Academic Expectations and Grade Requirements
Boston University’s Center for Professional Education (CPE) offers only non-credit, non-degree programs. Boston University expects students to approach their studies with the professionalism and integrity that each program’s industry demands. Likewise, our instructors adhere to high professional standards to evaluate each student’s performance within the context of the course and the industry, with the intent of providing a supportive and just learning environment
All courses are academically rigorous; to earn a certificate from Boston University, certain grading standards must be met. Students must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0 or 73) in each component of a course or program and an overall course or program minimum grade of B- (2.7 or 80).
Students must complete all coursework within the time period for which they are enrolled. At the end of the course or program, students will receive a composite letter grade, which only appears on the student’s grade report and transcript. We do not archive assignment grades.
Office of Disability and Access Services
The Office of Disability & Access Services (DAS) is available to students who need academic accommodations in order to succeed. This document explains how to apply for accommodations.
Withdrawal Policy and Fees
Students who drop the course or program within the first 15 business days of enrollment will receive a full refund, less a $300 non-refundable cancellation fee. Credit card payment refunds must be credited to the same credit card. A “W” grade will be noted for withdrawing from the course(s). You will not be issued a transcript when dropping a course or program.Students who withdraw after the 15th business day from their date of enrollment will not be eligible for a refund. Ceasing to log into your online course or program or notifying your instructor or program office that you are withdrawing does not constitute an official withdrawal.
To withdraw from your coursework, please contact bostonuniversity@mindmax.net or call 617-502-8822.
Students who purchase packages with books will not receive a refund for the books ($1,000 for the full program and $100 for single courses). We do not accept book returns. Exam review enrollments are also non-refundable.
Grade Requirements
Students who complete all seven classes with Boston University and meet the minimum grade requirements will earn a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University.
Successful completion of the BU certificate requires a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course and an overall program minimum grade of B- (2.7). To sit for the CFP® exam, you must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each course. For more information, see the CPE Certificate Program Completion Information webpage.
Completion Information
Once you have completed the Boston University Financial Planning Program and meet the minimum grade requirements, you are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination and receive the BU Certificate in Financial Planning.
To receive your BU certificate, please do the following:
- Fill out and submit the online Certificate Completion Application. Certificate applications are processed monthly.
To register for the CFP® Exam, please do the following:
- Go to the CFP® Board website.
- Submit your online exam application and exam fee.
- Complete the BU CFP® Education Verification Request form.*
- Once your education is verified, you’ll receive an email from the CFP® Board indicating your registration is complete. Verifications are uploaded biweekly by BU leading up to the exam and daily in the last two weeks before the registration deadline.
*Note: This link goes to a Google form that is not accessible by some corporate networks. If this link does not work for you, email cpe@bu.edu with the following information: Your full name, email address (the email used for your CFP® Exam registration), CFP® ID, program dates, and phone number.
Transcripts
All Boston University CPE programs are non-credit, and we issue unofficial transcripts. Information about obtaining a transcript is available on the CPE website.
Extensions
Students who do not complete their work in the prescribed time may purchase a one-time extension for 3, 6, or 9 months. Any additional time needed beyond the extension requires the purchase of individual classes. Toward the end of your enrollment time, you will receive an email with information about the extension.
State Authorization and Distance Education
Boston University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which allows the university to offer distance education programs in other SARA member states.