Financial Planning Certificate (Online) - FAQ

Overview | Curriculum | Virtual Classroom | Demo | Tuition & Fees | FAQ | Intern Program | Returning Students | Boston University Certificate | Requirements | Register | Tutor Bios

How do online courses work?
What does interactive, multimedia really mean?
What is the duration of the Program?
What is the grading scale for the Online Program in Financial Planning?
What are the study schedule expectations?
What is the relationship between Boston University and Boston Institute of Finance?
Do I receive a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University once I complete the program?
Does the online program offer the CFP® certification in Financial Planning upon completion?
Do I have to have the Certificate from Boston University to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination?
What is the CFP® certification process?
Do you offer a follow-up review in preparation for the exam?

Q. How do online courses work?
A. Students register and take courses via the Internet instead of attending traditional courses on campus. You will be notified by e-mail that your registration is being processed and you will be given directions on how to log in. Grades are awarded upon successful completion of each course.

Q. What does interactive, multimedia really mean?
A. Our goal is to make online learning not only convenient but a compelling learning experience. We want students engaged in the online material beyond just reading. We've incorporated simulations, quizzes, problem solving, and exercises that require reading the text and then going online to complete assignments. We try to have the student performing an activity related to the material every 5-7 minutes. We also try to incorporate adult learning theory objectives, keeping in mind that some learners do well by listening, seeing, and doing. We think, as a result, our courses are interesting and more effective.

Q. What is the duration of the program?
A. Advances in instructional design and online programming have revealed that students can complete the online program in less time than a traditional classroom program. With that in mind, the duration of the BU Online Program for Financial Planning is 18 months.

Q. What is the grading scale for the Online Program in Financial Planning?
A. Listed below is the scale for the course exam.

A	93-100
A-	90-92
B+	87-89
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79
C-	70-72
D+	67-69
D	63-66
D-	60-62
F and below	59

Q. What are the study schedule expectations?
A. While you are allowed 18 months of access to the program, we expect that the average program completion time will be approximately 12 months or less. We have developed a customized study schedule tool to help give you a sense of how long the program will take you to complete based on either how much time you have to devote to study, or how much time you will need to study in order to complete the program by a specific date.

Q. What is the relationship between Boston University and Boston Institute of Finance?
A. Boston University Center for Professional Education and Boston Institute of Finance have joined together to offer the Boston University Online Program for Financial Planners. Boston University is responsible for the academic program and policies. Boston Institute of Finance manages the registration and payment processes.

Q. Do I receive a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University once I complete the program?
A. Students who achieve a minimum grade of C (73%) in each of the six online courses and an overall grade average of B- (80%) will be eligible to receive a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. To receive your certificate, please complete the Certificate Completion Application and return it to the Center for Professional Education office.

Q. Does the online program offer the CFP® certification in Financial Planning upon completion?
A. No, successful completion of the online program signifies that you have successfully completed the education component of CFP® certification as set forth by CFP Board of Standards.

Q. Do I have to have the Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination?
A. You do not have to have the Certificate in Financial Planning to meet the education requirement set forth by CFP Board to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

Q. What is the CFP® certification process?
A. CFP® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to individuals who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience, and examination requirements.

Students must apply to CFP Board and supply it with documentation from Boston University verifying completion of the necessary courses. Only persons registered with CFP Board are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

NOTE: Effective January 2007, anyone seeking CFP® certification will be required to possess a bachelor's degree. For more information, contact CFP Board at the addresses below.

For more information on CFP® certification, see the Guide to CFP® Certification booklet, available from:
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc.
1700 Broadway, Suite 2100
Denver, CO 80290-2101
Telephone: 888-CFP-MARK or 888-237-6275
Fax: 303-860-7388
Web Site: http://www.CFP-Board.org
E-mail: mail@CFP-Board.org

Q. Do you offer a follow-up review in preparation for the exam?
A. The Boston University Online Program for Financial Planners does not currently offer a follow-up CFP® Certification Examination review; however, plans are being discussed to add an online review course. Boston University strongly recommends that students who have completed CPE FP 101E through CPE FP 106E and are preparing to sit for the CFP® Certification Exam consider enrolling in a comprehensive exam review. Please visit www.cfp-board.org for a complete list of exam review providers.

For further questions, please contact us at cpe@bu.edu.

Boston University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and marks. CFP® certification is granted solely by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to individuals who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements.