- Can I take more than one course per semester?
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Yes, but the courses are rigorous. For example, the Income Tax Planning course can be quite demanding and it is recommended that it be taken in a term by itself. However, each individual student’s situation is unique with regard to the demands on his/her time and the level of knowledge in each area. It is ultimately up to the student to determine his/her ability to take more than one course per semester.
- Should the courses be taken in any specific order?
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NCPR 500 Personal Financial Planning should be taken first. In addition to topics related to personal finance, the course provides an introductory overview of the topics covered in the other courses in the program.
- Can the capstone course be taken at the same time as another course?
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No. The Capstone course can only be taken after completion of all six courses in the program.
- Are there prerequisites to apply for admission to earn the certificate in certified financial planning, or to enroll in the individual courses?
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Individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree are invited to apply. College seniors, who have met program entry requirements, are eligible for admission to the program. It is recommended that students have a working knowledge of finance, financial accounting, statistics, economics, and business law and ethics.
- Can I enroll in just a few courses? I'm not interested in applying to and earning the certificate.
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Yes.
- Can I take courses before applying for admission to the program?
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Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission.
- How are CFP classes graded?
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The grade notation for noncredit courses is N (no credit).
- Can I transfer credit into this program from another institution?
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Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course must have been taken within the last three years. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better. Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services
- What exactly does it mean to earn a certificate?
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Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or a career transition. In particular, the Certificate in Certified Financial Planning prepares you for taking the CFP Board exam.
- Is this a registered program with the CFP Board?
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Yes, it is. Upon your successful completion of our certificate program, the University will notify the CFP Board. To learn more about becoming a CFP professional, please visit the CFP Board's web site.
- Where are the courses offered?
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All the courses are now offered online.
- What is the student pass rate on the CFP exam?
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The current CFP Board Exam pass rate for students who completed a CFP Certificate through UVA SCPS is consistent with, and tends to exceed, the national pass rate.
- What type of jobs can I expect in this field?
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Personal financial planners assess the financial needs of individuals and assist them with investments, tax laws, and insurance decisions. Financial planners help their clients identify and plan for short-term and long-term goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for financial analysts is expected to grow 16 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Growing numbers of financial planners will be needed to assist the millions of workers expected to retire over the next decade.
- What is the difference between earning a certificate and gaining certification?
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Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.
- Will the credits from a certificate program transfer to another college or university?
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Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.
- What is the advantage to earning a certificate vs. a degree?
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Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.
Still have questions? Don't hesitate to contact us.
* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.