CFEC Requirements

Thank you for your interest in the NFEC’s Certified Financial Education Consultant (CFEC) program. This page will provide you details on the qualification and requirements you must adhere by to become or maintain your Certified Financial Education Consultant designation.

Graduates are registered as Certified Financial Education Consultant and a graduation certificate is mailed to those that successfully complete the testing and training. Upon completion, financial educators may officially identify themselves as Certified Financial Education Consultants, are accepted in the Personal Finance Speakers Association and have the opportunity to conduct financial literacy presentations.

Prerequisite Requirements

The NFEC considers all applicants for the Certified Financial Education Consultant program. Successful completion of the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) coursework is a prerequisite; but, that can be completed concurrently with the Certified Financial Education Consultant (CFEC) program. Those that have a passion for promoting financial wellness are accepted. Completion of the CFEC training program is the only requirement to achieving the Certified Financial Education Consultant designation. A background in education or finance is helpful but not a prerequisite.

CFEC Education Requirements

All hopeful Certified Financial Education Consultants are required to complete the coursework included in the CFEC training package. The initial Certification requires you complete:

1) Completion of Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for a total of 240 Professional Development Hours (PDH) broken down into these areas:

NFEC Certified Financial Education Consultants (CFECs) are among the most highly qualified individuals to promote and implement financial education programming. The CFEC course requires 240 hours (Professional Development Hours – PDH) of training and implementation. (24 Continuing Education Units – CEU)

2) Complete educational requirements.

3) Complete the activities and implementation required as part of the course.

4) Participate in annual training and testing to maintain your Certification. This requirement starts 1 year after your registration and you must complete your annual testing and training within 4 months of your annual anniversaries.

CFEC Testing Requirements

To be a Certified Financial Education Consultant, candidates must pass the testing requirements. These requirements include:

1) A score of 80% or higher on the initial CFEC exam.
2) A score of 80% or higher on annual testing requirements.

The CFEC testing is a closed book test delivered online. You will receive your results immediately after hitting submit. If you do not see your results contact us and we will let you know your score. Upon seeing your score of 80% or higher you may immediately use the title Certified Financial Education Consultant and begin teaching money management classes with this title.

Continuing Education Requirements

Annual re-certification is required to maintain your Certified Financial Education Consultant designation.

The aforementioned testing covers your first year education requirements. Starting 1 year after your registration additional education and testing is required to maintain your Certified status. This includes:

1) 10 to 20 hours of continuing education is provided by the NFEC and your completion is required within 4 months of the anniversary of your registration.

2) Additional testing is required to maintain your Certified status. CFEC graduates must complete the additional testing within 4 months of the anniversary of your registration. This is a closed book test delivered online. You will receive your results immediately after hitting submit. If you do not see your results contact us and we will let you know your score.

Good Standing Requirements

Certified Financial Education Consultants and members of the Personal Finance Speakers Association must adhere to our code of ethics:

1) Be prepared for all events, talks, workshops, etc and maintain the highest professional standard which includes: being on time, knowing the material, and educating the attendees.

2) Certified educators are prohibited from giving specific investment or tax advice unless you have the professional certification that allows you to do so.

3) Ensure all information you are providing is accurate and delivered effectively.

4) Maintain the highest ethical and educational standards.

5) Graduates may not have been convicted of a sex offense or other crime that the NFEC deems inappropriate.

Disciplinary Process

The disciplinary process is tiered based on the incident. The NFEC will review all incidents reported and take appropriate action. The actions taken include but are not limited to:

• Removal of Certification and speakers bureau ban.
• Retraining and retesting to ensure you meet Certification quality guidelines.
• Other appropriate discipline.
• Removal of license to use NFEC financial literacy curriculum, events, promotions and all forms material and services.
• Report page for CFEC Consultants.

The Certified Financial Education Consultants and members of the Personal Finance Speakers Association have the ability to appeal this decision.