Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) Certification Education Program

General Principles and Psychology of Financial Planning
CPEs: 33.5      CEUs: 2.8
This course provides an overview of the financial planning process and the economic and legal environments it takes place, the time value of money, the analysis of financial statements, and the code of ethics and professional responsibility to which practitioners must adhere.

Objectives: Upon completion, students are able to:

• Perform time value of money calculations by understanding the underlying concepts and utilizing technology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relatedness of insurance, investments, retirement planning, income tax, and estate planning in the financial planning process and how the changing economic environment affects that process.
• Identify and quantify debt management and education planning objectives as well as overall financial objectives of a client through evaluation of financial statements and other data. Assess deficiencies, recommend corrections, and develop and maintain a financial plan.
• Articulate the code of ethics and professional responsibility to which practitioners must adhere, plus the Financial Planning Practice Standards employed during each step of the Financial Planning process

Insurance and Risk Management
CPEs: 30     CEUs: 2.8
This course will give an overview of risk assessment and the management of risk through a variety of insurance instruments.

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Communicate the concepts of risk assessment in a manner understandable to clients.
• Address the broad range of insurance instruments and how they may be evaluated and employed to manage the risk of loss of income and risks associated with property ownership and legal liabilities.
• Incorporate insurance into a client’s overall financial plan.
• Understand the ethical aspects of insurance advising.

Investment Planning
CPEs: 40.5     CEUs: 3.4
This course will provide an overview of investment terminology and the fundamentals of investing, including the efficient market hypothesis, the role of financial intermediaries, securities trading, risk, and portfolio theory. Special attention will be paid to the analysis and selection of common stocks and fixed-income securities.

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Assess a client’s risk tolerance and exposure to determine which investments provide the best approach to reach the objectives of the client’s financial plan.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of common stock and fixed-income securities and the variety of ways these instruments may be analyzed.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of riskier vehicles such as options, commodities, and financial futures.
• Utilize a wide range of resources to evaluate various investment vehicles and strategies.
• Employ the concepts of portfolio planning and management to provide diversification to a client’s portfolio with sensitivity to tax considerations.
• Explain the taxation of investment vehicles.
• Apply the ethical aspects of investment advising in their practice.

Income Taxation Planning
CPEs: 40.5     CEUs: 3.4
This course will give an overview of the federal tax system and its impact on financial planning for individuals and business entities.

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Access and apply the resources that are required to meet the challenge of annual changes to the tax code.
• Explain income taxation fundamentals, tax consequences, and tax computations.
• Identify the options available to individuals and business owners for reducing their tax burdens while preserving their wealth accumulation strategies.
• Recognize the ethical and legal implications of tax advising.

Retirement and Employee Benefits Planning
CPEs: 40.5     CEUs: 3.4
This course will introduce and explore the concepts involved in developing retirement and employee benefit plans from both the employer and employee perspectives. Participants will study the legislation that impacts plan design and the tax advantages and disadvantages of various qualified and non-qualified plans, including IRAs and pension and profit-sharing plans. Also addressed will be Federal Social Security, Medicare, and employer-sponsored health and welfare plans.

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Define and differentiate between the types of plans that can be developed.
• Analyze a client’s financial health and develop the most advantageous retirement and employee benefit options to meet the long-term needs expressed in the overall financial plan.
• Identify the needs and objectives of businesses to determine the best design for their employee retirement and benefit plans.

Estate Planning
CPEs: 40.5     CEUs: 3.4
This course will provide students with an understanding of the basic concepts and constraints of estate and gift tax planning as the primary method of orderly and intentional wealth transfer. They will learn the major strategies employed by practitioners when developing estate plans.

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of wills, trusts, and estates.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the concepts of risk management, insurance, portfolio management, retirement planning, and taxation and how they are synthesized in the estate and gift tax planning process.
• Analyze and evaluate a client’s financial and non-financial status and goals in order to develop, communicate, and implement the most advantageous estate and gift tax plan.

Financial Plan Development Course
CPEs: 46.5     CEUs: 3.9
This capstone course will allow students to apply the knowledge they have gained through the curriculum in a synthesized manner. Included in this course is a module on improving communications with clients. One class will be devoted to presenting how to use the financial planning process to set client expectations and answer any questions or concerns clients have before agreeing to a financial planning engagement.  

Objectives: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the content found within the financial planning curriculum and effectively apply and integrate this information in the formulation of a financial plan.
• Effectively communicate the financial plan, both orally and in writing, including information based on research, peers, colleagues, or simulated client interaction and/or results emanating from material synthesis.
• Collect all necessary and relevant qualitative and quantitative information required to develop a financial plan.
• Analyze personal financial situations, evaluating clients’ objectives, needs, and values to develop an appropriate strategy within the financial plan.
• Demonstrate logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to a specific problem.
• Evaluate the impact of economic, political, and regulatory issues concerning the financial plan.
• Apply the CFP Board Financial Planning Practice Standards to the financial planning process.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the United States, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and federally registered CFP (with flame logo). CFP® certification is granted solely by the 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.

Rice Certificate of Achievement

Whether you choose the classroom or online format, you will complete seven consecutive courses in approximately nine months in preparation for the exam. Each course offers a series of quizzes, a mid-term exam, and a final exam delivered online outside of regular class hours. Upon successfully completing each course with a grade of at least 70, students will be awarded a Rice University Certificate of Achievement, which fulfills the educational requirements to apply and sit for the CFP examination. The exam is administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Completion of the Rice CFP Certification Education Program does not guarantee success on the CFP Certification Examination. Therefore, individuals planning to take the exam should also consider an exam preparation course.

• Financial Planners
• Accountants
• Investment advisors
• Stockbrokers
• Trust officers
• Attorneys
• Bankers
• Retirement or benefits specialists
• Insurance agents
• Investors

Attention CPAs:
We have registered with the Texas State Board of Accountancy (Registration no. 600) to meet the requirements of the continuing professional education rules covering maintenance of attendance records, retention of program outlines, qualifications of instructors, program content, physical facilities, and length of class hours. This registration agreement does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of the program or its contribution to the licensee's professional competence.

Rice University is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority to accept individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website learningmarket.org.

Careers
Search for a job using the CFP Board Career Center.

Course 1: General Principles and Psychology of Financial Planning

Eight Tuesdays and Thursdays, August 1 - August 27, 2024, 6-9 p.m. CST

Online final exam: Thursday, August 29, 2024, 6- 9 p.m. CST

Course 2: Insurance and Risk Management

Seven Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 3 - September 24, 2024, 6 -9 p.m. CST

Online final exam: Thursday, September 26, 2024, 6-9 p.m. CST

Course 3: Investment Planning

Ten Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 1-31, 2024, 6-9 p.m. CST

Online final exam: Tuesday, November 5, 2024, 6:00-9:00 p.m. CST

Course 4: Income Taxation Planning

Ten Tuesdays and Thursdays, November 7 - December 12, 2024, 6-9 p.m. CST

Skip Date on November 28, 2024

Online final exam: Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 6-9 p.m. CST

Winter Break: December 19, 2024 - January 9, 2025

Course 5: Retirement and Employee Benefits Planning

Ten Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 14 - February 20, 2025, 6 -9 p.m. CST

Online final exam: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6-9 p.m. CST

Course 6: Estate Planning

Ten Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 27 - April 8, 2025, 6-9 p.m. CST

Skip Dates on March 11 & 13, 2025

Online final exam: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6:00-9:00 p.m. CST

Course 7: Case Studies in Financial Planning 

Thirteen Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 15 - May 27, 2025, 6-9 p.m. CST

Final Presentations: May 22 and May 27, 2025, 6-9 p.m. CST

*Schedule subject to change.

To successfully participate in the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) program, students are required to have access to the following technology, software, and systems:

1. Computer or Laptop: A reliable computer or laptop with stable internet access, a webcam, and a microphone is essential for accessing course materials, participating in online discussions, and completing assignments and proctored exams.
    
2. Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for remote participation in lectures, accessing online resources, and completing assignments and assessments in the learning management system. This connection should support connectivity to the classroom and enable using a webcam during classes and exams.
    
3. Web Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome is recommended for optimal performance with our learning management system.
    
4. Email: A valid email address for communication with instructors, classmates, and program administrators.
    
5. Virtual Meeting Software: This program is delivered through the Glasscock School’s Zoom-powered classroom, enabling students to attend classes in person on the Rice campus or remotely via Zoom. Access to Zoom is required for attending live lectures, participating in group discussions, and joining office hours.
    
6. Learning Management System: Canvas is Rice's Learning Management System for all course-related curriculum needs.
    
7. Financial Planning Software: Access to financial planning software is essential for completing assignments and projects. The Case Studies course and others utilize eMoney Advisor Software. Please note that while eMoney provides students access to their software, your authorization is required to release your name and email for eMoney advisor account access. You will be asked to sign a consent form authorizing Rice to request an eMoney account for you. This step ensures a seamless learning experience.
    
8. Financial Calculator: A financial calculator is required for some coursework. The Hewlett Packard HP10BII+ Calculator is recommended and is available at many office supply stores and online.
    
9. Honorlock Proctoring System: This program uses Honorlock for proctored assessments. Setup information will be provided prior to your first proctored assessment. To use Honorlock, students must download and install the Honorlock Google Chrome extension. To ensure that your browser can successfully run Honorlock, please navigate to the Honorlock Support page and conduct the "Minimum Requirement System Check" located towards the bottom of the page. This will verify that your system meets the minimum requirements necessary for using Honorlock. Students must ensure they take all exams using a reliable computer and high-speed internet connection. Honorlock is not supported on mobile devices.
    
10. Additional Requirements: Some courses may have specific technology requirements. Any additional requirements will be communicated by the instructor or Rice administrative staff at the beginning of the course.

Please ensure that you have access to these technologies and software before the start of the program to facilitate a smooth learning experience.

Financial assistance information can be found on Rice Financial Aid's Visiting and Continuing Education Students page.

The Certified Financial Planner Certificate Program's estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is $6,845. This includes the tuition ($5,945) and the estimated cost of books ($900).

Rice University's Glasscock School of Continuing Studies is proud to partner with Guild Education to bring our high-quality, market-attuned, accessible education and training opportunities to Guild's world-class partnering organizations. Learn more about our partnership with Guild.

Complete the Rice-Guild Application.

The Center for Financial Planning administers scholarship programs to enable qualified individuals to start or complete the education requirement for attaining CFP® certification. These scholarship programs are part of the Center's Workforce Development initiative designed to attract and develop the next generation of financial planners. 

Due to the high demand for courses, registrations are considered final as of 10 working days before class starts. No refunds will be issued after these dates, and credits will not be given for future classes. No refunds will be granted for participants who miss a program portion. Refund requests before the deadline are subject to a 10% processing fee and must be made in writing to gscs@rice.edu. If books have been issued, the books' cost and shipping fees will be deducted. Refunds for credit card payments will be processed as credits to the accounts they were paid and may not appear as a credit until the following statement. Refunds for enrollments paid by check take up to four weeks to be processed and mailed by the Rice University accounting office. There is a $30 charge for any check returned for insufficient funds.