The CFP designation is an excellent credential that can boost your income, credibility, and confidence with clients. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 CFP® professionals say the certification has had a positive impact on their career satisfaction. To earn it, candidates must complete the “Four E’s”: education, experience, ethics, and a 170-question exam. The process includes a CFP Board program, a bachelor’s degree, 6,000 work hours, and a one-day exam. Whew.
To help you along your personal financial planning journey, you need a trustworthy prep course.
That’s why I put the Boston Institute of Finance’s CFP program to the test—working through its videos, practice questions, live classes, and student network. Is it worth your investment?
Here’s what I think.
Who Benefits from Boston Institute of Finance?
- If visuals help you learn best, BIF’s short videos and graph-filled lessons make difficult topics easier to understand.
- If you thrive with a clear schedule, BIF’s 8-week structure and regular live sessions will keep you motivated to become a practicing financial planner.
- If talking to real people helps you stay engaged, BIF’s live Q&As and active student forums will support you from start to exam success.
- If you prefer to move at your own pace (especially after college), BIF’s 21-month access gives you the breathing room most courses don’t.
- If you’re only interested in in-person classes, BIF won’t be the right fit—everything is entirely online or self-paced.
What Draws Students to Boston Institute of Finance
The Boston Institute of Finance is known as a budget-friendly alternative to big names like Dalton and Kaplan. However, a low price only matters if the content is worth using. I thoroughly reviewed every quiz bank, video, and live session they offer, and I must say this: I wasn’t disappointed.
BIF generously allows 21 months of access (nearly twice what most programs give) which makes a huge difference if you’re balancing work, family, a social life, or just need more time. The instruction was great, too: not just lectures, but live mini sessions, deep dives into tough topics, and weekly strategy breakdowns.
Cost and convenience aside, BIF’s teaching is also backed by science. Their Progressive Training Method has produced 125% growth in just five years, which is very impressive. And since they believe peer collaboration improves learning, they’ve built that into the program from day one.
So, is it for you?
Pros
- Extended Access Period: 21 months of access—double the time of most programs.
- Active Student Community: Stay connected/motivated with a peer support network.
- Weekly Live Classes: Students can join live sessions multiple times each week.
- Focused Exam Prep Sessions: Take weekly classes on testable topics, tips, and question walkthroughs.
- Instructor-Led Education: Meet CFP® education requirements with genuine support.
Cons
- Completely Online: No in-person sessions. Live or on-demand only!
Boston Institute of Finance CFP
Pick Your CFP® Plan with BIF
There are two decisions you’ll need to make before choosing your package: pick between instructor-led or self-paced education programs, and choose either the BIF Premium or Core Review course.
Here’s those options compared:
Self-Paced Education + Premium Review
- Combines BIF’s self-paced education program with the intensive Premium Review to help you study on your own schedule.
- Includes access to BIF’s live JAM sessions, topic deep-dives, formula strategies, and case study support.
Self-Paced Education + Core Review
- A self-paced education program plus BIF’s Core Review: the most affordable pair.
- You’ll get progressive online lectures and 3 targeted QBanks without the live JAM or deep-dive sessions.
Instructor-Led Education + Premium Review
- Combining the live education program with BIF’s Premium Review, this is the most balanced (and expensive) package available.
- Students receive 8 weeks of instruction, deep-dive sessions, JAM question breakdowns, 3 QBanks, and a 170-question mock exam.
Instructor-Led Education + Core Review
- A self-study test prep course focused on concise exam-tested content paired with the instructor-led education program.
- Students still benefit from online lectures and three QBanks, but without the extra sessions included in Premium.
| Features | Instructor-Led + Premium Review | Instructor-Led + Core Review | Self-Paced Ed + Premium Review | Self-Paced Ed + Core Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,790 | $4,990 | $4,790 | $3,990 |
| 7 CFP® Courses |  | | | |
| 3 Digital Reference Books | | | | |
| 8-Week Live Class Schedule | | | | |
| 3 Question Banks | | | | |
| Instructor-Driven Cohort | | |  | |
| Premium BIF Review Retake | | | | |
| Live “Testable Topic” Tuesday Classes | | | | |
| Live “Question Breakdown” Thursday Classes | | | | |
| Formula and Case Study Tips | | | | |
| Community Forum Access | | | | |
| 21-Month Access Period | | | | |
| Get Started | LEARN MORE | LEARN MORE | LEARN MORE | LEARN MORE |
Inside the CFP® Program: BIF Review
Now that you know the basics, I’d like to share more details about each course from the perspective of a course reviewer.
My Honest Experience
To start, navigation is extremely simple. I never got lost searching for what I needed. I loved being able to track progress visually with graphs, charts, and numbers. Watching those stats climb was SO satisfying.
Despite your learning style, there are options. Instructor-led, Premium Review users rely on the class calendar to join live sessions. Self-paced, Core Review users focus on bite-sized, on-demand videos and digital reference guides, which I highly recommend.
Practice materials include 1,500+ exam-quality questions, a 170-question mock exam, and end-of-section quizzes to test retention. Bonus tools (mostly in packages with Core Review) include formula sheets, case study techniques, weekly deep dive and question walkthrough classes, plus access to the BIF student community.
Virtual Classroom and Videos
No matter which package you go with, expect lots of video content and live classes. Premium Review includes more live sessions and leans harder on video lessons.
BIF’s video lessons line up with the readings and put content into real context, not just someone reading a book aloud. For example, instructor Mike Long points out exam-specific tips on modified endowment contracts that you’d likely miss on your own. That kind of insight gives BIF an edge.
Live classes are great—engaged instructors who take questions and stick around. Both live and recorded content lean into exam strategies, which really helps if your goal is to pass on the first try. Visual learners will especially benefit.
Value & Investment
Based on my research, I haven’t seen a cheaper CFP Board-approved option. You can always find some bargain-bin version, but I’d stick with something that’s approved. BIF is pricey, but still runs less than Kaplan, Dalton, or Danko—probably because it doesn’t offer in-person reviews that involve travel (and extra expense).
If in-person reviews are your thing, BIF might not be your top pick. But if you’re focused on fulfilling education requirements and passing the CFP® exam without overspending, BIF could be the right fit.
Support, Access, and Guarantees
BIF’s education and prep packages come with 21-month access, which is almost double the typical 12-month window offered by others. Two Premium Review bundles also include a free retake if you don’t pass the Certified Financial Planner exam.
Most support comes through Q&A sessions held during live classes. The BIF student forum stays active with daily posts, replies, study groups, and peer encouragement, which helps cut down on that solo (lonely) study feeling.
BIF Bites are another great resource. These short, snack-sized podcast episodes tackle tough exam topics in under 10 minutes!
“The BIF bites podcast was definitely useful to me when I was studying. I would recommend listening to them over the last few weeks of studying.”
u/Upthatsavingsrate, Reddit
Boston Institute of Finance vs. Kaplan vs. Dalton
| Feature | BIF | Kaplan | Dalton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $3,990 – $5,790 | $5,350 to $8,049 | $5,995 to $8,495 |
| Study Style | Structured 8-week plan | Flexible, choose-your-own format | Traditional classroom style |
| Live Classes | 2–3 per week | Yes, optional | Yes, many options |
| Practice Questions | 1,500+ | 2,500+ | 2,800+ |
| Best For | Learners who like a clear learning path | Learners who want options and tools | Learners who want more live interaction |
Boston Institute of Finance vs. Kaplan
If you’re someone who likes having tons of study tools, quizzes, and extras, Kaplan was made for students like you. It’s huge question bank, flexible class setup, and a long list of resources are plenty to love—but that kind of freedom might feel overwhelming if you need more structure.
Boston Institute of Finance is simpler and more modern. Classes are short, materials are direct, and everything follows a consistent 8-week schedule. If you want built-in live sessions and a clear routine, BIF is better for you.
- BIF’s CFP® program is excellent for deadlines, structure, and a study plan that’s manageable without cutting corners.
- Go with Kaplan if you want a wide range of tools and a more customizable study plan.
Boston Institute of Finance vs. Dalton
Dalton works well for those who like a classic, traditional classroom. You’ll get live instruction, great student support, and plenty of guidance—perfect if that’s how you learn best. Just know it comes at a higher price and takes more of your time.
Again, the Boston Institute of Finance is more modern. You still get live sessions and instructor access, but the pace is faster. Lessons are to the point, reading is easy to manage, and a positive student community keeps you motivated.
- Pick Boston Institute of Finance if you want fast and focused prep that’s still high-quality.
- Stick with Dalton if you prefer a slower pace and a supportive experience that feels more like school.
Is BIF’s CFP® Education Program Your Perfect Pick?
Boston Institute of Finance is one of the top CFP® prep providers. I think it has many outstanding qualities you should consider. The online program is extremely user-friendly, it includes friendly CFP® instructors and mentors, and it has a high pass rate of 80%.
Plus, the reviews are impressive. It isn’t perfect, but I recommend it if you’re on a budget and want a prep plan that actually helps you pass. You can’t beat the cost, and it’s more engaging than several other competitors.
FAQs
Absolutely. With flexible self-paced and instructor-led options (as well as recorded live classes), you can fit studying around your life.
Yes. BIF’s classes focus on exam strategies and format, so you’ll feel confident walking into exam day.
You get over 1,500 exam-quality practice questions plus a 170-question mock exam to really test your skills.
Yes! The Premium Review package includes one free retake if you don’t pass on your first try.
BIF’s CFP® program is known for its active online student community—great for asking questions, finding study buddies, and getting extra help.
