AICPA announces new Personal Financial Planning Certificates Program

The AICPA has announced the launch of the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Certificates Program. This new curriculum offers CPAs an opportunity to expand their knowledge in personal financial planning and a new pathway to the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential. The program is comprised of four certificates covering the core technical areas of PFP: retirement, estate, risk management/insurance, investment planning and a fifth certificate covering the practical application of the planning process. Tax considerations are integrated throughout all certificates.

The PFP Certificates cover the AICPA PFP Body of Knowledge, with each of the four technical certificates demonstrating competence in relevant disciplines. Convenient online education or knowledge from prior education and experience prepares the CPA for passing each certificate exam, which results in the certificate being awarded. The final applications certificate is awarded after completing specific education and real-life planning situations focusing on the planning process and integration of the entire financial plan.

The CPAs who enroll and obtain all five certificates will have satisfied both the education and exam requirements for the PFS credential. The comprehensive PFS credential exam will remain available exclusively for CPAs who elect to pursue that pathway. While only CPAs can earn the PFS credential, the education and certificates are open to non-CPAs.