Accredited Personal Finance Instructor℠ (APFI℠)

The National Financial Educators Council® offers an advanced training program for financial education instructors that is focused on creating and deploying a financial education program, analyzing data from financial education program delivery, and leveraging the results to build a program positioned to scale.

Designing and implementing a financial wellness program that creates measurable increases in participants’ financial capabilities while also supporting organizational objectives takes expertise. The APFI℠ program was developed to help you gain that expertise.

*Note – the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) course is a prerequisite that must be completed prior to enrollment in the APFI program.

Learning Outcome Level Objectives

The Accredited Personal Finance Instructor℠ course drives learners toward higher-order thinking skill sets and has participants complete a process that puts them in position to execute financial education programs that best serve their students, organizations, and communities.

Through the course students will create all the materials needed to run a program, including:

  • Establish your professional image as a financial educator.
  • Gain the skills to effectively communicate your role in financial education and how you can serve others.
  • Improve your ability to select the financial literacy lessons and activities that best meet the needs of your audience.
  • Gather data that highlight your abilities to conduct an effective financial education program.
  • Have all the resources needed to execute a financial education program organized and reviewed.
  • Be in position to fund or earn revenue for your financial education program.
  • Know how to promote and market your financial literacy offering.
  • Better understand the business aspects of financial wellness programs.

Course Requirements & Details

Training Schedule: Self-paced with scheduled meeting times for peer work.

Training Hours: 59 hours comprised of education and completion of activities that help you build a financial education program.

Testing: Pass a closed book test comprised of 25 to 55 questions with a passing score of 80%.  All assignments must be turned in and are graded – candidates must average above 80% grade to earn designation.

Ongoing Training & Testing Requirements: 3 years after earning certification and completed within 9 months to maintain good standing.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Certified Financial Literacy Professional℠ course and the Certified Financial Education Professional℠ training with both credentials in good standing.

Standards & Disciplinary Process: View here.

Accredited Personal Finance Instructor Logo

CEUs Issued Upon Successful Completion

The NFEC℠ is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is internationally recognized as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

4.5 CEUs (45 professional development hours) are offered to those who successfully complete all the coursework and steps.

NFEC Mission & Social Vision

The National Financial Educators Council’s mission is rooted in providing people with the knowledge and guidance they need to foster greater financial well-being. To accomplish that mission, we mobilize a diverse global force of financial wellness champions and empower them with resources and training so they can effectively support others in their communities to work toward greater financial security.

We do so by setting rigorous standards, developing evidence-based curriculum and assessments, and partnering with schools, employers, and community organizations to scale proven programs. By measuring outcomes and continuously refining our approaches, we ensure that our work produces real, lasting improvements in people’s financial lives.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

This training program is designed to provide unbiased, research-based education. All program developers have disclosed any financial or personal relationships that could present a conflict of interest. Any potential conflicts have been reviewed and managed to ensure the integrity and objectivity of this course.

The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) is an independent education organization. We do not offer financial products or services, and we do not accept compensation from financial institutions for promoting specific tools, services, or advice within the CFEI program. Our sole focus is on delivering high-quality, evidence-based financial education and empowering learners without commercial influence.

Furthermore, all NFEC instructors and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are also required to complete a formal conflict of interest disclosure and review process during onboarding and for subsequent learning events. Any reported potential conflicts are evaluated, documented, and approved or denied in accordance with established standards designed to protect participant trust, instructional impartiality, and the integrity of NFEC programs and accreditation requirements.

Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, & Accessibility Statement

The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) provides equal access and opportunity to all individuals seeking to enroll in the Certified Financial Education Instructor® (CFEI®) program. Enrollment decisions are based on program eligibility criteria and are not influenced by non-merit factors. The NFEC values the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that learners bring to the financial education field.

The NFEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The CFEI program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of learners. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with documented disabilities or accessibility needs. Learners who require accommodations or who have questions regarding technical, physical, or accessibility requirements for course participation are encouraged to contact the NFEC in advance or at any point during enrollment so appropriate support can be provided.

Learner Identity and Course Access Policy

To access online course content, each learner must use the same email address provided when the course was purchased or a seat was reserved. The learner must also create a unique password that meets NFEC password requirements. Login credentials may not be shared or used by another individual.

By registering for, accessing, and completing the course, including any required assessments, the learner confirms that they are the individual authorized to participate in the course. The person completing the coursework and assessments must be the same person registered for the course and identified as the recipient of any continuing education units (CEUs), certificates, or other completion credentials.

CEUS: 4.5 (45 development hours)

Criteria to earn CEUs: Pass all activities and assessments with a score of 80% or higher

Prerequisites: CFEI and CFLP

Material Requirements: Computer, Internet Connection, Computer Speakers or Headset

Course Summary: The Accredited Personal Finance Instructor course was designed to help people who are championing initiatives to get top results with state-of-the-art programming that is scalable so more people can receive vital personal finance information. The resources in this program are based on the latest research and have been proven to have positive impact across all demographics and age groups.

Registration

Registration is limited to those who have successfully graduated from the Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ coursework. The registration fee is $995. Annual renewal is $147. APFI credentialling requires CFEI and CFLP credentials in good standing.

Guarantee, Terms, & Annual Renewal

A 30-day No Questions Asked Guarantee. Read the complete terms and conditions. Every third year, training and testing are required to maintain APFI℠ status. Starting in year 2 (365 days after order), your annual investment is $147 and includes all the training, tools, and testing you need to keep your certification up-to-date.