Financial Certifications Overview
For those who are passionate about empowering others with financial knowledge and seek to improve their own abilities as a member of the financial education community – there are financial certifications that can help.
Personal Finance Focused Financial Certifications
NFEC graduates bring a valuable service to their community – access to a high-quality financial education. Whether delivering to groups or individuals, our graduates are focused on helping people work toward financial wellness.
Those enrolled in the certification programs participate in education, advocacy, measurements, platform-building, consultant training, client relations, and other activities that demonstrate their qualifications as distinguished financial education instructors or consultants.
Financial certificate holders are among the most highly qualified educators in the financial education space. They meet the highest industry personal finance teaching standards and serve their communities by presenting initiatives that improve people’s financial capabilities.
Financial Certifications Available
The NFEC offers three certifications. The Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®) course is the prerequisite for all advanced certifications – this coursework can be completed concurrently with either of the advanced certifications below:
Teach Personal Finance
Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ (CFEI®)
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Lead personal finance classes, workshops and a variety of financial education-based training.
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Motivate, engage, and move participants of all ages to take positive financial action.
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Meet national standards established for financial educators - Framework for Teaching Personal Finance.
Serve Organizations
& Host Programs
Certified Financial Education Consultants (CFEC)
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Design, launch, and implement professional-level financial education programs for organizations.
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Provide an array of financial education consultation services (program development, speaking, educational design, program management, etc.)
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Host events and create opportunities for sponsors.
Serve Individuals
& Groups
Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultants℠
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Provide personal financial coaching and counseling services.
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Lead financial education events and issue learner certifications.
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Direct personal finance support and accountability programs (one-on-one or group).
NFEC Finance Certification Programs: CFEI®, CFEC & NFEC Financial Coach Requirements
NFEC certification program graduates are among the most qualified to promote and implement financial education programming. To earn the CFEI® Certification requires 3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for a total of 30 Professional Development Hours (PDH). To earn either the CFEC or NFEC Financial Coach Certification requires 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) / 240 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). To earn both Certifications (CFEC and NFEC Financial Coach) requires a total of 28 CEUs and 280 PDHs.
All CEUs and PDHs are gained through completion of the respective certification course.
NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructors℠ (CFEI®) are among the most highly qualified individuals teaching personal finance. The CFEI® course requires 30 hours (Professional Development Hours – PDH) of training. (3 Continuing Education Units – CEU)
Education Requirements
(3 CEUs / 30 PDHs)
Complete coursework on the methods of teaching personal finance and content knowledge.
Earn a 75% or higher score on a multiple-choice final exam.
Meet the standards set by the Framework for Teaching Personal Finance and complete annual training requirements to maintain designation.
CFEC Requirements
NFEC Certified Financial Education Consultants (CFEC) are among the most highly qualified individuals to promote and implement financial education programming for organizations. The CFEC course requires 240 hours (Professional Development Hours – PDH) of training and implementation. (24 Continuing Education Units – CEU)
Education Requirements
(6 CEUs / 60 PDHs)
Complete educational coursework and pass all activities with a score of 80% or higher.
Earn an 80% or higher score on a moderated 200-question multiple choice, short answer, and essay test.
Participate in ongoing training requirements and one-on-one calls with your assigned Course Counselor.
Performance Evaluation
(10 CEUs / 100 PDHs)
Event practice and delivery consisting of 60 documented hours of preparation and at least 15 hours of financial education events.
Submit surveys, test results, event video, and detailed reporting from events conducted during the training phase.
Present the results of your initial programming via webinar to an NFEC panel.
Demonstrate Expertise
(8 CEUs / 80 PDHs)
Create content that demonstrates your knowledge of the subject matter and delivery expertise.
Develop a written advocacy plan, educational focus, and overall business model.
Perform community service and participate in advocacy initiatives designed to promote financial wellness.
NFEC Financial Coach Requirements
NFEC Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultants℠ are among the most highly qualified individuals to conduct personal financial coaching and to lead group programs. The NFEC Financial Coach course requires 320 hours (Professional Development Hours – PDH) of training and implementation. (32 Continuing Education Units – CEU)
Education Requirements
(8 CEUs / 80 PDHs)
Complete educational coursework and pass all activities with a score of 80% or higher. Successfully complete practice cases.
Earn an 80% or higher score on a moderated 200-question multiple choice, short answer, and essay test.
Participate in ongoing training requirements and one-on-one calls with your assigned Course Counselor.
Performance Evaluation
(16 CEUs / 160 PDHs)
Event practice and delivery consisting of 120 documented hours and minimum of 4 different individuals or groups.
Submit surveys, test results, event video, and detailed reporting from events conducted during the training phase.
Present the results of your initial programming via webinar to an NFEC panel.
Demonstrate Expertise
(8 CEUs / 80 PDHs)
Create content that demonstrates your knowledge of the subject matter and delivery expertise.
Develop a written advocacy plan, educational focus, and overall business model.
Perform community service and participate in advocacy initiatives designed to promote financial wellness.
What’s Provided in The Financial Certification Training
Each participant has an individually assigned instructor who provides personalized training lessons and accountability, and takes a vested interest in your success.
Professional Development Training
Training is conducted virtually via an eLearning center, webinars, and phone calls. Course manuals, guides, and resources included.
The final exam is a moderated test and an 80% or higher score is needed to pass. Your Certification will be mailed after graduation.
Proving your program is a critical part of establishing expert positioning. Your NFEC counselor helps you build initial case studies that will form the cornerstone of your growth.
Client Educational Materials and Resources
Gain access to curriculum (all ages), 2,000 student guide reprints annually (all ages), 50 online learning center licenses (teen & adult), wellness checker, and a brandable newsletter for your clients.
Client Management Resources
Receive all the communication forms, scripting, presentations, and materials you need at each stage of the relationship.
A project management platform that provides you and your client with real-time information on deliverables, timelines, status, tasks, calendar, and other aspects of your offerings.
Financial Certifications Enrollment Information
NFEC Certified Consultants are among the most highly qualified educators in the financial education space. They meet the highest industry standards and serve their community by presenting initiatives that improve people’s financial capabilities.
Because the Certifications require personal support and guidance, the NFEC is limiting enrollment. Offered financial certification programs do not require a degree and continuing education credits are available.
Learn More About the Finance Certificate You Are Interested In:
