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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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.
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.
Workshop Schedule
| Workshop | Upcoming Dates |
|---|---|
XEDC-1514: Tax Planning This course covers income tax fundamentals, business entity taxation, depreciation, and tax implications for financial planning, including AMT, charitable contributions, property disposition, and changes after death or divorce. Continuing Education Units: 4.16 | May 14-July 9, 2025 |
XEDC-1511: Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Regulation This course covers client relationships, financial analysis, and creating recommendations within CFP Board standards. Students explore debt management, education funding, behavioral finance, ethics, and regulatory compliance. Continuing Education Units: 3.12 | June 17–July 22, 2025 Register for Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Regulation |
XEDC-1516: Estate Planning This course explores estate planning strategies, including property titling, transfers, gifting, and estate liquidity. Students examine wills, probate, and the types, uses, and taxation of trusts. Continuing Education Units: 4.16 | July 23-September 17, 2025 |
XEDC-1517: Capstone: Financial Plan Development Course Students complete a case analysis integrating key financial planning areas, including principles and ethics, risk management, investments, tax, retirement, and estate planning. Continuing Education Units: 5.2 | October 1–December 10, 2025 |
XEDC-1512: Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits Planning This course examines insurance, annuities, and employee benefits, including risk analysis, personal and business coverage, and social insurance. Students also explore equity-based and non-qualified compensation within financial planning. Continuing Education Units: 4.16 | October 14 – December 16, 2025 Register for Risk Management, Insurance, and Employee Benefits Planning |
XEDC-1513: Investment Planning Continuing Education Units: 4.16 | January 14 – March 4, 2026 Registration for Investment Planning not yet available. |
XEDC-1515: Retirement Savings and Income Planning Continuing Education Units: 4.16 | March 18 – May 6, 2026 Registration for Retirement Savings and Income Planning not yet available. |
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
Tax Preparers
Growth
4.2%
Median Salary
$49,010
Contact Continuing Education