College for Financial Planning® – A Kaplan Company
The College for Financial Planning® – A Kaplan Company is a nationally recognized provider of professional designations, graduate programs, and continuing education for financial services professionals. Founded in 1972 and now part of Kaplan, the College pioneered the original CFP® certification curriculum and continues to offer a broad portfolio of credentials supporting advisors at every stage of their careers.
📜 Flagship Designations
- AAMS® – Accredited Asset Management Specialist: A foundational credential focused on asset allocation, investment strategies, and client relationship management.
- CRPC® – Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor: Specializes in retirement income planning, Social Security optimization, and distribution strategies for pre‑retirees and retirees.
- CRPS® – Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist: Focused on employer‑sponsored retirement plans, including plan design, fiduciary responsibilities, and regulatory compliance.
- FPQP™ – Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional: An entry‑level designation for paraplanners and support professionals assisting advisors with planning tasks and client service.
- AWMA® – Accredited Wealth Management Advisor: An advanced credential covering high‑net‑worth planning, estate strategies, and behavioral finance.
- APMA® – Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor: Focuses on portfolio construction, investment policy statements, and performance evaluation.
- ABFP® – Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional: Explores the psychological drivers of financial decision‑making and client engagement.
- ADPA® – Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor: Provides specialized guidance for LGBTQ+ and nontraditional households on financial planning and legal considerations.
- SE‑AWMA® – Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor: Tailored for advisors serving athletes, entertainers, and creatives with unique income and planning needs.
🧭 Overview
The College for Financial Planning delivers flexible online programs including self‑paced, live virtual, and on‑demand formats. In addition to its professional designations, the College offers graduate degrees such as the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning (MS‑PFP) and Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA), along with certificate programs in ETFs, fiduciary standards, and portfolio construction.
Its curriculum is widely used by financial advisors, planners, and wealth managers seeking practical, career‑advancing education grounded in real‑world application.
🤝 Community & Support
Students and alumni benefit from Kaplan’s integrated learning platform, expert faculty, and career support resources. The College maintains strong ties to the financial planning profession through partnerships with firms, universities, and industry associations. Continuing education and ethics training help professionals maintain credentials and stay current with evolving regulations and client needs.
📌 Quick Facts
- Website: cffp.edu
- Founded: 1972
- Headquarters: Centennial, CO, USA
- Phone: 800‑237‑9990
- Credential Focus: Financial planning, retirement income, wealth management, behavioral finance, portfolio strategy
- Flagship Designations: AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS®, FPQP™, AWMA®, APMA®, ABFP®, ADPA®, SE‑AWMA®
🏛 Sector Assignment
- Primary Sector: Financial Planning & Retirement Services
- Secondary Sector: Wealth Management & Investment Strategy
🗂 Category Assignment
- Financial Planning & Advisory Services
- Retirement Planning & Income Strategy
- Wealth Management & Portfolio Construction
- Behavioral Finance
- Specialized Client Segments (Sports, Entertainment, LGBTQ+)
🔗 Related Providers
- The American College of Financial Services
- CFP Board
- Finseca
- Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI)
- American Bankers Association
🎓 Related Designations
- CFP® – Certified Financial Planner
- ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant
- WMCP – Wealth Management Certified Professional
- RMA – Retirement Management Advisor