United States
Self-Study Online Program
In order to sit for the CFP® exam, you need to complete a required education program of 7 courses (101–107). Kaplan’s Self-Study Online Program allows you the freedom to complete your program on your time and on your terms. It’s not for everybody, but it’s ideal for the independent learner because without a classroom, it requires self-discipline to stay on track with a well-paced study plan.- Purchase each course (101–106) for $549; 107 is offered only in an instructor-led virtual format for $749
- Choose when you want to start each course, and take as little or as much time as you need (up to 3 months access per course)
- Online testing: No need to go to an outside testing facility
- Interactive self-study program features:
- Textbooks and supplemental reading
- SchweserPro™ Education QBank
- InstructorLink™
- Instructor Email Access
- Instructor-led Office Hours
- Searchable FAQs
- Video Library
- Exam Tips Blog
Please select a course below for more information.
Course 101 - Fundamentals and Ethical Considerations
Course 101 is an introduction to the concepts and profession of personal financial planning. The student will gain an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a financial planner, along with some analytical skills to aid in financial decision-making.
Topics in the course include the financial planning process, securities regulation and licensing, CFP Board ethics, the economic environment, the time value of money, and planning for special situations such as a college education, the formation and operation of a closely held business, and disability. The course also previews wealth accumulation, tax, retirement, and estate planning techniques.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 102 - Insurance and Employee Benefits
Course 102 considers risk management principles and the various types of insurance coverage in the marketplace today, focusing on the role of planning for insurance needs. Insurance topics include life, medical expense, and property/casualty policies, as well as long-term care and disability. It also covers benefits made available to employees by employers - commonly referred to as employee or fringe benefits. Employee benefit topics include group policies, deferred compensation, equity-based compensation, and business applications of life insurance.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 103 - Investment Planning
Course 103 follows sound investment principles as a primary means of wealth accumulation for financial planning clients. In turn, the process of wealth accumulation provides the funds necessary to achieve many financial planning goals. In this course, you will learn investment concepts as well as effective investment planning strategies for helping your clients accumulate wealth. Asset allocation principles are reviewed, modern portfolio management theory is explained, and the importance of tax-efficient investing is considered.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 104 - Income Tax Planning
Course 104 reveals effective income tax planning strategies, whether personal or related to an individual's business interests. Topics covered include individual income tax calculations, deductions, the tax characteristics of various business entities, trust and estate taxation, basis of property and cost recovery, property dispositions, passive activity losses, at-risk rules, miscellaneous taxes, interest on deficiencies and refunds, penalties, accounting methods, accounting periods, and tax management techniques.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 105 - Retirement Planning
Course 105 deals with the single most important issue millions of people will be facing in the years to come: affording to retire. Normally, the amount of money necessary to achieve this goal is substantial and, just like the satisfaction of any other financial goal, requires significant planning. It covers determination of the retirement savings need and subsequently considers both government and employer-sponsored methods of providing for one's retirement. Distribution options from corporate retirement plans are reviewed as well as the suitability of an investment portfolio in ensuring a comfortable and profitable retirement.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 106 - Estate Planning
Once the wealth accumulation process is complete, distributing excess wealth is a primary goal for many financial planning clients. Course 106 presents the challenges of effective estate planning raised by tax code changes. It begins with a consideration of the estate planning process and the documents of transfer. The course then addresses the unified transfer tax system and the calculation of an individual's estate tax liability. Estate planning techniques such as trusts, marital and charitable deduction vehicles, and intra-family business and property transfers are then discussed. The course ends with a consideration of postmortem tax planning.
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Course 107 - Financial Plan Development Course
In the final course of the program, students will receive instruction and review sample financial plans based on various case facts. The students will then be required to complete a written financial plan, which they will also present orally. The course will conclude with a review of the case study with the instructors and peers. This course is only offered as a virtual program and is offered 3 times per year.
Program Schedules
- Jul. 12 Start for Jul. 13 Exam
- Nov. 12 Start for Nov. 13 Exam
- Mar. 13 Start for Mar. 14 Exam - Coming Soon!
To order, call a Designation Specialist at (866) 963-8329.
Looking to get there faster with an instructor-led accelerated program? Or do you prefer a more traditional university environment?
Kaplan has you covered!
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