CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certificate

Take the next step to earn your CFP® credential.

Program Fast Facts

  • Start date: September 23, 2024
  • Mondays and/or Wednesdays
    6 — 9:30 p.m.
  • On Campus
  • 11-24 months
  • 675-875 per course
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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certificate

Why Study Financial Planning at SMU?

Distinguished faculty and highly experienced practitioners

Learn From Practicing CFP® Professionals

Distinguished faculty and experienced practitioners ensure that you cover practical, meaningful and interactive information in class.

Meet your instructors

SMU’s deep ties to industry

Choose Your Path

Complete program requirements at a pace that fits your needs in the Traditional, Pacesetter, or Intensive paths.

Learn about the paths

SMU Certified Financial Planner Certificate program badge image

Prepare to Succeed

Complete the coursework required to take the CFP® Certification Exam and earn a digital badge to add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

 

See courses and schedules

SMU’s global alumni organization

Gain Industry Recognition

Established in 2003, hundreds of CFP® professionals in DFW have completed coursework at SMU.

 

Contact a Program Specialist

Stand out from the competition

Demonstrate your standard of excellence to clients and employers with a rigorous educational foundation. SMU’s program meets the coursework requirement of CFP® certification, and you will learn how to apply the academic content in practical, real-world scenarios.

 

CFP® employment growth is strong

Qualified professionals will be in high demand as the U.S. population ages, life expectancies rise and wealth transfers to new generations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for CFP® professionals is expected to increase by 15% through 2026, significantly outpacing the average for other occupations.

 

Increase your earning potential

CFP® professionals earn 26% more than financial advisors without the certification, on average, according to a study from the CFP® Board.

Plus, 93% of CFP® professionals are strongly satisfied with career choice in financial planning, according to the 2021 Survey of CFP® Professionals.

 

CFP® Board approved

This program is accredited and registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

 


Upcoming Start Dates

September 23

Traditional Path

Mondays or Wednesdays

Pacesetter Path

Mondays and Wednesdays

6 – 9:30 p.m. 

On Campus

Apply Now

January TBD

Intensive Path

Tuesdays & Thursdays

6 - 8:45 p.m. CT

Some Saturdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Live online

Coming Soon

April TBD

Traditional Path

Mondays or Wednesdays

Pacesetter Path

Mondays and Wednesdays

6 – 9:30 p.m. 

On Campus

Coming Soon

"SMU’s Financial Planning Capstone course was very worthwhile. Attending class with other financial professionals expanded my view on conducting proper meetings, presenting and implementing financial plans. This course was my first in-depth exposure to professionals from other fields and firms providing financial advice to clients. The focus on sharing and discussing ideas definitely improved my planning skills."

–Alexis Britton, CLU®

"Learning from actual practitioners and industry veterans. While all instructors were strong, Bryan Jackson and Trudy Turner were exceptional in their relentless efforts to give their best to students and to get the best out of students. The Capstone course brought it all together."

 

"This program gave me valuable information and insight into the Financial Planning role. I feel like I have a good foundation for continuing my journey in the Financial Planning profession."

 

"Gaining a better understanding of the Financial Planning process and the specific application of various strategies has helped me become a more well-rounded advisor."

 

 

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Bryan Jackson

Instructor Highlight

Bryan C. Jackson, CFP®, is Practice Leader at Vision Point Advisory Group. Bryan focuses his practice on the complex planning needs of executives and entrepreneurs. Bryan and his team take a panoramic view of his clients’ financial lives then craft plans to allow them to realize their goals and vision for the future.

Bryan holds a Texas Department of Insurance Group 1 license, as well as Series 7, 65, and 63 Securities licenses. An industry leader, he has volunteered with the CFP® Board of Standards as an CFP® Exam subject matter expert, among other roles. He also is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Dallas Ft. Worth.

Learn about all your instructors.