Certified Corporate FP&A Professional Overview
Best for those wanting a formal FP&A credential.
Program Name:
FP&A Certification (FPAC) or Certified Corporate FP&A Professional
Program Type:
Professional Certification
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible to take the exam, you need a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of work experience. For full eligibility requirements, click here.
Duration:
Typically, 6-12 months to take Exam 1 and Exam II. (varies based on preparation time)
Time Commitment:
100 hours + of study time
Cost:
The exam costs between $1,025 & $1,520, depending on when you register and if you are an AFP member.
Use discount code: TheFPAGuy-FPAC to save $150 on the exam
The exam prep platform costs $1,095 for AFP members and $1,195 for non-members.
Use discount code: TheFPAGuy-FPACEPP to save $100 on the Exam Prep Platform.
Certificate Overview:
The FP&A Certification (FPAC) is a globally recognized credential for finance professionals that demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making. The program is a credentialed certification, not a certificate, and when one completes the program, one has shown an understanding of the skills needed for a typical FP&A Job. The certificate program is updated every five years, and the test questions and overall program are certified by a global accreditation body annually. The material for the program involves the input and work of over 50 volunteer FP&A professionals. The program consists of two exams. If you have earned an accounting credential, exam one can be waived.
Program Curriculum:
The FPAC program covers a comprehensive range of FP&A topics. The two exams material breaks down as follows:
Part I – Financial Acumen
Understanding and Managing Financial Information and Business Relationships (140 Questions)
Domain A: Concepts of Business and Finance – 52–58%
Domain B: Systems and Technology – 17–23%
Domain C: Business Partnering – 22–28%
Part II – Financial Analysis and Business Support
Building and Interpreting Financial Projections (55 Questions)
Domain A: Analysis and Projections – 37–43%
Domain B: Models and Analytics – 42–48%
Domain C: Business Communication – 12–18%
Key Features:
Provides an in-depth understanding of FP&A concepts
Focuses on practical, real-world applications
Exam Prep Platform is very comprehensive and includes (videos, flashcards, practice exams, and prep materials)
Offers exam-based certification
Requires continuing education credits to maintain an active credential
Strengths:
Only accredited credential focused strictly on FP&A
Several volunteer committees made up of working professionals review materials
Offers a structured learning pathway with online resources
AFP is a highly respected organization known around the globe
Have up to 5 years to pass both exams from date of program registration
Opportunities/Things to Remember:
The Excel section in the study materials for the program could be better
The program would be better served by covering more on AI and technology
Not as well known as other certification programs such as CFA and CPA
The program would benefit from a practical section similar to the new CFA program
The FP&A Guy’s Thoughts:
The FPAC is a great program, and I am glad I completed the program. I am an instructor certified to teach exam prep. I spent about 50 - 60 hours studying for the test and felt I should have spent more time studying. If someone decides to take the exam, I highly recommend paying for the exam prep platform, as I would not have passed without it. If you are considering the exam, remember the certification is not necessary to thrive in FP&A or become a CFO, and it is not as recognized as other credentials. Furthermore, the farther along you are in your career, the less benefit you will receive from earning it. With all that being said, it is a good program, and if you decide to take it, you will be grateful you did.
If you have questions about this program or any of the other programs, feel free to email me at pbarnhurst@thefpandaguy.com