Certificate Program in Financial Planning

SMU CPFP Certification: Plan to Succeed

The SMU Certificate Program in Financial Planning combines expert instructors, CFP-Board registered curriculum, flexible course schedules, and an optional "Pacesetter Path" to provide the premier financial planning educational program in North Texas.

  • Learn to perform comprehensive financial planning services with an emphasis on high-quality client service
  • Acquire the educational requirements needed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination
  • Earn a certificate in financial planning from SMU

Strengthen Your Professional Net Worth

The SMU Certificate Program in Financial Planning is designed primarily to train those currently employed in the financial services industry who would like to build upon their prior professional experience and expand the breadth and value of their services.

Market research indicates that the financial planning field is one of the fastest growing professions in America. In fact, for several years now, Jobs Rated Almanac has named financial planning as one of the top-rated jobs in America. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster-than-average growth for financial planners as a better-educated, wealthier and longer-living population requires more investment advice and financial guidance. Click here to learn more.

Who Should Attend?

  • Financial Planners
  • Accountants
  • Investment advisors
  • Stockbrokers
  • Trust officers
  • Attorneys
  • Bankers
  • Retirement or benefits specialists
  • Insurance agents

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Get Started!

  • Choose a starting date. Students may join the SMU Program in April or September on the main campus in Dallas, or in January at SMU-in-Plano.
  • Choose a track. Students may elect to take one course per quarter, on the Traditional Path, or take 2 courses per quarter on the Pacesetter Path (at a discounted rate). Students in the SMU CPFP in Plano program move through the program one course at at time, at an accelerated pace; each of the seven courses in the program are taught in 6-week modules. For an overview of the course paths, click here.
  • Enroll in an Information Session. Offered throughout the year, these 1-hour sessions are packed with information about the SMU Program and the CFP® certification process. Register now.
  • Meet program instructors, view prerequisites and course fees.
  • Complete the program application. Click here to complete the SMU program application.
  • Register for class. After the application has been approved, students may enroll online, by phone, or by fax. Traditional Path and Plano students begin the program with course 101; Pacesetter Path students begin with courses 101 and 103.

Enroll Now

Financial Aid

Learn about TSCPA and FPA member discounts.

Smart Option Loans

Loans for the Plano cohort are now available from Sallie Mae.

Get a Catalog

Click here to download the CPFP course catalog.


Learn more about discounts for SMU students for the Kaplan Financial live and online review courses.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP (with flame logo)®, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

SMU does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CFP (with flame logo). CFP certification is granted solely by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to individuals who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements.

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Email your comments or suggestions to the webmaster. Questions? Call 214-SMU-CPFP.