Does this program include a prep/cram/review course?Expand
No. This program satisfies the educational requirement of CFP® certification. As an educational provider, our goal is to focus solely on providing students with the best educational program possible.
Who developed the coursework?Expand
The James Madison University – Greene Consulting Online CFP® Certification Education Program is a joint effort by James Madison University and Greene Consulting Associates, a leader in consulting and training for the financial services industry.
What happens if I don't finish in the 21-month timeframe?Expand
Our goal is that every student completes the program, but we realize sometimes life intervenes and throws your plans off track. Therefore, in the event that you are not finished within 21 months, you have three extension options. You can purchase 3 additional months for $300, 9 additional months for $450, or 21 additional months for $900. However, if you have completed 6 of the 7 standard courses, we will WAIVE ALL EXTENSION FEES.
What are the system requirements?Expand
The online course material is accessible from any web browser on both Mac and PC systems. Included in the program price are mobile resources allowing you to download lessons to study away from your computer via tablet devices. Supported tablet devices include the iPad, iPhone, Kindle, and Android devices using available eBook readers. Mobile study through these supported devices allows you to bookmark, highlight, and add notes and search for definitions.
Do all advisors have their CFP® certification?Expand
Every student enrolling in the Program is assigned a personal Advisor. This person’s key job is to support the student and assist through the answering of questions, adding further explanation to areas where needed or work with the student on an individual basis to define and hold accountable to a learning plan. All Advisors have their CFP® certification, have taken the CFP® Exam, and have been in the business for an average of 10+ years. They are accessible via phone and email, with all course materials having a link directly to your personal Advisor in the event questions arise on a specific page of material. Advisors respond to student inquiries usually within hours, but always within one business day, and desire to form a personal relationship with each student and provide support through the learning process.
How is the Financial Plan Development course delivered?Expand
The CFP Board now requires educational programs to offer a Financial Plan Development course. This course is the seventh course in the program and requires students to develop and deliver a full financial plan based on a provided case study. Completion of this course requires the student to work through the case online and then present the final plan in a live web conference with the student’s personal Advisor.
Do you have a job placement program available or career advice for how to start working in this field?Expand
There is no official job placement program in place. However, a key benefit of the university partnerships with industry leader, Greene Consulting, is Greene’s contacts within the Financial Services industry. The Advisor assigned to each student is very well connected and can be resourced as a liaison for recommendations and contacts for job placement.
Is a calculator included in cost of the program?Expand
No, calculators must be purchased separately from the program. A calculator is required for completion of the program. All numerical problems in this program will provide solution steps utilizing the HP-12C and HP-10bII calculators. Unless a participant is already proficient with the use of a financial calculator, all participants are strongly encouraged to purchase the HP-12C or HP-10bII. The program devotes one full interactive lesson to using these calculators so that all participants will be proficient with their use.
What is Your Refund Policy?Expand
A 100% refund of tuition will be provided within the first 15 days, provided the participant does not access a midterm/final exam or download any course material during that time period. If textbooks were purchased directly from us, they must be returned to the textbook provider, at the student’s expense, and in unused condition. After 15 days, refunds will not be given.
What is offered for Practical Application in the program?Expand
The key difference in this Online CFP® Certification Education Program compared to any of the others nationally is its industry focus. Our exclusive Practical Application curriculum includes 6 (six) additional online courses provided by Greene Consulting. Utilizing Greene’s expertise, a leader in the wealth management industry since 1978, these courses parallel the six core program courses and help clarify what questions Advisors should be asking their clients and prospects to better identify true needs and then delivers actionable techniques for how to communicate those needs to clients in a way that will motivate them to act. Having expertise for “how” these topics are applied from an overall practice management perspective are key factors to your overall success as a financial planner.