Executive Certificate in Financial Planning
Continuing Education
Why ODU for Financial Planning?
Our Executive Certificate in Financial Planning provides the knowledge and expertise needed for a successful career in financial planning. It is aligned with the CFP Board Registered Program content, ensuring you meet the educational requirements for the CFP® Board Certification Exam.
Our seven-course program includes live, online discussions for interactive learning, designed for working professionals and covers the CFP Board Principal Knowledge Topics such as:
- Professional Conduct and Regulation
- General Principles of Financial Planning
- Risk Management and Insurance Planning
- Investment Planning
- Tax Planning
- Retirement Savings and Income Planning
- Estate Planning
- Psychology of Financial Planning
Upon completing the program, you will earn a certificate of completion from ODU and be ready to take the next step toward CFP® certification and a rewarding career in financial planning.
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Program Information
Advance your career in financial planning with ODU’s Executive Certificate in Financial Planning. Enroll in upcoming classes from the current course schedule and take the next step toward CFP® certification.
All courses are open enrollment except the Capstone course, which has a prerequisite of successful completion of courses 1 through 6 prior to registration.
Access all course materials 100% online and study from any location. This program features live, synchronous sessions via Zoom, requiring you to log in at the scheduled class times to engage in real-time with our expert instructors. Additionally, you can enjoy the flexibility of watching recordings of your class sessions at your convenience until the course concludes.
Students include CFA’s CPA's, CPU's, CLU's, CFSA's, lawyers, stockbrokers, trust officers, and realtors as well as other representatives of the financial services industry, or anyone wishing to make a career change. Candidates for this program are NOT required to hold a baccalaureate degree nor is one needed to take the CFP® Certification Examination. However, the bachelor’s degree requirement must be completed within 5 years from successfully completing the CFP exam.
It is required that anyone planning to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination complete a CFP Board registered education program, request a transcript review, or be eligible to challenge the examination by virtue of academic or professional credentials.
Advance your career in financial planning with ODU’s Executive Certificate in Financial Planning. Enroll in upcoming classes from the current course schedule and take the next step toward CFP® certification.
All courses are open enrollment except the Capstone course, which has a prerequisite of successful completion of courses 1 through 6 prior to registration.
Access all course materials 100% online and study from any location. This program features live, synchronous sessions via Zoom, requiring you to log in at the scheduled class times to engage in real-time with our expert instructors. Additionally, you can enjoy the flexibility of watching recordings of your class sessions at your convenience until the course concludes.
Students include CFA’s CPA's, CPU's, CLU's, CFSA's, lawyers, stockbrokers, trust officers, and realtors as well as other representatives of the financial services industry, or anyone wishing to make a career change. Candidates for this program are NOT required to hold a baccalaureate degree nor is one needed to take the CFP® Certification Examination. However, the bachelor’s degree requirement must be completed within 5 years from successfully completing the CFP exam.
It is required that anyone planning to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination complete a CFP Board registered education program, request a transcript review, or be eligible to challenge the examination by virtue of academic or professional credentials.
Earning Your CFP
Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®, Founder & CEO, Financial Fountains is interviewed about why she became a CFP® professional and the benefits of CFP® certification -- the highest standard of personal financial planning.
Course Schedule
- Dates: 3/12/2025 – 4/30/2025
- Day(s): Wednesdays, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Online live, via Zoom
- Continuing Education Units: 4.16
- Instructor: Grant Chapman, CFP
- Tuition: $999.00
- Dates: 5/14/2025 – 7/09/2025
- No class: 7/02/2025
- Day(s): Wednesdays, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Online live, via Zoom
- Continuing Education Units: 4.16
- Instructor: Walter McDaniel, CFP, CPA
- Tuition: $999.00
- Dates: 7/23/2025 – 9/17/2025
- No class: 9/03/2025
- Day(s): Wednesdays, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Online live, via Zoom
- Continuing Education Units: 4.16
- Instructor: Samuel Johnson, CPA
- Tuition: $999.00
- Dates: 10/01/2025 – 12/10/2025
- No Class: 11/26/2025
- Day(s): Wednesdays, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Location: Online live, via Zoom
- Continuing Education Units: 5.2
- Instructor: Mike Milligan, CFP
- Tuition: $1,099.00
New schedule coming soon!
New schedule coming soon!
New schedule coming soon!
Cost & Aid
Calculating Cost
Varies
Continuing Education can accept payments for courses in several different forms. ODU's helpful staff can assist you in determining if you might qualify for any number of various funding options that could assist you with non-credit continuing educational opportunities to improve your marketability and advance your career.
Refer to the Course Schedule
Refund Policy
To withdraw from a course you must send a request in writing to davans@odu.edu (7) days prior the start date of the course. Failure to attend a course does not constitute withdrawal. Course registration fees, less a $100 processing fee will be refunded via the original form of payment. There are no refunds once the class has begun. Late withdrawals of six (6) days or less before the class begins, will result in the student being charged the $100 processing fee, as well as charges for books and/or other course material fees.
Careers in Financial Planning
Our graduates pursue roles as certified financial planners, wealth advisors, investment analysts, and estate planning specialists, helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Financial Risk Specialists
Growth
8.4%
Median Salary
$106,090
Personal Financial Advisors
Growth
17.1%
Median Salary
$99,580
Financial and Investment Analysts
Growth
9.5%
Median Salary
$99,010
Budget Analysts
Growth
3.9%
Median Salary
$84,940
Insurance Underwriters
Growth
-4.0%
Median Salary
$77,860
Tax Preparers
Growth
4.2%
Median Salary
$49,010
Contact Continuing Education