The Certified College Planning Specialist
Certification Program
Families are looking to reduce the cost of college! That's what we do!
There is a huge need for the results we can provide! Experienced planners... break out from the pack and take the next step in your professional growth by becoming a Certified College Planning Specialist!
We're not just about financial aid
We look at cash flow, tax capacity, and "college smart" saving/investment strategies. We have strategies for families of all incomes! The CCPS designation is the nation's first and only professional certification program with an intense focus on college financial planning.
Distinguish yourself as an advisor
Gain credibility, instill confidence in your clients, and grow your business. If you meet the pre-qualification criteria (see below), you can enroll today in this unique and valuable certification program.
Join the growing ranks of financial planners who are achieving new levels of success by showing their clients how to reduce the financial impact of college while improving their overall financial health! Education provided through the CCPS Certification.
Pre-Qualifying Criteria:
Anyone interested in obtaining the CCPS designation must complete an application and must meet certain pre-qualifying criteria before enrolling in the certification program -
Although having one or more of the following designations is preferred, it may not be required- and it does not guarantee your acceptance into the program. A combination of education and experience is also considered by the NICCP Advisory Council when approving applicants.
• Professional financial designation (CFP, CPA, RFC, ChFC, CLU, CEP), or
• Professional financial license (RIA, IAR, securities, state registration ), or
• Additionally, all CCPS candidates must ensure that securing, maintaining, and promoting the CCPS Certification is fully compliant with all of your internal operating policies and procedures.
NOTE:
A CCPS certification comes up for renewal every year. To renew, a certificant must:
- Not be in violation of the NICCP and CCPS’s Code of Ethics,
- Have completed 24 hours of approved continuing education courses.
- Be current on your NICCP membership dues. Note: Your NICCP membership dues includes the $395 CCPS certification renewal fee.
After your first FREE year NICCP membership dues are $600 per year- (payable either monthly or annually)
The CCPS Application and Certification Process
A CCPS certificant candidate must complete an Application for Certification, pass comprehensive examinations, agree to abide by the NICCP and CCPS's Code of Ethics, and meet continuing education requirements.
To become a CCPS, a candidate must complete an Application for Certification which asks a candidate to disclose whether they have been a party (or involved) in any criminal, civil, governmental, or self-regulatory agency proceeding or inquiry. The Application for Certification will state the disclosures that are considered to be unacceptable and will bar an individual from becoming a CCPS certificant unless the candidate successfully appeals their situation to the NICCP.
Certain conduct of the CCPS certificant candidate will bar the candidate from becoming a CCPS certificant. The following conduct will bar a candidate from becoming certified:
* Felony conviction for theft, embezzlement, tax fraud, or other financial crimes.
* Involuntary revocation of a financial or professional license or designation.
* Felony conviction for any criminal activity (violent or non-violent).
* More than one personal or business bankrupt.
* A civil or criminal judgment for a financial service performed.
A CCPS candidate must disclose any of the above items on the Application for Certification.
The Application for CCPS Certification
The NICCP has determined that certain conduct of a CCPS certificant candidate will bar the candidate from becoming a CCPS certificant. To be considered a candidate to obtain the CCPS certification, your answer must be “no” to questions 1 – 5 below:
1) Do you have a felony conviction for theft, embezzlement, tax fraud, or other financialcrimes?
Yes ___ No ___
2) Have you had an involuntary revocation of a financial or professional license or designation?
Yes ___ No ___
3) Do you have a felony conviction for any criminal activity (violent or non-violent)?
Yes ___ No ___
4) Have you filed for more than one personal or business bankruptcy?
Yes ___ No ___
5) Do you have a civil or criminal judgment for the improper performance of a financial service?
Yes ___ No ___
6) Do you hold a financial designation (e.g., CFP, CPA, ChFC, etc.) or license (e.g., Securities License, Insurance License, etc.)?
Yes ___ No ___
If a CCPS certificant candidate feels that the above criteria should be waived in his/her individual situation, the candidate may email a written appeal with the NICCP for a review and approval of his/her Application for CCPS Certification.
Click here to download the CCPS Application
Please download, print, and complete the application, then fax it to 866 449-9038.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: By enrolling in the CCPS program do I automatically become a member of the NICCP?
A: Yes. Upon enrollment in the CCPS Certification program all candidates automatically receive a free one year membership in the NICCP.
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Q: Is there a yearly CCPS certification renewal fee?
A: Yes- Your NICCP membership dues covers the cost of the annual CCPS certification renewal fee.
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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 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 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.
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Q: What else is required to keep my CCPS certification active?
A: All CCPS Designees are required to complete 24 hours of CE credit per year and must adhere to the CCPS Code of Ethics to keep their CCPS Certification active.
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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. Continuing education credit you receive outside the NICCP may also count towards your CCPS CE requirements.
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Q: How do I record my CCPS CE credit hours?
A: Go to the NICCP website.... www.niccp.com/default.asp
Log in using your username and password.
Go to the My Account page
Click on Report Continuing Education Hours
Enter the information and click Add
*** This is where you record your CE credit hours for the year.
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Q: I understand that CCPS designees get CCPS CE credit by attending the NICCP conferences. How many hours are actually obtained by attending?
A: NICCP conference attendees receive 16 hours of CCPS CE credit for each conference they attended.
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Q. What are some sources for CCPS CE, and how many hours of CE credit do they provide?
A: Some other sources of CCPS CE are:
- NICCP Conferences (16 hours each)
- All NICCP teleconferences (1 hour each month)
- All NICCP training webinars and teleclasses ( 1 hour for each call)
- (In '08 the NICCP Plus program conducts over 110 teleconference calls)
- The "College Doctor" Intern Course (16 hours)
- Other outside CE courses, offered through other 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
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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
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Enroll in the Certification program
By clicking the link below, you hereby acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of the above items. If you are unsure of your eligibility for candidacy, please e-mail us at staff@niccp.com
Click here to enroll in the CCPS Certification program
