Auburn University’s Certificate in Financial Planning is a CFP Board Registered Program designed to prepare students for careers in financial planning and wealth management.
Auburn’s program is one of only three CFP Board Registered Programs in the state of Alabama, providing students with the opportunity to learn multiple financial planning software tools while developing comprehensive financial plans.
Students also gain insights from industry professionals and receive hands-on experience with financial planning software tools, helping them connect classroom knowledge with real-world financial planning practice.
Programs of Study
The Auburn Certificate in Financial Planning satisfies the education requirement to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
Students who complete the program will have the foundational knowledge required to pursue CFP® certification and begin their professional careers in financial planning.
If you are even slightly interested in financial planning, I would highly recommend going for it. It will help you stand out, and you will walk away with knowledge that is useful in the real world and valuable in your career. It will also put you in a strong position to pass the CFP exam.
Additional Information
Earning a Certificate in Financial Planning can help you:
- Unlock greater earning potential in the growing financial services industry
- Expand career opportunities in financial planning, wealth management, insurance, banking, and investment advising
- Achieve professional recognition in a respected and trusted profession
- Enhance personal financial knowledge and decision-making skills
- Build professional networks with financial planning professionals and industry partners
- Strengthen both professional and personal development
- Develop trust and long-term relationships with clients
- Prepare to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination
A career in financial planning is an investment that can positively impact your income and career growth for many years.
According to the CFP Board Compensation Study, financial planners with CFP® certification have strong income potential as they gain experience in the profession.
Median Income by Experience Level
- 5–10 years: $149,000
- 11–20 years: $239,000
- 20+ years: $359,000
Students in the Financial Planning Certificate Program develop the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive financial planning services. The curriculum aligns with the CFP Board’s education requirements and focuses on the major areas of financial planning practice.
Students will learn to:
- Apply financial planning principles to develop client-centered financial plans
- Identify risk exposures and evaluate appropriate risk management strategies, including home, life, auto, health, and disability insurance
- Analyze investment strategies, including valuation methods, asset allocation, portfolio construction, and portfolio management
- Apply tax planning strategies for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations
- Evaluate retirement planning strategies, including qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, Social Security, Medicare, and employee benefits
- Assess estate planning solutions, including fiduciary roles, estates, wills, trusts, donors, and beneficiaries
- Integrate financial planning disciplines to develop and present a comprehensive financial plan
Graduates of the Financial Planning Certificate Program may pursue careers in a wide range of financial services fields, including:
- Financial Planner
- Wealth Manager
- Investment Advisor
- Retirement Planning Specialist
- Insurance and Risk Management Advisor
- Estate and Legacy Planning Consultant
- Banking and Financial Services Professional
Financial planners help individuals and families make informed decisions about saving, investing, retirement planning, insurance protection, and wealth transfer.
Program Faculty
