Personal Financial Coach™

The PFC™ designation is earned through demonstrated education, practical experience, and successful completion of a competency-based Capstone event.

PFC Certification Requirements

This is not a diploma mill. IPFC does not charge an application, examination, or certification fee. Applicants are responsible for any tuition or costs charged by third-party education providers.

Required Education

Candidates must complete the following 16 online financial courses/certifications and provide proof of completion.

  1. Financial Peace University – Dave Ramsey
  2. Mind Over Money Skills Financial Literacy – Society for Financial Education & Professional Development
  3. McGill Personal Finance Essentials – McGill University
  4. Financial Literacy – Khan Academy
  5. Personal Finance – Khan Academy
  6. Financial Planning and Wealth Management Specialization; and Retirement Planning and Wealth Strategies – EDUCBA – Coursera
  7. Taxes, Credit, and Loans Specialization – Wiley and Sons – Coursera
  8. Solving the Retirement Puzzle Specialization – Illinois University – Coursera
  9. Alternative Investments as You Age Specialization – Illinois University – Coursera
  10. Mastering Money: Risk, Wealth, and Our Economy Specialization – Illinois University – Coursera
  11. Smart Money: Managing Your Portfolio – Illinois University – Coursera
  12. Money, Wealth, and Happiness – Illinois University – Coursera
  13. The Fundamentals of Personal Finance – SoFi – Coursera
  14. Personal & Family Financial Planning – University of Florida – Coursera
  15. Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator Professional – Goodwill Industries International – Coursera
  16. Financial Management Specialization – Illinois University – Coursera

Required Graduate Education

Applicants must have earned a master’s degree in finance from a regionally accredited college or university. Official graduate transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing college or university to ipfc.pfc@gmail.com.

Certification Pathway

16 Required Courses
650 Education Hours
100 Client Hours
Master’s Degree
Capstone Event
PFC Certification

650 Education Hours

Completing the required education pathway counts as the required 650 educational hours.

100 Client Hours

Candidates must provide documented proof of 100 client hours of financial planning or financial coaching experience.

Graduate Degree Verification

Candidates must hold a master’s degree in finance from a regionally accredited college or university. Official transcripts must be sent directly by the institution to ipfc.pfc@gmail.com.

Capstone Event

After all previous requirements have been submitted and verified, candidates schedule a Capstone event with IPFC. The Capstone includes a 3-hour proctored video interview where the candidate receives a family financial scenario and develops a plan of action.

Certification Award

Upon successful completion of the Capstone event, candidates receive a digital copy of their PFC certificate and their name is added to the IPFC verification registry.

Important Notice

PFC™ is a private educational designation issued by the Institute of Personal Financial Coaching. It is not a state or federal financial license. Credential holders are responsible for following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Contact IPFC

Questions about the PFC pathway may be sent to ipfc.pfc@gmail.com.