: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad using iOS 5 or later
Android: Android 2.2 and up with VS 1.4.2 or later
Kindle Fire: Kindle Fire OS (1,2, HD or later)

Please Note: Purchases of all VitalSource^® eBooks sales are final and non-refundable.

Question 19

CFP Credit for Prior Learning

Accepted Answer

Students enrolled in the CFP^® Certification Education Program with the College for Financial Planning^® - a Kaplan Company may be eligible to have transfer and/or articulated credit recognized and applied toward the completion of the program. The Credit for Prior Learning Policy shall be used as a guide for students seeking alternative options to complete the CFP^® Certification Education Program.

Question 20

Course Extensions

Accepted Answer

Course extensions are available to students enrolled in CFP EssentialPlus and Essential offerings only. Premium courses do not permit due date extensions. For specific extension information, please review the Course Extension Policy.

CFP® Certification Frequently Asked Questions

CFP® Certification Education

What is the relationship between Kaplan and College for Financial Planning®?

How does the acquisition of College for Financial Planning® affect programs and exam prep products?

What is the program format for the education program?

What is the length of enrollment in the education program?

What will I receive when I register for a self-study online education course?

What will I receive when I register for a live online education course?

How long will I have access to my online assets?

How many tests do I have for each education course and how much time is allowed?

Due Dates & Testing Deadlines

Length of Program Enrollment

Can I test out of CFP® certification coursework via credit-by-exam?

Re-enrollment

Can I audit a course?

Can I transfer credit?

What is your refund policy?

Can I re-enroll in the education program?

What is my next step to passing the CFP® exam after completing the education requirements?

What is VitalSource?

CFP Credit for Prior Learning

Course Extensions

CFP® Exam Prep Review

How long will I have access to my online assets?

CFP® Exam Prep Review Rollover Policy

CFP® PassProtection Policy

CFP® Board FAQ's

How do I register for the CFP® certification examination?

How do I prove to CFP Board that I have completed the required coursework?

How can I contact CFP Board?

Need a Little Guidance?

866.963.8329

CFP® Certification Programs for Your Career Path

What Is the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP™) Designation?

How to Pass the CFP® Exam

AAMS® vs. CFP® Mark: Which Designation Is Right for Me?

LICENSING

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

MASTERS PROGRAM

CONTINUING EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

ADVANCED DESIGNATIONS

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES

WHOLESALE REAL ESTATE

IT TRAINING

KAPLAN COMPANIES

CFP^® Certification Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between Kaplan and College for Financial Planning^®?

How does the acquisition of College for Financial Planning^® affect programs and exam prep products?

Can I test out of CFP^® certification coursework via credit-by-exam?

What is my next step to passing the CFP^® exam after completing the education requirements?

How do I register for the CFP^® certification examination?

CFP^® Certification Programs for Your Career Path

How to Pass the CFP^® Exam

AAMS^® vs. CFP^® Mark: Which Designation Is Right for Me?