Financial Coach Certification: Certified Financial Wellness Consultant
People have individualized relationships with money – from their spending/saving habits, to their emotional reactions to personal finance decisions, to their current situations. For that reason, a Certified Financial Wellness Consultant must have unique expertise. The CFWC program created by the NFEC is designed to impart this specialized training in a way that prepares consultants to get top results among clients who consume their services.
Qualifications CFWCs are Trained to Achieve
A Certified Financial Wellness Consultant (CFWC) is trained to achieve a particular set of coaching and educational qualifications. Through the training, they demonstrate their capability to conduct various activities that help move clients and communities to greater financial wellness.
The NFEC’s CFWC programming aligns with rigorous academic standards, yet is practical in scope, including a variety of implementation exercises that empower the counselors-in-training to practice their skills before applying them in real-world situations. Clients can be assured that when they hire a Certified Financial Wellness Consultant, that coach has the knowledge and skill to support the individual’s financial objectives.
An approximate total of 180 training hours comprise the CFWC program, followed by a final examination overseen by a proctor which requires a minimum 80% score to pass. The training hours represent 18 CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Graduates may opt to test out of some segments of the training.
Once an individual has completed the training and successfully passed the exam, that person may take his or her place among the most advanced financial wellness counselors in the world. The NFEC offers continued support post-graduate to ensure that CFWCs become positioned as expert authorities in the financial counseling arena.
Demonstrated financial counseling competencies a Certified Financial Wellness Consultant must reach are defined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Competencies Proficiency Scale. Learn More.
Subjects Covered in the Certified Financial Wellness Consultant Course
The CFWC instruction helps certified consultants gain not only knowledge and skills, but also systems for developing consultation programs and managing clients. Those who graduate from the program have gained deep understanding of personal finance topics plus counseling and psychological principles. They also have implemented their practical skills through active learning and virtual exercises.
Topic Areas Covered in the NFEC Financial Wellness Consultant Training
Obtain Practical Experience
To be an effective coach requires more than just watching a few videos. You must gain the skills you need to coach effectively and practice at applying those skill sets.
You would not want a doctor to operate on you who just read about how to perform surgery; you would want one who has successfully performed that surgery in the past. People want and expect the same from the coaches they are entrusting with their financial futures.
To ensure that you are worthy of your client’s trust, the training includes practice and application of the skills to help you best serve your client. This practice will strengthen your confidence so you make a great impression.
The NFEC Certified Financial Wellness Consultant (CFWC) training incorporates four levels of experiential training so graduates have the skills they need to counsel effectively:
NFEC Certification Course Incorporates Four Types of Experiential Training
Standards Alignment for CFWC Programming
To ensure that Certified Financial Wellness Consultants adhere to the most stringent professional and ethical guidelines, the NFEC developed a set of standards that define consultant qualifications and accountability. At the core of these guidelines lies the tenet that a CFCW has fiduciary responsibility to clients – i.e. the consultant must put client interests first. To inform the standards, the NFEC consulted with more than 12 financial literacy regulatory authorities including FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), the SEC (Securities & Exchange Commission), the APA (American Psychological Association), the ICF (International Coaching Federation), and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission).
Financial consultation currently is not governed by explicit regulations. However, the NFEC chose to create its own standards so both CFWCs and their clients remain protected. Some of the components defined by the benchmarks include a research-based pedagogical framework, a common set of terms and definitions to streamline communication, and stipulations for how financial wellness consultants must be trained and qualified.
Program Includes Processes, Resources for Financial Wellness Consultation
Certified Financial Wellness Consultants not only gain the skills to consult effectively, but also access to high-quality financial education resources and consultation processes. During the training, participants are guided through the financial coaching process steps and get applied experience using the materials.
In other words, all the resources needed at each phase of the consultation process are already built in. You apply the learning in practice sessions using the exact resources you’ll use in real-world client consultation. This training design allows you to understand, build skills, and apply learning concepts efficiently.
The NFEC ensures the success and professionalism of its CFWC graduates by providing the following resources:
More than 100 training videos
Live webinars offered weekly (optional)
Course workbooks and manuals
Tangible Certificate
In Addition to the Training, You Can Add Client & Business Resources
To help ensure that our coaches are successful and have the resources they need to professionally serve their clients, those enrolled in NFEC Financial Coach program can add client and business resources, including:
Client Financial Education Resources. Gain access to all NFEC financial education resources (eLearning center, client physical handouts, fillable PDF education resources) that allow you to easily assign lessons based on clients’ needs.
Coaching Software & Client Report System
Coaching Processes & Communications
Forms and Coaching Practice Resources
Client Financial Education Resources
Business Planning, Training, & Resources
Marketing, Promotions, & Client Leads
Bonus: Full Coaching Website Customized with Your Information
Select the full financial coaching program (Certification, Coaching Resources, Client Communications & Business Resource Package) to receive a custom website when you graduate– complimentary. This is more than just a website – it gathers leads, helps to manage clients, and can process payments. Details:
Package Options & Pricing
By now you understand that we provide you with a complete turnkey solution to your financial coaching needs. You will have access to the systems, resources, and expertise you need to build a respected coaching program and better help people who need your services. Choose from these options:
Training &
Certification Only
- Who is this Package Best Suited for – Click Here
- Complete Training Course & Materials
- Optional Weekly Live Training Calls
- Meeting with Program Counselor
- Testing & Background Check (Additional $127 due before final exam)
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Training & Certification with Client Service Package
- Who is this Package Best Suited for – Click Here
- Complete Training Course & Materials
- Optional Weekly Live Training Calls
- Meeting with Program Counselor
- Testing & Background Check (Additional $127 due before final exam)
- Client Software & Reporting
- Client Communication Resources
- Client Education Resources
- Financial Education Package
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Training & Certification, Client Service Package & Business Package
- Who is this Package Best Suited for – Click Here
- Complete Training Course & Materials
- Optional Weekly Live Training Calls
- Meeting with Program Counselor
- Testing & Background Check (Additional $127 due before final exam)
- Client Software & Reporting
- Client Communication Resources
- Client Education Resources
- Financial Education Package
- Business, Revenue, & Funding Resources
- Marketing & Promotional Resources
- Graduate Bonus: Customized Website
Or Customize Your Coaching Training Package
Guarantee, Terms & Renewal
You agree to the terms of the financial coaching program and upon purchase our bound by the agreement. Read the complete terms and conditions. Annual training and testing are required to maintain NFEC Financial Coach status. Starting year 2 (365 days after order), your annual investment is $295 for the Certification and includes all the training, tools. Additional resources are $295 annually starting year 2. Testing and background check is $127 one time investment. Bonus coaching website terms.
Terms of the 1-year, 100% Guarantee: Those purchasing the complete financial coaching program receive the most comprehensive financial coaching program on the market available today. This statement is measured based on the following key traits: Highest Standards & Credibility, Education Quality & Practicality of Instruction, Scope of Client Resources. This is backed with a 1 year, 100% money back guarantee. Read Full 1-Year Guarantee terms.
FAQ Section
Are you interested in earning your Financial Coach Certification? The National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) offers multiple options for individuals who desire to improve their capabilities to teach financial literacy and money management programming. The financial coach certification programs offered through the NFEC (Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant) consist of practical, hands-on lessons that allow participants to develop and build upon the skill sets necessary to become effective coaches and counselors, thereby increasing your impact on positive client outcomes.
Individuals who graduate from this rigorous programming take their place among the most highly-qualified financial coaches category. Earning this certification proves that you meet top national standards and possess the skills and expertise to help others work toward their personal finance goals. In addition to coaching ability, you will master techniques for motivating, engaging, and moving clients of all ages and backgrounds to take positive financial action.
Financial Coaching Certification Process
Enrollees in the NFEC’s Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant financial coach certification programs participate in a host of activities designed to build and demonstrate their qualifications as prominent financial coaches. These activities comprise completion of stringent educational requirements, including 180 hours (18 Continuing Education Units) of coursework and implementation practicum. Further program activities include advocacy, assessments, platform-building, and student interactions.
Becoming a certified financial coach requires earning an 80% or higher score on all activities and the final examination. These financial coach certification programs include performance and implementation evaluations, where enrollees must exhibit their coaching ability by conducting event practice and delivery, documenting their hours, and submitting surveys and test results proving their impact. Participants in these certification programs must show leadership ability by creating financial literacy content that indicates their content knowledge and delivery expertise. Strategic planning ability must be demonstrated by developing a written advocacy plan, including the educational focus and overall business model for the coaching effort.
Financial Coaching Standards
The NFEC developed standards for earning Financial Coach Certification to distinguish coach qualifications and assure potential clients that they are held to the highest standards of excellence. These standards are centered around the principle that the coach has fiduciary responsibility to the client. More than a dozen authorities regulating the financial literacy industry are cited in the NFEC’s Financial Coaching Standards and Code of Ethics, including the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Although the financial coaching industry is not subject to specific regulations, the NFEC has proactively developed its own set of standards to protect both coaches and their clients. These standards include a theory-based teaching framework that ensures the quality and impact of educational programming. The standards also stipulate common language as a method to improve communication; and contain an awareness tool that underscores the ultimate importance of selecting highly-skilled educators.
Coaching Systems
Graduates of the Financial Coach Certification programming obtain exclusive access to comprehensive systems for gathering and reporting data. At the heart of any financial coaching effort lies the coach’s ability to understand each client’s complete financial position. To uncover the full client profile, they should review the individual’s income, assets, liabilities, interest rates, credit scores, insurance coverage, and any other piece of relevant personal finance information. The NFEC systems include proprietary reporting software that allows coaches to professionally illustrate this financial picture to the client, and easily generate up-to-the-moment progress reports that track their achievements. A financial coach should do far more than just talk – they must give clients personalized plans and illuminate how their actions affect their overall financial picture over time.
Educational Resources for Financial Coaching
Taking part in the NFEC financial coach certification programs means you have more than 400 hours of top-grade financial education curriculum at your fingertips. These curriculum modules and presentations are engaging and fun for clients, while also meeting core educational standards. The materials were developed in collaboration with a Curriculum Advisory Board comprised of financial professionals, educators, and financial education experts. This partnership yielded a comprehensive educational package that bridges the gap between evidence-based learning principles and practical applicability of the lessons.
The NFEC’s 100% independent curriculum encompasses flexible delivery modes, including an online learning option. Most financial literacy programs that tout themselves as ‘online learning’ consist only of videos and articles on a website. That is not eLearning. In contrast, the NFEC’s eVolve platform leverages best practices in online personal finance education, high-quality content, and vivid design features to create a unique participant-centered learning experience. The robust, accessible eVolve program is designed to accommodate a variety of schedules and learning outcomes; it also offers blended learning options.
Topic Expert Support
Those who earn the Financial Coach Certification designation are experts in personal finance coaching; but they have not achieved expertise in every topic. Mastering the full gamut of advanced personal finance knowledge can take decades of practical experience. That means that a coach may not know the answers to every question a client raises. It’s important to realize that it’s okay not to know every answer because, as a coach certified through the NFEC, you have access to a team of expert professionals licensed in their respective fields. These experts can work directly with you, or together with you and your client. The sole objective of this expert team is to help you serve your clients’ needs in the most effective possible way. Learn how you can become a financial coach through the NFEC.
Financial Coach Certification Programs Track Options
Through its financial coach certification programs, the NFEC serves three distinct groups. For organizations, staff training and professional development are offered. For individuals who seek employment in the financial coaching space, the certification courses provide outstanding credentials. For entrepreneurs, the programs provide training and resources for building a viable and successful financial coaching business.
Those who receive their credential via the financial coach certification programs do much more than an average financial coach. They have proven competency and systems in place to support clients toward strengthening their personal finance situations. Graduates are uniquely positioned to serve clients and communities across four main areas:
Guest Article
Financial Coach Certification Program Benefits Individuals and Communities Alike
The National Financial Educators Council offers a wide range of financial education services. One of the most valuable is their financial coach certification program. The NFEC coursework developed to train Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultants goes far beyond typical financial coaching programs. Graduates of this comprehensive certification program are able to lead and participate in a variety of activities that help move people of all ages and backgrounds toward a state of financial wellness.
Program graduates who become a financial coach through this program are experts in personal finance with the ability to help others reach their financial goals. The curriculum contains more than 320 hours of training and hands-on experience that give NFEC Financial Coaches an in-depth understanding of key money management principles. These highly qualified financial coaches are dedicated to providing expert advice to coaching individuals and bringing best practices for financial education to their communities.
Recent research has indicated that most people never receive basic money management training. Personal finance classes are rarely part of public school core curriculum, and too many people resort to taking advice from friends, colleagues, or salespeople who are trying to sell them financial products. An NFEC-trained financial coach, on the other hand, are not selling anything and instead have a vested interest in their clients’ success and secure futures. Having graduated the financial coach certification program and earning the NFEC Financial Coach designation gives you confidence that your coach is well-trained to teach and motivate you to take positive action.
Anyone interested in a consultation with a trained educator who has no competing interest in the financial product marketing should contact the NFEC. Further, those who would like to become a financial fitness coach themselves may investigate the NFEC’s Certified Financial Education Consultant program.