Financial Planning Certificate Program

Policies

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 coursework and studies with the same level of professionalism and integrity that each program’s industry demands. Students must also meet the academic demands necessary to appropriately recognize each student for their own original work.  There are decisions made within CPE’s academic setting that will be similar to those made within the professional environment where the knowledge gained from the coursework will be applied. Our instructors, likewise, adhere to a high professional standard to evaluate each student’s coursework and 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 with grading standards that must be met to earn a certificate from Boston University. Students are required to 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 on a grade report. The composite grade will only be on the grade report and transcript. We do not archive any of the assignment grades.

Office of Disability & Access Services (DAS)

The Office of Disability & Access Services (DAS) is available to students who may need academic accommodations to be successful. Click here for additional information.

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. 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. Please note that ceasing to log into online course or program or notifying your instructor that you are withdrawing does not constitute an official withdrawal. A “W” grade will be noted for withdrawing from the course(s).

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). Please note: we do not accept book returns. Review enrollments are also non-refundable.

Grade Requirements

Students who take all seven classes with Boston University, and who 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. More information is available here.

Completion Information

Once you have completed the Boston University Financial Planning Program, and meet the grade requirements, you are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination and to receive the BU Certificate in Financial Planning.

To receive your BU certificate, please do the following:

  1. Fill out the Certificate Completion Application and email it to cpe@bu.edu or fax it to 617-353-4494.
  2. Please note that certificate applications are processed monthly.

To register for the CFP® Exam, please do the following:

  1. Go to the CFP Board website.
  2. Submit your online exam application and exam fee.
  3. Complete the BU CFP® Education Verification Request form.*
  4. Once your education is verified, you will receive an email from CFP Board indicating that your registration is complete. Verifications are uploaded bi-weekly by BU leading up to the exam and daily in the last two weeks before the registration deadline.

*Please note that this link goes to a Google form that is not accessible by some corporate networks. If this link does not work for you, please send an email to cpe@bu.edu with the following information: Full name, email address (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 that is required beyond the extension requires the purchase of individual classes. As your enrollment time is ending, we will send you an email with information about the extension.

State Authorization & 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.

Request Information

To learn more, contact an Enrollment Advisor at 617-502-8822 or complete the form below.

Boston University respects your right to privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails and calls from a representative of Boston University, which may include the use of automated technology. Consent is needed to contact you, but is not a requirement to register or enroll.