How much does the Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning cost?
You can buy the full program (all six courses) with a one-time payment of $2,295.00. The full program with Virtual Classroom Package is $3995. Online Courses & Virtual Sessions can also be purchased individually. Substantial tuition scholarships may be available to you. See detail pricing here.

How do I register for the Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning?
Click here to register for the online course only. Simply pay the tuition fee using a credit card. You will have immediate access to the course. To purchase the Virtual Classroom package, please call our Enrollment Advisors at 1-800-329-4996.

Are there payment plans?
Yes. You can now take advantage of our new affordable installment plans which allows you to break down the payment over 3 - 9 months depending on the package. All enrollments with payment plans give you access to the entire program immediately. Enrollment with payment plan must be made by calling 1-800-329-4996.

For how long can I access the course?
The initial access period for the online curriculum is for 18 months. Students have unlimited 24-7 access. You can access the online course from any computer in the world with Internet connection. We recommend broadband internet connectivity.

How do I request an informational brochure?
You can download and print our brochure here.

How long does it take most people to finish?
The program is self-paced, so when you complete the program is really up to you and your schedule. On average, learners spending 10 hours per week studying are able to complete the program in 12-14 months. The Virtual Classroom students have additional live sessions and should expect to complete the program in 9 months.

What if I do not finish the course within the 18 month timeframe?
If you require additional time, we offer a discounted continuation option depending on the number of courses you have left to complete. For more information on your paid continuation options, please read the continuation policy.

Where do I purchase my textbooks?
Textbooks can be purchased from the Online Bookstore page. It offers you convenient option to purchase all the required books and calculator in one convenient bundle or individually one at a time.

If you purchase our bundled package, textbooks will be shipped to your confirmed credit card billing address at no additional cost to you. Please give 5 - 7 business days for books to arrive.

Is there any additional cost?
There is no additional cost to complete the program. After successfully completing the online program you can request a certification of completion from Boston University free of charge. Please call 1-800-329-4996 for more information.

What are my payment options?
We accept American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and personal checks.

How do I monitor my progress?
Boston University provides a bi-monthly status report via email on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month. Learners can unsubscribe from receiving this report at any time. Additionally, you can use the Time Commitment Estimator to manage your time.

What is the format of the quizzes?
There are 88 10-20 question quizzes throughout the program, which will quiz you on the material you have covered online and in the books. You may take a quiz as many times as you like; only your highest score is recorded and there are no extra fees. You can take each quiz independently of the others; you do not need to pass one quiz to move on to the next. The passing score for quizzes is 70%.

Do I have to pass any exams while preparing?
Yes. There are six comprehensive online Course Exams, one at the end of each course which will test your understanding of the material you have covered online and in the assigned readings.  You can take each Exam independently of the others; you do not need to pass one exam to move on to the next.  Additionally, you may take these quizzes and exams as many times as you like; only your highest score is recorded and there are no extra fees. Questions are drawn randomly from a larger question bank so no matter how many times you take the exam you will be presented with a different test. The passing score for exams is 73%.

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

What is considered a passing score?
The passing score for Module Quizzes is 70%. The passing score for Course Exams is 73%.

How will I know I've finished each of the six courses successfully?
After successfully completing the Course Exam and all of the Module Quizzes for a particular course, you will receive a grade letter for that course. This grade letter serves as a formal transcript for submission to CFP Board and can be printed at any time.

What are the completion requirements for this Program?
To successfully fulfill CFP Board's education requirement to sit for the CFP Certification Examination you must:

1. pass all Module Quizzes with a minimum score of 70%, and
2. pass all Course Exams with a minimum score of 73%.

1. achieve a minimum score of 70% in each of the Module Quizzes,
2. achieve a minimum score of 73% in each of the six Course Exams, and
3. maintain an overall minimum average of 80% for the six Course Exams.

When do I inform CFP Board on completion of my course?
The Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning fulfills the education component requirement by CFP Board of Standards Inc, making you eligible to sit for the CFP Board Examination. Once the program is completed and you have received all 6 letter grades you may request for an application to sit for CFP Board Examination by visiting here.

What type of software do I need?
All you need is a computer and access to the Internet. The course will work with a 56k modem with dial-up and higher (but broadband is recommended), Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, Netscape Navigator 6.2 and higher, Macromedia Flash 5.0 and higher, and pop-up blockers must be disabled. It works on Windows and Mac operating systems.

How do the online classes work?
The Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning offers the most convenient way to learn. All learning is done online, on your time. Flexibility, interaction and convenience are unbeatable but the online program requires discipline and challenges you to meet your highest learning potential. Our Virtual Classroom offers the unique learning experience combining the convenience of online learning without compromising the close interaction of a live classroom.

When and how often do I have to be online for class?
The online, self-paced format allows you to tailor the schedule to fit your busy lifestyle. You can take the online course at any time of day or night; it is entirely up to you. Nothing could be more convenient. Work at your own speed, on your own time. On the other hand, Virtual Classroom students follow a 9-month schedule perfectly synched with CFP® certification exam. 18 live sessions are held, once every two weeks.

Can I print the material to take it with me?
The program is online and not meant to be printed. You can carry the textbook when traveling to complete the reading assignments.

Who do I call if I have a question on the course material?
You can email a subject matter expert at Boston University from within the program for any questions regarding the content of the online program. Your question will be answered within one-two business days. Students enrolled in the Virtual Classroom can also ask questions during the live Q&A web session held every two weeks.

Do I have to go to a testing center?
No. All of the tests for Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning are online and part of the course. The final exam at the end of each course is taken on the computer and requires a passing grade of 73% or more. This exam can be taken an unlimited number of times, without any fee, and only the highest score is saved. Once you are satisfied with your Exam scores, you can print out a transcript for each course to submit to CFP Board. If you have maintained an overall minimum average of 80% for the six Course Exams, you may apply for a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University.

Can I use this program to earn credits towards a degree?
The Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning is not an accredited program and will not count towards any degree. It is a certificate program approved by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. It fulfills the education requirement for taking the CFP Certification Examination.

Can I use this course towards my Continuation Education (CE) Credit requirements?
The Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning does not qualify for Continuing Education credits. No CE Credits can be earned by taking this course at this time.

How quickly can I complete the program?
The program is self paced, averaging about 12-14 months to complete. With extra effort, it can be finished even earlier. The access for the program is for a full 18 months from the day of signup. Students may take the accelerated, instructor-led virtual class and finish in 9 months.

What happens if I move to a new location?
No problem. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can continue to access the program anytime, anywhere.

How long has the Boston University Program for Financial Planning been around?
Boston University has a long history of providing the highest quality education in financial planning. The Boston University Program for Financial Planning was founded in 1981 and is currently under the direction of Robert J. Glovsky, JD, LLM, CFP, CLU, ChFC, one of the nation's leading financial planners.

How is Boston Institute of Finance connected to Boston University?
Boston Institute of Finance partnered with Boston University to provide their Financial Planner program online. All of the course content is provided by Boston University.

Boston University Program for Financial Planning was founded in 1981. It is the 4th oldest in the country and one of the largest programs in New England. Boston University is the 4th largest independent university in the nation.

Do you accept International students?
Yes, we do. However, all payments have to be made in US dollars. We do not ship books internationally.

How do I apply to sit for CFP Board Certification Examination?
To learn more about the steps and requirements for the CFP Certification, please visit CFP Board website at http://www.cfp.net/become.

How do I receive a certificate from Boston University?
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. Once you have completed both of these requirements, please log into your account to complete the Certificate Completion Application and fax it to the Boston University Center for Professional Education office.

CFP Board Examination Details

Does this program qualify for military tuition assistance?
Yes, the Boston University Online Program for Financial Planning is recognized by all branches of the Military. It qualifies for tuition assistance. For more information, visit here.

I still have questions, can someone contact me?
Please fill out our Contact Us form and an enrollment advisor with get in touch with you. You can also call us at 1-800-329-4996 from Monday to Friday, 9:00AM - 5:00PM EST and a friendly program consultant will assist you.