Practical Academics for Professional Advancement
Since The College's Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) program graduated 21 designees in 1928, America's economic security has been tested numerous times by market volatility, global tensions, and social strife. Yet, through it all, The College has responded by expanding educational programming and ensuring curriculums encompass ethical-decision making – helping financial professionals grow in expertise to address the evolving needs of their clients.
Today, The College offers eight professional designation programs, two graduate degree programs, continuing and non-credit education, one of the largest CFP® education programs, and several consumer e-learning programs.
Professional Designations and Certifications
The College is committed to benefitting society by delivering the highest quality applied education to the professionals entrusted with the public’s financial well-being.
CFP®*
Certification Education Program
The nation’s best choice for advisors studying to become CFP® professionals with pass rates consistently 10% above the national average.**
ChFC®*
Chartered Financial Consultant®
Address every client's needs with expert knowledge in 10+ key areas of advanced financial planning impacting modern families.
WMCP®*
Wealth Management Certified Professional®
Bring a new level of value to client relationships with a goal-based planning framework to build tax-efficient portfolios that meet a range of client needs.
RICP®
Retirement Income Certified Professional®
Build holistic retirement plans encompassing estate planning techniques, portfolio assessment, health expense budget creation, home equity strategies, and more from over 45 top retirement planning experts.
CAP®
Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®
Deepen clients’ or donors' philanthropic goals, integrate charitable planning into overall estate plans, and help build lasting legacies through a unique program examining the roles of wealth advisors and charitable gift planners.
CLU®*
Chartered Life Underwriter®
Develop comprehensive risk management plans with expert education in understanding the practical, legal, and ethical aspects of life insurance planning for individuals and small businesses.
ChSNC®
Chartered Special Needs Consultant®
Specialize in supporting special needs individuals and their caregivers through a one-of-a-kind curriculum focused on governmental benefits, special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and more.
FSCP®
Financial Services Certified Professional®
Jumpstart a career in financial services with a 360-degree curriculum emphasizing product knowledge, prospecting and marketing, and business planning principles.
CLF®
Chartered Leadership Fellow®
Advance into leadership roles with knowledge in recruitment and retention, setting performance standards, and developing business plans.
* Available in Personal Pathway®.
** CFP Board. March 2023.
What is Personal Pathway®?
Personal Pathway® is a flexible, dynamic form of e-learning delivery that empowers students to tailor their coursework to their schedules and preferences, available in some of The College's designation programs. Travel down a structured, guided learning path or embrace a self-study experience at a customized pace.
Graduate Degree Programs
The College is committed to supporting professional growth through advanced, applied education in the technical and leadership skills needed to lead financial services firms into the future.
MSM
Master of Science in Management
Maximize organizational effectiveness and effect change with management concepts, tools, techniques, and processes utilizing human, financial, data, and risk management instruments.
MSFP
Master of Science in Financial Planning
Develop practical and relevant skills needed to master financial planning techniques for clients’ financial well-being. Concentrations are available in retirement income and philanthropic planning.
Financial Education to Benefit ALL
The College is committed to democratizing financial education with innovative consumer financial education programs for each stage of an individual’s personal finance and wealth-building journey.
A state-of-the-art consumer financial education and empowerment experience to improve an individual's understanding of money and personal finance, helping to promote wealth-building for underserved communities.
A free, philanthropic e-learning experience to help identify a greater meaning for wealth and inspire the creation of impactful and lasting legacies.
Customized Learning Pathways Integrate Education with Advancement
The College’s designation programs provide multiple pathways for lifelong learning and career success. Customized learning pathways help your professionals obtain the specialized knowledge needed to take on new roles and responsibilities for career progression and organizational growth.
Together, Let’s Plan for Success
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The American College of Financial Services provides equal opportunity to students and employees, regardless of race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
© The American College of Financial Services
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