Boston Institute of Finance CFP® Exam Review

The CFP® exam has a way of humbling even the most prepared candidates.

It’s not just about how much you study. It’s about how you prepare.

And by the time you realize your prep course isn’t working? It’s often too late.

Here’s the reality:

The CFP® Board reports a historical pass rate in the low-to mid-60% range, which means a significant number of candidates don’t pass on their first attempt.

So… which course actually gives you the best shot?

I’ve spent years reviewing and testing different CFP® prep programs to see what works, what doesn’t, and who each one is really best for. In this Boston Institute of Finance review, I’ll walk you through what to expect and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Is Boston Institute of Finance the Right Choice for You? 

• If you want structured, instructor-led education from a team of experts, then BIF’s accelerated format delivers 
• If you’re balancing life and a career and need flexibility, then BIF’s self-paced option lets you move through the course on your schedule 
• If you want a comprehensive education and exam prep bundle under one roof, then BIF’s combined packages deserve a close look
• If you want a long-established brand with a huge course catalog and a pass guarantee, then Kaplan Financial would be a better option
• If you prefer an in-person or hybrid classroom setting, then Dalton Education is a great alternative

Boston Institute of Finance CFP® Course Overview 

The BIF offers two different paths.  They have a CFP® Education Program that includes the required coursework for exam eligibility and the Boston Institute of Finance Review. The BIF Review is exam prep only. They’re available separately or bundled. BIF’s courses are online only, via a virtual classroom. 

I really like their team-based approach. Instead of one generalist who covers all CFP® topics, they have a subject-matter expert for each topic. That might not seem like a big deal, but when you’re trying to take in complex topics like risk management, insurance planning, or investment management, it will make a difference.  The Review is built on what they call a Progressive Training Method, an 8-week schedule that’s designed to build knowledge systematically instead of just dumping everything on you at once. When I look back on all the courses I’ve reviewed, the ones that more often lead to student success are the ones that work with how the memory works. 

Pros

Team-based instruction with CFP® professionals covering each topic area
8-week Progressive Training Method that’s well-structured 
Flexible options: self-paced or instructor-led to match your learning style
Supplemental resources, including formula sheet strategies, case study materials, and mock exams (Premium)
An active BIF student community and a student access support team
Fully online with no in-person requirements makes it a good option for busy schedules

Cons

No in-person or hybrid options for students who prefer face-to-face learning 
There aren’t many extras with the core BIF Review, so candidates who want more interaction will have to upgrade to Premium

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Boston Institute of Finance CFP® Course Packages

Instructor-Led Education + The Core BIF Review

This option is best for anyone busy with work and life who wants live classroom instruction for their coursework paired with a self-guided exam review. I really liked how BIF provides more structured learning for the hard part—the coursework—but keeps things focused and efficient, prepping you for exam day. 

• BIF’s accelerated instructor-led training helps you complete the CFP® Board’s education requirement in 9 months 
• 7 online education courses with unlimited exam attempts and 21 months of access
• Online classroom lectures are released across 8 weeks
• Instructor-led mini-sessions are held throughout the schedule
• Three QBanks: Pre-Study Assessment, exam prep, and Financial Calculator, depending on package
• Exam Prep materials include 3 books and online access

Instructor-Led Education + The Premium BIF Review

This package includes everything in the package above, plus the Boston Institute of Finance Review—their exam prep. If you want support heading into the exam, this package is for you. 

In addition to the Instructor-Led + Core Review package, you get: 

• Deep dive sessions and live classes every Tuesday for 8 weeks
• Question Breakdown JAM sessions every Thursday for 8 weeks, where the BIF team provides live instruction on how to approach exam questions 
• Mock exam that includes 170 questions with full rationales 
• Formula sheet strategies and case study strategies
• 1 free premium BIF review retake 

Self-Paced Education + The Core BIF Review

This package is built for someone who is self-motivated and wants to move through the coursework at their own pace before focusing on exam prep. 

• 7 online education courses with unlimited exam attempts
• One  future core BIF review course
• Online classroom lectures over 8 weeks
• Instructor-led mini-sessions
• 3 QBanks: Pre-Study Assessment, exam prep, and Financial Calculator
• Study materials

Self-Paced Education + The Premium BIF Review

Everything in the Self-Paced and Core package with the full Premium BIF Review added. I would recommend this option for anyone who wants as much flexibility as possible for their coursework, but a more thorough option for exam prep. 

Additional features: 

• Tuesday classes are live Deep Dives on the most tested topics
• The Thursday classes formula is a Question Breakdown JAM session
• BIF’s mock exam
• Formula sheet strategies and case studies
• Access to the BIF student community 
• 1 free Premium review retake 

Self-Paced Education Only

This option is for students who want to complete the CFP Board education requirement with BIF but plan to source exam prep separately. Seven self-paced education programs give you 21 months to work through the material at your own pace with unlimited exam attempts. 

Instructor-Led Education Only

If you’re someone like me who likes at least some accountability baked in—and prefer live classes—this package might be the answer. If you don’t want the review course bundled in, too, that is. You’ll complete the CFP® Board’s education requirement throughout 9 months of live classes every week. 

Boston Institute of Finance CFP® Package Comparison

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Boston Institute of Finance CFP® Course Discounts

Save $900 on CFP packages with a Boston Institute of Finance discount.

A Closer Look at Boston Institute of Finance 

Materials and Format 

When I dug into BIF’s curriculum, the first thing I noticed was how well-organized the course is. I could appreciate that even though I have no interest in ever becoming a financial planner. Both the Core Boston Institute of Finance Review and the Premium Review follow an 8-week schedule that progressively builds around the CFP® exam’s 8 principal topic areas.

But the real difference with BIF? Their team-teaching approach. 

Here’s what you get:

• Fully online program with live classes via virtual classroom with no in-person requirements
• Instructor-led options and self-paced packages are available regardless of bundle 
• Each of the prep packages includes 3 QBanks: Pre-Study Assessment, practice questions bank, and a Financial Calculator QBank
• Custom topic coverage across all 8 CFP® knowledge areas  
• Supplemental tools include study materials, formula sheet strategies, case study guides, and a mock exam
• The BIF Bites podcast provides some additional content between sessions 

Media and Platform 

The program interface is clean and easy to navigate. I never faced the kind of clunky menus or slow loads that some legacy platforms will make you suffer through. Video lessons are released on a weekly schedule that’s tied to BIF’s study structure, which helps prevent the last-minute binge-watching trap that’s so easy to fall into. 

• Fully browser-based virtual classroom, so no downloads are necessary
• Video lessons organized by topic and released over the 8-week schedule 
• Visual learners will love the combination of video instruction and downloadable written materials 
• Instructor-led live sessions include both Tuesday classes and Thursday classes for Deep Dives and JAM sessions (Premium only)
• Recorded lectures are available if you prefer to watch on your own schedule 
• Mobile-friendly access for those with busy schedules

Value That’s Hard to Argue With

BIF has positioned itself as the best-value option in the certified financial planner space, and based on what’s included, I have to agree. They’ve got credentialed instructors, a structured 8-week schedule, multiple QBanks, and strong study materials. All at a price point that is absolutely competitive. 

• Self-paced education programs start at a price that’s accessible for most candidates, even without employer support
• Instructor-led bundles deliver premium content, including live instruction, expert faculty, and accountability, all at a price that undercuts several comparable competitors 
• There are fewer bonus tools in the Core packages when compared to Premium, but the Core materials are still strong on their own

Support and Timeline

From the very first day, you’re assigned a personal success advisor. I tested this out by scheduling a quick check-in, and it was pretty straightforward. The process felt easy, and I didn’t have to jump through hoops to get on someone’s calendar. It’s clear the goal is to give you some level of accountability without making it feel overly structured.

There’s also a built-in student community, which gives you access to peer support and occasional live interaction with the team. I liked that there were different types of sessions available depending on what you need. The shorter “mini sessions” felt more like quick check-ins, while the deeper sessions seemed more focused on working through tougher topics.

Overall, the support is there if you want it, but it’s not forced. You can schedule time with an advisor, reach out by email, or just work through the material on your own.

• Dedicated student advisors available before and during enrollment
• Access to a student community for peer support
• Live sessions available (mini sessions, JAM sessions, and deeper dives in Premium)
• Flexible advisor scheduling and email support
• Up to 21 months of course access
• Retaker Plus option for candidates who need more time 

How Boston Institute of Finance Compares to the Competition 

CFP® Courses Compared to Boston Institute of Finance

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Boston Institute of Finance Review vs Kaplan Financial 

After spending some time with each program, my take is that BIF’s biggest edge over Kaplan is its team-based instruction model. That, plus how tight and focused the course is. Kaplan has a whole lot to offer, and that’s not a bad thing, but for some, too many options can be too much noise. BIF’s 8-week schedule, the subject-matter-expert approach, and the more personalized support experience are an advantage in my opinion. 

Kaplan Financial carries some serious weight. They have more than 50 years of financial planning education under their belt, and they are justifiably one of the top CFP® programs.  With their broad catalog, name recognition, and PassProtection™ pass guarantee, they’d be the perfect choice for some candidates. 

🆚 Choose BIF if you want a focused, expert-led 8-week program with personal support and competitive value. 

🆚 Choose Kaplan Financial if you want a pass guarantee, a brand with a long track record, and a broader catalogue of study materials and options. 

Boston Institute of Finance vs Dalton Education 

BIF’s 8-week Progressive Training Method is built for the certified financial planner exam, and its team-based instruction model ensures students are always learning from a subject-matter expert instead of a generalist. And personally, if I’m paying to learn something, I want the expert, don’t you? If you want that, plus a streamlined program with lots of value and personal support, BIF has a tighter, more focused exam prep experience than Dalton, which has a more layered structure.

Having said that, Dalton Education is a pretty fierce competitor. They have a reported 99% pass rate for students who complete The Dalton Review, and that’s kind of hard to beat. Not to mention their money-back Guarantee to Pass™. They also offer something BIF doesn’t: a true in-person classroom option, a bank of over 2,800 practice questions, digital flashcards, and more. All that does come at a higher price, though. 

🆚 Choose BIF if you want a focused, expert-led online program with competitive pricing and a structured 8-week exam prep schedule. 

🆚 Choose Dalton Education if you want a money-back pass guarantee, in-person options, and one of the most resource-rich CFP® prep packages available 

Boston Institute of Finance vs Brett Danko

BIF’s 8-week program gives it an edge when it comes to consistency since you know exactly what you’re getting and how you’re getting it—from subject matter experts across each topic area. It’s a complete package for students who want a system with good resources and flexible self-paced or instructor-led options. 

Brett Danko of Danko Education provides a live review program that he’s built around his decades of CFP® expertise and hands-on teaching style. His live instruction centers on analysis and case evaluation, and pushes students to actually learn to think through exam questions while under pressure. Students who want to be taught by a single expert via intensive, no-frills live classes will love him. 

🆚 Choose BIF if you want a structured online program taught by an entire team of subject experts with comprehensive study materials and flexible package options. 

🆚 Choose Brett Danko if you want an intensive live review course that’s built around deep application and case-based study prep. 

Bottom Line

After my hands-on with BIF, it earns my recommendation as a top choice for CFP® exam prep and education. This is especially true for someone looking for expert instructors, a structured study path, and strong value. Their team-based training sets them apart, in my opinion, and the 8-week Progressive Training Method is one of the best I’ve tested. But, and this is a big but, if you’d prefer something that comes with a pass guarantee or in-person training, you should take a closer look at Kaplan or Dalton Education. 

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