CFP Board Registered Program 

Oakland University's Certificate Program in Personal Financial Planning is registered with CFP Board in Washington, D.C., and meets the standards set by CFP Board. In fact, the SBA's Financial Planning Program was one of the first in the country to be registered by the CFP Board of Standards. Students who complete the OU Financial Planning Program are eligible to sit for the CFP Certification Examination.

Increasingly public sensitivity to changes in th economic climate, concern about preparing for retirement, confusion about the type of financial products and services now available indicate that Americans, now more than ever, are aware of the necessity of professional financial guidance.

This environment has created new opportunities for financial service professionals who can render an integrated analysis of their clients' needs and compile a comprehensive personal financial plan. The depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise required to deliver full-service financial guidance is provided by OU's Certificate Program in Personal Financial Planning. This quality program, offered through the School of Business Administration, presents the techniques and knowledge necessary to formulate and execute comprehensive financial plans that will assist clients in accumulating, conserving, and transferring personal wealth.

The program requires the completion of six, 15-week courses, all of which are required to sit for the CFP Examination. To be the most successful, it is recommended that the students use the following program sequence: Risk Management, Investments, Income Tax, Retirement, Estate Planning, and Financial Plan Development Course.

Blended instructor-led and online.  Each class meets once a week for three hours (from 6:30-9:30 PM). Some instructors teach all 15 classes in a regular classroom setting. Others utilize regular class settings for 11 weeks and use the remaining 4 week for instruction through alternative delivery methods (online and guided self-study).

Each academic year, instructor-led courses are offered in three 15-week terms beginning in September, January and May. As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, in addition to the instructor-led coursework, participants may be required to complete an online and/or guided self-study component. Full-time students can complete the program in less than two years. Part-time students may take up to six years or more to complete the program.

A bachelor's degree is recommended but not required to enter this program. However, the CFP Board requires students to obtain a bachelor's degree to achieve the CFP credential.