Advancing excellence in personal financial education, coaching, ethics, and competency-based certification.
Become CertifiedVerify CertificationThe Institute of Personal Financial Coaching is dedicated to developing knowledgeable, ethical, and practical financial coaches who help individuals and families make informed decisions about money, debt, saving, investing, retirement, and long-term financial security.
PFC candidates complete a substantial education pathway designed to build broad knowledge across major areas of personal finance.
The PFC pathway includes specified coursework in budgeting, investing, retirement, tax, insurance, credit, debt, and financial coaching.
Candidates document practical client-facing financial planning or coaching experience before final certification approval.
Qualified candidates complete a proctored Capstone event using a family financial scenario to demonstrate practical planning skill.
IPFC promotes strong foundational knowledge in personal finance, budgeting, investing, retirement planning, insurance, taxation, estate planning, and financial behavior.
Certified professionals are expected to act with honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect for the individuals and families they serve.
IPFC maintains a certification verification system so individuals may confirm credential status and certification information.
The PFC™ designation recognizes individuals who have demonstrated competency in personal financial planning, coaching, retirement planning, investing fundamentals, debt management, risk management, taxation basics, and ethical financial education.
View PFC RequirementsApplicants complete approved personal finance, investing, retirement, tax, insurance, and estate planning coursework.
Applicants must also have earned a master’s degree in finance from a regionally accredited college or university.
Applicants provide documentation of completed courses, certificates, client hours, or approved professional learning.
Official graduate transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing college or university to ipfc.pfc@gmail.com.
Applicants complete the required Capstone event. Upon successful completion, applicants receive a unique certification number and are added to the IPFC verification registry.
For certification questions, verification requests, or future applicant information, please contact the Institute of Personal Financial Coaching.
Email: ipfc.pfc@gmail.com