founded in 1972
The College for Financial Planning® is founded in 1972. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification. The College’s first office was a small suite.
History of College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company
Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning®'s—a Kaplan Company has a heritage of more than 50 years in financial planning education.
A Historic First Step in Chicago, 1969
The financial planning education movement experienced a historic moment in December 1969 when 13 men gathered in Chicago and outlined the first steps to further the idea that people could benefit from a profession that integrated knowledge and practices across the various areas of the financial services industry. Resolutions were made to create the International Association for Financial Planners (IAFP) and the College for Financial Planning. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM certification, which is now one of the world’s most recognized and respected financial planning credentials with more than 100,000 certified professionals.
Five Decades of Financial Planning Education
Five decades after the launch of our CFP® certification professional education program that led to the creation of the CFP® certification, our offerings currently include master of science degree programs in personal financial planning and financial analysis. We also offer a wide variety of professional designation programs that provide more in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry, including specializations in asset management, retirement planning, and personal financial planning. These specializations include the College launching groundbreaking designation programs related to behavioral finance, domestic partnerships, and sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investments. The ongoing expansion of our education offerings is a reflection of our commitment to responding to the needs of the evolving financial services industry and supporting professionals looking to add to their skillset, move their careers forward, and create better outcomes for their clients. Since the first graduating class in 1973, more than 195,000 financial professionals are alumni of the College.
Notable Moments in College History
Established FPQP®
To provide assistance to financial support staff members, the Foundations in Financial Planning℠ program was created. Today this designation is known as FPQP®.
became separate entities
The College and Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., became separate entities, with the College providing education and CFP Board of Standards supporting the CFP® certification itself.
Advanced Studies Program Introduced
An advanced studies program, which became the Master of Science in 1994, was introduced.
AAMS® and CMFC® Created
The AAMS® and CMFC® designation programs were created as part of a partnership with the Investment Company Institute (ICI).
CRPC® and CRPS® Launched
The College purchased the American Institute of Retirement Planners and developed the CRPC® and CRPS® programs.
all-new Master of Science Degree
An all-new Master of Science Degree Program in Financial Analysis was launched in early 2003 and in fall 2003, the College introduced the financial industry’s first live online course.
AWMA® designation
The College introduced the AWMA® designation in early 2005.
launched an alumni association
The College launched an alumni association to celebrate its 100,000 graduates and in the summer the Master of Science in Finance was released.
introduced ADPA® and APMA®
The ADPA® and APMA® designations were introduced in the fall.
College expands licensing programs
In February, the College announced a partnership with ExamFX to provide training for the FINRA Series 63, 6, 65, 66, 7, 24, and 26 license exams. In September 2014, the College partnered with NAIFA to unveil an all-new LUTCF® program set to debut in 2015.
launched digital badges
In January, the College launched digital badges for its professional designation holders. A digital badge allows potential employers, clients, or partners to verify the credential and be well-informed about the value of the credential and what it certifies.
Acquired by Kaplan
In July 2018, Kaplan Professional Education closed its acquisition of the College for Financial Planning. Programs are offered under the name College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company. In November 2018, the the CSRIC® designation program was introduced.
launched the ABFP®️
The College launched the ABFP®️ designation program in December.
MS in Financial Analysis reopened
The Master of Science in Financial Analysis program opened for admission again with coursework aligned with the learning outcomes of the CFA Institute’s CFA Program.
launched the SE-AWMA®️
The College launched the SE-AWMA®️ designation program in June.
Financial Advising Accelerator
The College launched its Financial Advising Accelerator certificate program in January.
LAUNCHED QPFE & AIF® TRAINING
The College launched its Qualified Personal Finance Educator program in June 2024. In September, it also launched its Accredited Investment Fiduciary® Training, a certificate program.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with plaque logo) certification marks. CFP® certification is granted only by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met its ethics, experience, and examination requirements. The College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company is an education and exam prep review provider for the CFP® Certification Examination administered by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. CFP Board does not endorse any education or review course or receive financial remuneration from education or review course providers.