Certification programs from Fincert.org provide a foundation of skills and techniques that enhance your professional performance and keep you informed of industry trends. Fincert administers five certification programs.
TheCertified Personal Finance Counselor®(CPFC®) provides professional development and training for those working with consumers in a one-on-one setting.
The Certified Financial Peer MentorSM(CFPMSM) provides professional development and training for students in higher education working with their peers in a one-on-one setting.
The Certified Educator in Personal Finance®(CEPF®) provides professional development and training for those working with consumers in a group or community setting.
The Certified Consumer Debt SpecialistSM(CCDSSM) provides professional development and training for those working in Debt Settlement to effectively negotiate on behalf of consumers while improving their personal finance management.
Why Certification?
Professional certification programs are based upon an individual’s mastery of knowledge common and essential to those who participate in a given field or profession, as verified by an independent certifying body which has set the credentialing standards. Unlike licensure, the certification process is a voluntary one. Professional certification will grant an individual a time specific recognition after a non-governmental entity (the independent certifying body) has verified that they have met some predetermined and standardized criteria. It should be noted that there are no governmental entities responsible for overseeing these independent certifying organizations, nor the consistent enforcement of their credentialing standards. Because professional certification programs are voluntary, the independent certifying organizations tend to share a common goal: to define the standards for practice within a given field or profession as well as raise its credibility. That said, it also creates an achievement benchmark for those within their profession, something to differentiate themselves from their colleagues and/or competitors. Professional certification should not be confused with licensing, which is mandatory for certain professionals. Licensing will grant an individual a specific recognition after a governmental entity (board or agency) has verified that they have met some predetermined and standardized criteria.
A study was completed in 2012 to see if obtaining professional certification in financial counseling and education had any impact on the personal financial literacy skills of these individuals. This study found that there was a measurable impact on an individual’s financial literacy level by participating in a professional certification program. It would appear that the participants’ study materials and the process of preparing for professional certification in the field of financial counseling and education had a direct effect on participants’ own financial literacy regardless of their background and experience. There was a noticeable increase between pre-certification assessment scores and post certification assessment scores, regardless of the individuals academic, ethnic, gender, professional or financial experiences. Participants demonstrated an increase in their financial literacy on average by 12% from pre-certification assessment scores to their post certification assessment scores. Additionally, both groups of project participants had nearly identical average post certification assessment scores despite having a statistically significant difference in average pre-certification assessment scores. This reinforces the concept that professional certification in the field of financial counseling and education results in consistent levels of proficiency regardless of background and experience. The study also found that by participating in a professional certification program, 88% of participants expressed that they were now more confident to answer student or clients’ questions about financial topics. For more details on this study, download the full report here: Financial Certification: A Study of the Impact on Professionals’ Financial Literacy Levels and Competency
Thinking about getting your group certified but you’re just not sure if Fincert is the right provider for you? We want you to feel confident in your course selection without missing out on any discount opportunities. Go ahead and purchase a certification at full price. If you decide to send your team through we will credit your the discounted amount as well!
Want to take advantage of a discount but your employees or team members aren’t confirmed yet? Not a problem. You can purchase a batch of certifications at once and each application will be deducted from your outstanding credit as they come in.
If you have any specific needs or questions about group certifications, please send us an email and we’ll be happy to work with you to create the best plan for your team and budget.
