Why you should earn your ChFC®

The Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) is particularly attractive due to the recent changes in the CFP® Board's Standards of Professional Conduct since these two designations share the same core curriculum. (The ChFC® requires two additional electives but does not require candidates to pass the 10-hour, comprehensive board exam the CFP certification requires.)

The ChFC® designation provides financial planners and other industry professionals with the tools to perform comprehensive financial planning for their clients. The program focuses on the entire financial planning process as an organized way to amass information and analyze a client's total financial picture, to ascertain and implement precise financial goals, and to devise, apply, and monitor a comprehensive plan to achieve those goals.

ChFC® designees are well-qualified to help clients:


  • Achieve financial goals by analyzing their overall financial picture and by identifying their life and health insurance needs as well as personal property and liability risks.
  • Review their current income tax situation and develop strategies to reduce and defer income taxes.
  • Increase their retirement investments by preparing tax-advantaged retirement plans.
  • Identify investment opportunities and design a portfolio that conforms to their personal objectives and risk tolerance.
  • Conserve existing assets and build financial security for retirement through estate enhancement.


The ChFC® designation is awarded by The American College.

ChFC® Program Requirements

Requirements to earn the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designation, the following are required:


  • Three years of full-time business experience prior to being awarded the ChFC® designation
  • Commitment to The American College's Code of Ethics
  • 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years


ChFC® Exam Information

ChFC® exams are administered electronically at nationwide testing centers throughout the year by The American College via the Pearson VUE testing center network.

The exam consists of 100 objective questions based on the curriculum and is two hours in length. Typically, there are three types of questions included in the ChFC exam-straight-answer, multiple-option, and all-except questions.

Your results will be provided immediately upon exam completion.


ChFC® Curriculum

You will need to pass nine examinations, one for each of the following seven required courses and two elective courses, to earn the ChFC designation:


"ChFC®, CLU® and CASL® are registered marks owned by The American College. KAPLAN/KESDEE is not affiliated or associated in any way with The American College. The American College does not endorse, promote, review, or warrant the accuracy of any courses, exam preparation materials, or other products or services offered by KAPLAN/KESDEE and does not verify or endorse any claims made by KAPLAN/KESDEE regarding such products or services, including any claimed pass rates."