Secured Finance Certified Professional Program FAQs
In This Section
What is certification?
Earning an SFNet Certification is a voluntary process by which participants are assessed against predetermined and standardized criteria for knowledge, skills, and competencies required of a professional in the secured finance industry. Participants successfully completing certification requirements are granted a Secured Finance Certified Professional (“SFCP”) credential.
Why become certified?
Whether participants are just starting out or are seasoned professionals, certification can help them become a high-value resource to their employer and among the most capable individuals in the industry. Certified individuals showcase their ongoing dedication to professional integrity and industry best practices.
Professional certifications:
- Validate knowledge against industry standards.
- A SFCP credential differentiates participants throughout their career.
- Enhance career opportunities—SFCP certification can provide a competitive advantage within the participant’s institution and in the industry at large.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.
How is the certification credential listed and referenced?
Once a participant successfully achieves their SFCP certification, the credential may be added after their name as follows:
John Smith, SFCP
What is the cost for certification?
The total course price for certification is $3,000 USD, when all 5 required courses are purchased at the same time. This represents a substantial discount compared to purchasing courses individually. Participants are not required to buy all the required courses at once to obtain their certification. However, the total certification cost will be higher if required courses are purchased individually.
There is an additional $295 USD testing fee, paid when a participant registers to enter the certification program.
What are the requirements to obtain a SFCP Certification?
Participants must be employed by an active SFNet member organization to participate in the program.
There are five course requirements in three categories. Participants may choose from a list of course in each category.
After meeting the curriculum requirements, participants must pass a certification exam to receive the SFCP credential.
What is the time commitment for a participant interested in completing the program?
All required courses must be completed within an 18 month period.
Participants can expect 45 hours of virtual and/or in-person instruction, as each course averages nine hours, taught in three hour sessions over three days.
The exam time limit is 3 hours.
Can I get credit for courses already taken?
Yes. SFNet courses taken on or after July 1, 2023, that are part of the certification program will be counted toward the certification process. The participant must still pass the certification exam.
Is there a particular order in which participants must take courses?
While there are no order requirements, courses are generally scheduled 2-3 times per calendar year and participants must align their courses with the SFNet schedule.
For courses with two Levels options, it is recommended that Level 1 be completed prior to Level 2.
How does a participant schedule the exam?
Once a participant completes the required courses, SFNet will provide a link into the exam portal for online testing.
In what format is the exam available?
The SFCP certification is available online only.
How many questions are on the exam and what is the passing criteria?
The exam is made up of 100 multiple choice questions relevant to the body of knowledge contained in the required courses, excluding the soft skills elective, with 25 questions related to each course completed. To obtain a certification, participants must score at least 80% on the exam.
How does a participant learn their exam results?
Results are made available immediately after completing the online exam through the exam portal.
If a participant does not pass the exam, how soon may they retake it?
There is no minimum waiting period to retake the exam. The exam can be retaken one time within 60 days at no charge, after which a re-testing fee of $195 will be assessed for subsequent exams.
When will passing participants receive their SFCP documentation?
Passing participants will receive their SFCP immediately upon passing the exam and will be provided with a digital badge through the exam portal.
How does an SFCP maintain their certification?
How do I get started?
To register for the SFCP program, click here.