College for Financial Planning and University of Phoenix Offer New Educational Opportunity for Financial Advisors

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO--(Marketwire - May 23, 2012) - The College for Financial Planning, the nation's leading financial education provider, today announced a new program designed for non-degreed financial advisors to pursue the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, as well as an undergraduate degree. Through an agreement with University of Phoenix, the College for Financial Planning will offer a credit equivalency program that enables students to complete their studies for the CFP^® certification at the College for Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance from University of Phoenix.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ or CFP^® certification is widely considered the most valuable financial credential for advisors and has been proven to increase their earnings year after year, according to the College's annual Survey of Trends in the Financial Planning Industry. A 4-year undergraduate degree is now a requirement to obtain the Certified Financial Planner™ certification.

"The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is a much sought-after credential, but obtaining a bachelor's degree is equally important and a requirement for attainment of the certification," said John Sears, president of the College for Financial Planning. "A good number of our students are already working advisors and, with University of Phoenix on board, this agreement will provide a flexible and rigorous framework for them to complete both a bachelor's degree and the education requirements to sit for the CFP^® Certification Examination."

Students will have the opportunity to complete the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP^®) education program at the College for Financial Planning through the College's six-course CFP Certification Professional Education Program prior to enrolling in a bachelor's degree program at University of Phoenix. Through the University's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) transfer policy, credits earned at the College for Financial Planning will satisfy general education course requirements so students can immediately begin working toward their bachelor's degree in business/finance. That's the equivalent of five classes and up to $8,000 in tuition and fees.

In addition to its CFP Certification Professional Education Program, the College for Financial Planning offers a Master of Science degree program, for more in-depth knowledge of the financial industry. Professional designation programs are also available, with specializations from asset management to retirement planning. The College for Financial Planning is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. More than 130,000 students have graduated from the College's programs.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students can achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

About the College for Financial Planning
Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning provides accessible and flexible degree, non-degree, and continuing professional education programs to students nationwide. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which has evolved into the world's most recognized and respected financial planning credential, with more than 62,000 professionals in the U.S. having earned the designation. Additional information can be found at www.cffpinfo.com.

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