Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate Program | The American College of Financial Services
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate Program | The American College of Financial Services
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program
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Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate
Best For
Financial professionals serving clients with complex retirement needs.
Timing
< 9 Months
Format
i
This resume-building program is 100% online and combines guided study with live weekly sessions.
100% online
Tuition
$2,050 per course
Packages starting at $5,535
Apply Now
Request Information
×
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Provide us with a few details, including your question or comment, and an Admissions Advisor will respond to you as soon as possible.
cb19 icon list
Master Retirement Strategies
Navigate Complex Scenarios
Deliver future-ready plans that address diverse client needs, retirement risks, and evolving market conditions.
Support Aging Clients
Explore how aging impacts financial decisions, caregiving needs, healthcare costs, and long-term client well-being.
Leverage Advanced Products
Become well-versed in advanced retirement products to create sustainable income strategies and protect client assets.
cb12 repeater
Explore the MSFP Program
Enhance Your Career with Advanced Planning Skills
Take your expertise to the next level by stacking your Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate with other graduate certificates to earn your Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP). Each certificate is nine credit hours toward your MSFP!
Learn More
cb28 program tabs
Program Overview
Apply Now
Admissions Requirements
There are no prerequisites for the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate Program if taken independently. However, if taken as part of the MSFP Program, a bachelor’s degree and an active CFP®, ChFC®, CPA®, JD, CFA®, or similar financial services designation are required; additionally, three or more years of experience in financial services is preferred, but not required.
To earn the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate, you must:
Successfully complete three courses and achieve a final score of 80%
Agree to comply with
The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures
What You'll Learn
Retirement planning is more complex than ever as markets evolve and clients live longer, healthier livers. This certificate equips you with the specialized knowledge and tools to deliver holistic, person-centered retirement plans that address both financial and emotional considerations. You’ll gain critical insights into aging, income planning, and advanced financial products to help clients retire with security and confidence.
Your learning outcomes include the following:
Design comprehensive retirement income plans that account for longevity risk, healthcare costs, and evolving life stages
Evaluate the psychological, physical, and financial dimensions of aging and how they influence client decision-making
Assess and compare income-generating strategies using annuities, equities, fixed income, and alternative investments
Integrate Social Security, tax planning, and housing wealth into resilient, client-specific income plans
Communicate complex strategies with empathy, clarity, and ethical consideration
Course Delivery
The learning format for graduate certificate programs like the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate is 100% online, with guided study and synchronous components including live weekly classes and weekly homework required. Learners must complete all three courses within the program to earn the certificate. Each class is eight weeks long, with the ability for students to complete the certificate program in under six months.
Expert Instruction:
Learn from nationally-recognized academics, researchers, and practitioners
All-Online Resources:
All-virtual lessons organized in sequential units and supported by short videos, knowledge checks, quizzes, and case studies.
Grading:
Earn a final course grade of 80% or higher to pass, and quizzes count toward your final grades.
Stackable Learning:
Earn your standalone certificate or use it as part of your journey toward your MSFP degree!
Apply Now
cb31 stats
Critical Need for Retirement Planning Expertise
Apply Now
95M
Americans will be aged 65 or older by 2060.
1
$43.4T
In total US retirement assets in Q1 2025, representing over a third of all household financial assets in the country.
2
1/3
Nearly 1/3 of consumers chose “understanding how much I can safely spend in retirement” as the number one service they seek from a financial advisor.
3
Apply Now
cb13 3 column content
Why Enroll Now?
You Want to Specialize in Retirement
Help Clients Retire Confidently
Guide clients through key decisions with tailored strategies for long-term income to support their desired lifestyle.
You’re Seeking Advanced Tools and Knowledge
Deepen Your Expertise
Build advanced planning skills to address aging, Social Security, tax planning, and complex retirement products.
You Want to Build Your Resume
Improve Outcomes for Yourself and Your Clients
Complete this graduate-level certificate program and earn 9 credits towards earning the MSFP at the same time.
cb30 tab content
Tuition Overview
Single Courses
$2,050
Complete Program
Starting at $5,227.50
Single Courses
$2,050 per course
Individual courses can be purchased for $2,050 each. To complete the full program, students must complete three courses:
MSFP 601 Aging and Financial Planning
—Provides a multidisciplinary framework to assess how aging influences financial behaviors, needs, and risks.
MSFP 602 Retirement Financial Products
—Discusses the pros and cons of various investment, alternatives, and insurance products in managing the prevailing risks of retirement.
MSFP 631 Advanced Retirement Planning Issues
—Examines current issues related to helping clients save for retirement and secure adequate income that lasts throughout their lifetime.
Full Program
$5,227.50
Students may purchase the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate courses in a three-course package, securing savings under several conditions:
College designation holders
: $5,227.50 (save $922.50 off individual purchase of three courses!)
New students
: $5,535 (save $615!)
The full program includes the following three courses:
MSFP 601 Aging and Financial Planning
—Provides a multidisciplinary framework to assess how aging influences financial behaviors, needs, and risks.
MSFP 602 Retirement Financial Products
—Discusses the pros and cons of various investment, alternatives, and insurance products in managing the prevailing risks of retirement.
MSFP 631 Advanced Retirement Planning Issues
—Examines current issues related to helping clients save for retirement and secure adequate income that lasts throughout their lifetime.
cb24 form
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Provide us with a few details, including your question or comment, and an Admissions Advisor will respond to you as soon as possible.
Thank You
The form was submitted successfully. We will be sure to reach out with answers and information.
ab7 directory
Learn From the Who's Who of Financial Planning
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
01
/
00
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
cb26 cta grid - v2
There’s Even More to Explore
Take Your Next Step
View all our certificate programs to power your career growth
Explore the MSFP Advanced Track
Discover what you could learn with the MSFP Advanced Track
Expand Your Opportunities
Browse our designation and certification programs
cb20 footer cta
Take the Next Step and Enroll
With the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate, you’ll gain advanced retirement planning skills and deep product expertise to help your clients retire securely and confidently.
Apply Now
Read Retirement Planning Thought Leadership
Access FAQs
cb4 related resources - V1
Related Resources
April 16, 2026
What to Expect From AI in the Future
Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, and David Blanchett, PhD, MSFS, CFA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, talk about AI and…
View Details
April 15, 2026
Guiding Clients Through Longevity Risk
Longevity risk can derail retirement, but planning ahead ensures clients enjoy a secure, lasting…
View Details
April 15, 2026
Five Questions With Philip Wu
As an advisor, earning trust is about more than technical skill; it’s about expertise, approach,…
View Details
See All
footnotes
1
SmartAsset. What Is a Retirement Financial Advisor? 2024.
2
Investment Company Institute. Retirement Assets Total $43.4 Trillion in First Quarter. 2025.
3
The American College of Financial Services. Granum Center for Financial Security’s 2022 Consumer Survey. 2022.
Skip to main content
program
cb27 program banner
Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate
Best For
Financial professionals serving clients with complex retirement needs.
Timing
< 9 Months
Format
i
This resume-building program is 100% online and combines guided study with live weekly sessions.
100% online
Tuition
$2,050 per course
Packages starting at $5,535
Apply Now
Request Information
×
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Provide us with a few details, including your question or comment, and an Admissions Advisor will respond to you as soon as possible.
cb19 icon list
Master Retirement Strategies
Navigate Complex Scenarios
Deliver future-ready plans that address diverse client needs, retirement risks, and evolving market conditions.
Support Aging Clients
Explore how aging impacts financial decisions, caregiving needs, healthcare costs, and long-term client well-being.
Leverage Advanced Products
Become well-versed in advanced retirement products to create sustainable income strategies and protect client assets.
cb12 repeater
Explore the MSFP Program
Enhance Your Career with Advanced Planning Skills
Take your expertise to the next level by stacking your Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate with other graduate certificates to earn your Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP). Each certificate is nine credit hours toward your MSFP!
Learn More
cb28 program tabs
Program Overview
Apply Now
Admissions Requirements
There are no prerequisites for the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate Program if taken independently. However, if taken as part of the MSFP Program, a bachelor’s degree and an active CFP®, ChFC®, CPA®, JD, CFA®, or similar financial services designation are required; additionally, three or more years of experience in financial services is preferred, but not required.
To earn the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate, you must:
Successfully complete three courses and achieve a final score of 80%
Agree to comply with
The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures
What You'll Learn
Retirement planning is more complex than ever as markets evolve and clients live longer, healthier livers. This certificate equips you with the specialized knowledge and tools to deliver holistic, person-centered retirement plans that address both financial and emotional considerations. You’ll gain critical insights into aging, income planning, and advanced financial products to help clients retire with security and confidence.
Your learning outcomes include the following:
Design comprehensive retirement income plans that account for longevity risk, healthcare costs, and evolving life stages
Evaluate the psychological, physical, and financial dimensions of aging and how they influence client decision-making
Assess and compare income-generating strategies using annuities, equities, fixed income, and alternative investments
Integrate Social Security, tax planning, and housing wealth into resilient, client-specific income plans
Communicate complex strategies with empathy, clarity, and ethical consideration
Course Delivery
The learning format for graduate certificate programs like the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate is 100% online, with guided study and synchronous components including live weekly classes and weekly homework required. Learners must complete all three courses within the program to earn the certificate. Each class is eight weeks long, with the ability for students to complete the certificate program in under six months.
Expert Instruction:
Learn from nationally-recognized academics, researchers, and practitioners
All-Online Resources:
All-virtual lessons organized in sequential units and supported by short videos, knowledge checks, quizzes, and case studies.
Grading:
Earn a final course grade of 80% or higher to pass, and quizzes count toward your final grades.
Stackable Learning:
Earn your standalone certificate or use it as part of your journey toward your MSFP degree!
Apply Now
cb31 stats
Critical Need for Retirement Planning Expertise
Apply Now
95M
Americans will be aged 65 or older by 2060.
1
$43.4T
In total US retirement assets in Q1 2025, representing over a third of all household financial assets in the country.
2
1/3
Nearly 1/3 of consumers chose “understanding how much I can safely spend in retirement” as the number one service they seek from a financial advisor.
3
Apply Now
cb13 3 column content
Why Enroll Now?
You Want to Specialize in Retirement
Help Clients Retire Confidently
Guide clients through key decisions with tailored strategies for long-term income to support their desired lifestyle.
You’re Seeking Advanced Tools and Knowledge
Deepen Your Expertise
Build advanced planning skills to address aging, Social Security, tax planning, and complex retirement products.
You Want to Build Your Resume
Improve Outcomes for Yourself and Your Clients
Complete this graduate-level certificate program and earn 9 credits towards earning the MSFP at the same time.
cb30 tab content
Tuition Overview
Single Courses
$2,050
Complete Program
Starting at $5,227.50
Single Courses
$2,050 per course
Individual courses can be purchased for $2,050 each. To complete the full program, students must complete three courses:
MSFP 601 Aging and Financial Planning
—Provides a multidisciplinary framework to assess how aging influences financial behaviors, needs, and risks.
MSFP 602 Retirement Financial Products
—Discusses the pros and cons of various investment, alternatives, and insurance products in managing the prevailing risks of retirement.
MSFP 631 Advanced Retirement Planning Issues
—Examines current issues related to helping clients save for retirement and secure adequate income that lasts throughout their lifetime.
Full Program
$5,227.50
Students may purchase the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate courses in a three-course package, securing savings under several conditions:
College designation holders
: $5,227.50 (save $922.50 off individual purchase of three courses!)
New students
: $5,535 (save $615!)
The full program includes the following three courses:
MSFP 601 Aging and Financial Planning
—Provides a multidisciplinary framework to assess how aging influences financial behaviors, needs, and risks.
MSFP 602 Retirement Financial Products
—Discusses the pros and cons of various investment, alternatives, and insurance products in managing the prevailing risks of retirement.
MSFP 631 Advanced Retirement Planning Issues
—Examines current issues related to helping clients save for retirement and secure adequate income that lasts throughout their lifetime.
cb24 form
Have Questions? We Can Help!
Provide us with a few details, including your question or comment, and an Admissions Advisor will respond to you as soon as possible.
Thank You
The form was submitted successfully. We will be sure to reach out with answers and information.
ab7 directory
Learn From the Who's Who of Financial Planning
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
01
/
00
Jason E. Heller
PhD, CFP®, CIMA®, MSFS, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, CMFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CFS®, FSCP®, AWMA®, CRPS®, BCAA, AEP®, CFBS®, CDFA®, RMA®, CIS®, CAS®, CES®, AIF®, BFA™, APMA®, CFED®, ChSNC®, AFC®, WMCP®, LACP®, CPFA®, C(K)P®, AIFA®, CSRIC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
Kimberly Turner
PhD, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CAP®, AEP®, CLTC®
Adjunct Professor
Read Bio
cb26 cta grid - v2
There’s Even More to Explore
Take Your Next Step
View all our certificate programs to power your career growth
Explore the MSFP Advanced Track
Discover what you could learn with the MSFP Advanced Track
Expand Your Opportunities
Browse our designation and certification programs
cb20 footer cta
Take the Next Step and Enroll
With the Advanced Retirement Planning Certificate, you’ll gain advanced retirement planning skills and deep product expertise to help your clients retire securely and confidently.
Apply Now
Read Retirement Planning Thought Leadership
Access FAQs
cb4 related resources - V1
Related Resources
April 16, 2026
What to Expect From AI in the Future
Michael Finke, PhD, CFP®, and David Blanchett, PhD, MSFS, CFA, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, talk about AI and…
View Details
April 15, 2026
Guiding Clients Through Longevity Risk
Longevity risk can derail retirement, but planning ahead ensures clients enjoy a secure, lasting…
View Details
April 15, 2026
Five Questions With Philip Wu
As an advisor, earning trust is about more than technical skill; it’s about expertise, approach,…
View Details
See All
footnotes
1
SmartAsset. What Is a Retirement Financial Advisor? 2024.
2
Investment Company Institute. Retirement Assets Total $43.4 Trillion in First Quarter. 2025.
3
The American College of Financial Services. Granum Center for Financial Security’s 2022 Consumer Survey. 2022.