Financial Coach Certification: Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant℠

The Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant℠ financial coach certification program helps individuals acquire the expertise, credibility, and self-assurance they need to be competent financial coaches. Graduation from the NFEC’s certification program demonstrates that you are qualified to help people improve their finances and increases your credibility as a financial coach.

Because each person has his or her own pre-existing financial habits, relationship with money, and current financial situation, working with people as a financial coach requires specialized expertise. To help you build the skills you need and gain coaching experience, the NFEC Financial Coach certification program was developed to achieve better results among clients who participate in your coaching service.

 

Competency Level Goals of the NFEC Financial Coach Program

Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultants℠ have demonstrated their competencies and have systems in place to support their clients’ efforts to strengthen their financial situations. Graduates of this program can participate in a variety of activities that help move their individual clients and overall communities toward financial wellness.

The NFEC Financial Coach training meets standards for the highest academic rigor, while providing practical guidance and implementation activities to help you practice the coaching process. Graduates possess the skills and knowledge they need to support their clients’ goals.

The NFEC Financial Coach course requires successful completion of a proctored exam after approximately 180 hours of training and practice (18 Continuing Education Units – CEU). You may test out of some parts of the training.

By the time you graduate from the program, you will have demonstrated that you have reached an advanced state of competency as a financial coach. We continue to support you after you graduate to become an expert and recognized authority in the financial coaching space.

We use the National Institute of Health Competencies Proficiency Scale to measure one’s ability to demonstrate competency as a financial coach. Learn More.

NFEC Financial Coach Course Topics

The Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant℠ training was designed to help you build skills and systems to become a financial coach with maximum impact. The topics covered range from personal finance content to psychological and coaching principles. You will participate in active virtual training and develop your coaching skills as you complete the course.

Topic Sections Included in the NFEC Financial Coach Training

  • The Coaching Process: Understanding, Reporting, & Diagnosis
  • The Coaching Process: Guidance & Education
  • The Coaching Process: Maintenance & Support
  • Psychological & Behavioral Finance Aspects of Coaching
  • Financial Coaching & Counseling Strategies
  • Content Knowledge of Personal Finance Topics
  • Instructional Methodologies to Maximize Client Understanding
  • Coaching Standards and Guidelines of Professional Practice

Gain Coaching 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.

4 Experience Levels Included in NFEC Financial Coach Course

Practicum Experience

Watch financial coaches in action to virtually observe and document how professionals perform their responsibilities.

Project-based Learning Experience

As you go through the course, you will be financial coaching yourself – reviewing your own finances and practicing the process on yourself.

The Case Method Experience

You will develop further skills as you review case studies and apply the coaching process to resolve the characters’ main goals.

The Implementation Experience

You work by phone with other students in the course to practice the coaching process in a safe, controlled environment.

Financial Coaching Standards

The NFEC developed standards for earning the Financial Coach Certification to distinguish coach qualifications and assure potential clients that coaches are held to the highest standards of excellence. These standards are centered around the principle that the coach has primary 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 Resources & Processes Integrated Into the Training

The training is designed not only to help you develop the skills to become an effective coach, but also to help you develop coaching processes and gain access to resources that will allow you to coach clients successfully. The training walks you step-by-step through the coaching process, and you get hands-on experience using the resources.

All the resources you need for each stage of the coaching process are built into the training. The activities have you apply what you learn using the same materials you will employ when coaching. You will find this design structure will help you understand the process, gain the skills and apply what you learned as you go through each step of the training.

To help ensure that our coaches are successful and have the resources they need to professionally serve their clients, the NFEC Financial Coach training comes with all the resources, including:

Over 100 Training Videos

Optional Live Weekly Webinars

Course Manuals & Workbooks

Physical Certification Award

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 and can help manage clients and process payments by embedding your e-commerce and calendar systems. Details:

  • 20+ Page Website that Highlights Your Professionalism
  • Systems to Gather Emails & Automate Delivery
  • Branded & Customized to Your Coaching Practice
  • Embed You Calendar / Appointment Scheduler
  • Embed Your Merchant Account so Clients Can Pay by Credit Card

Financial Coaching Program Website

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

$1,295
  • 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)
  • Bonus: CFEI Training for Those Wanting to Teach Groups or Lead Workshops ($297 Value)
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Select This Package
  • Annual Renewal $295

    • Training & Certification with Client Service Package

    $1,995
    • 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
    • Bonus: Turnkey Financial Education Package for those Seeking to Teach Groups ($795 Value)
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    Select This Package
  • Annual Renewal $590

    • Training & Certification, Client Service Package & Business Package

    $2,495
    • 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
    • Bonus: Turnkey Financial Education Package for those Seeking to Teach Groups ($1,295 Value)
    • Graduate Bonus: Customized Website
    Select This Package
  • Annual Renewal $695

    • 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 continued access to the course, resources and all tools.  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

    We have 3 pricing options. You can view all options at the bottom of the page – click here.

    The training is virtual. All you need is an Internet connection and phone. You can choose from among these 3 course schedule options:

    • Option 1: Self-directed. Take the training at your own pace as lessons are released. You will have access to recorded instructor-led webinar trainings too.
    • Option 2: Instructor-led. Join our 14-week live webinar training. Requires an investment of 10 to 15 hours per week to keep pace. You will have access to the full self-directed training as well.
    • Option 3: Hybrid. A combination of self-directed and instructor-led.

    The total training time is 180 hours and the fastest you can complete the training is in 14 weeks. Some people may be able to test out of certain areas of the course to reduce total training time.

    Yes. Our goal is to produce highly-capable coaches. If you know some of the material already, you can test out of that portion.

    There are no education requirements or prior experience requirements. However, we do require all coaches to pass a criminal background check.

    Yes. We provide you with an award letter recognizing the 180-hour total training time. Check with the organization to which you want to apply CEUs to get prior approval.

    Get the latest schedule – click here.

    Although the course is self-paced, everyone gets meetings with a personal counselor and assignments are graded. To ensure that all enrollees have timely access to their counselors, we limit enrollment.

    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:

    • Personal Financial Coaching and Counseling – Clients receive personalized coaching, education, and accountability.
    • Learner Certification Programs – Lead one-on-one or group personal finance certification programs, giving clients training and assessments to demonstrate accomplishment of predetermined learning outcomes.
    • Accountability Programs – Accountability programs for groups of friends, family, or close acquaintances allow participants to receive support both from you and from their peers.
    • Group Financial Education Programs – Larger-scale courses and workshops for groups of individuals.

    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 Consultant℠ 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.