Q:  Are there any other study courses besides the Modules to prepare me for the CCPS tests?
A:  Yes.  The CCPS CERTIFICATION EXAM CRAM AUDIO COURSE boasts an 89% first time passing rate for participants.  It is available by clicking on this link: Exam Cram Audio Program 


Q:  What is the process for taking the CCPS exams?
A:  To take the CCPS Exams, go to the NICCP site and log-in.  This will open your My Account section.  In the My Account section, click on the Testing button to begin the online examination process. You have thirty minutes to complete EACH Module examination.  There are 40 questions in each Module examination.  The Module examinations will be based entirely on the content covered in the Modules.  You must answer at least 70% (28 out of 40) of the questions correctly to pass. You will see your score immediately after taking the test.  If you fail a section there is a $75 retest fee.

Once you pass all three exams, you are free to use the CCPS designation, and your listing in the Find An Advisor search page will indicate you are a Certified College Planning Specialist.  Within approximately three weeks after your certification you will receive your framed CCPS certificate. 
 

Q:  Is there a yearly CCPS certification renewal fee?
A:  Yes and No... if you elect not to be a member of the NICCP the annual CCPS certification renewal fee is $245.  However, for NICCP members the annual CCPS certification renewal fee is waived.  NICCP membership dues are only $295 per year! Everyone is required to obtain 24 hours of CE per year.  
 

Q:  How do I pay my CCPS certification renewal fee if my NICCP membership has expired?
A: If a CCPS Designee cancels their NICCP membership, or if their NICCP membership expires, they will be required to pay the $245 CCPS certification renewal fee within 60 days of the expiration or cancellation to keep their certification active.  This certification renewal fee is an annual fee and must be paid on-line each year to keep their certification active.  If the $245 certification renewal fee is not paid within 60 days, your CCPS certification will become inactive.  If your certification is left inactive for more than one year, the annual CCPS continuing education requirements must be met and the CCPS tests must be re-taken and passed to reactivate your CCPS certification.
 

Q:  What else is required to keep my CCPS certification active?
A:  All CCPS Designees are required to complete 24 hours of Continuing Education credits per year and must adhere to the CCPS Code of Ethics to keep their CCPS Certification active.
 

Q: How many hours of CCPS CE credit do I need per year?
A: The CCPS CE credit requirement is 24 hours per year. The year runs from January 1st through December 31.  Your certification covers your CE for that year.  You would need 24 hours for each year thereafter. 
 

Q:  How do I record my CCPS CE credit hours?
A: 1) Go to the NICCP website.... www.niccp.com  
    2)Log in using your Username and Password.
    3)Go to the My Account page
    4)Click on Report Continuing Education Hours*
    5)Enter the information and click Add
   *This function will track your hours for the year.
 

Q:  I understand that CCPS designees get CCPS CE credit by attending a NICCP Conference.  How many hours are actually obtained by attending?
A:  Attendees receive 16 hours of CCPS CE credit for attending a NICCP conference.


Q.  What are some other sources for CCPS CE, and how many hours of CE credit do they provide?
A:  Some other sources of CCPS CE are:
     1. NICCP Conferences (16 hours each)
     2. The NICCP's Plus program teleconferences ( 1 hour for each call) 
         The NICCP Plus program conducts over 100 teleconference calls per year.  
     3. Other outside CE courses, offered by credible sources that enhance your ability to provide college planning services.

If you have any questions as to whether a course you have taken (or plan on taking) will count for CCPS CE, please send an email describing the course to staff@niccp.com


Q: Can I get CPA CPE or CFP CE for taking the CCPS Certification?
A:  Yes.   The NICCP is actively pursuing reciprocal relationships with other certifying bodies through which CCPS designees will accumulate continuing education credits for earning the CCPS designation. At the present time, over 40 of the 50 state CPA societies accept the CCPS program for up to 16 CPE hours.

State CPA Societies that do not currently accept the CCPS program for CPE credit are:
Nebraska, Texas, Hawaii, Arkansas, Delaware, West Virginia

Additionally, the CFP Board of Standards Inc. has accepted the CCPS program for 16 hours of CE


Q:  Where can I find out more about the CCPS Code of Ethics?
A:  All CCPS Candidates and Designees are required to be familiar with and strictly adhere to the CCPS Code of Ethics.  Here is a link to the CCPS Code of Ethics:  http://www.niccp.com/code-of-ethics.asp  


Q.  How much are the annual dues for membership in the NICCP?
A:  Dues for membership in the NICCP are $295 per year for CCPS Candidates and Designees.  This membership option is only available to members that joined the NICCP prior to October 1, 2007 and does not include access to the NICCP Plus features.  Dues can be paid annually ($295) or monthly ($25). Payment of dues is handled through the NICCP's secure automated online billing system.  Access by these members to the NICCP Plus features is an additional $25 per month.

Note:  As of October 1st, 2007 all new enrollees in the CCPS Certification program receive a one-year free membership in the NICCP which includes all of the features of the NICCP Plus program. Renewal after the first year is $50 per month or it can be paid annually ($600 per year).


Q:  How do I renew my NICCP membership?
A:  You can renew your NICCP membership on a monthly or annual basis by clicking on the appropriate link:
         
         To renew your NICCP membership on an annual recurring basis click on this link:
         
         To renew your NICCP membership on a monthly recurring basis click on this link:
           


Q:  What is the monthly cost for the NICCP Plus program?
A:  For anyone enrolled in the NICCP prior to October 1, 2007 membership dues for the NICCP Plus program is $25 per month- which is in addition to the $25 per month for the NICCP membership.