To give financial educators tools to help individuals improve their financial capabilities, the NFEC developed standards to set the parameters defining optimal financial literacy training for teachers. These standards define the teaching framework, learner outcomes, recruitment and performance criteria, professional development, and communication skills by which the qualifications of financial educators can be judged.

A recent example of how a person was able to transform his vision for teaching adults about personal finances into a real-world experience is presented below:

A concerned community member wanted to learn how to become a financial literacy educator to teach his fellow citizens, but was at a loss where to begin. Then a colleague suggested that he pursue the financial literacy teacher certification offered by the NFEC. He looked into it, and found that this financial literacy training for teachers would prepare him with the knowledge and credibility to bring solid financial education to his community.

Upon graduation, he was able to strike out with his own financial literacy initiatives. After feeling that his first few events were a success, he began developing a logo and color scheme to custom-brand his efforts. The NFEC used these to brand all his live presentation materials, a service they provide for all graduates of the financial literacy certification.

Over time he expanded his events to incorporate various options the NFEC offers graduates, like technology-based learning, blended and flipped delivery methods, and webinars to promote his lesson plans. He began writing a financial literacy blog, which the NFEC featured on its website to help extend his reach and impact.