Did you know that in March 2025, 35% of CFP® hopefuls didn’t pass?
You already know that the best way of boosting your odds of success starts with choosing the right education program and prep course; the Boston Institute of Finance is one such provider.
Although I’m not a CFP®, I’ve been in your shoes and know the difficulty of sifting through dozens of options, finally choosing a course, and praying that you’ve made the right choice. I’m here to help. I personally reviewed Boston Institute of Finance’s education program and exam review course, covering the courses and study materials in depth.
In this review, I’ll outline everything you need to know about the Boston Institute of Finance before investing your hard-earned money.
Boston Institute of Finance: Your Decision At a Glance
- If you’re a visual learner, then Boston Institute of Finance’s short, chart-heavy video lessons and clean reading materials will help you absorb key concepts quickly.
- If you need accountability, then the 8-week calendar and regular live sessions offer built-in structure to keep you on track.
- If you’re looking for live interaction, then BIF’s active student community and frequent Q&A sessions provide a collaborative learning experience.
- If you want a full education and review bundle, then BIF’s combined packages let you complete everything under one roof at a lower price point.
- If you want a ton of bonus tools, then Boston Institute of Finance might feel limited compared to more feature-heavy competitors like Kaplan or Dalton.
Boston Institute of Finance: The Fundamentals
The Boston Institute of Finance, in partnership with Bryant University, created their education programs and review courses with efficiency and practicality at the forefront. For one, every instructor is an official CFP® holder, carrying both the knowledge and experience to guide students toward exam-day success. The ultimate goal and central selling point of their offers is to help candidates complete both their education and exam prep within a year. And, with 32,000+ program graduates and over 25 years in the industry, they appear to have the track record to do exactly that.
However, a track record doesn’t always suggest current success, hence the need for comprehensive, fact-driven reviews like this one.
Studying is a lonely, isolating pursuit by nature (according to multiple studies, loneliness has a negative effect on academic performance).
Boston Institute of Finance mitigates this through infusing every step of your journey with community, from their virtual student community to frequent touchpoints with your instructors. As you might have guessed, being a professional course reviewer and writer is a more reclusive career as well, and I was thrilled to see the positive engagement, motivation, and collaboration from students, both in group threads and live sessions.
I even compared Boston Institute of Finance’s practice questions to actual sample questions released by the CFP Board, and again, I was pleasantly surprised to see how reflective they were of the questions students face on the big day. In fact, even in the prep course’s written materials, nearly every mini-section features exam tips to help you reframe the content from a testing perspective. Throw in Boston Institute of Finance’s mock exam, and I feel confident that BIF students are building not only knowledge but familiarity and confidence for their certification journeys.
Now that you have the gist of the offer at hand, let’s take a deeper dive into the pros, cons, and features of the courses.
“Yes, and their education courses and, especially, the BIF Review for exam prep were excellent!”
Reddit Review
Pros
- Rigorous 8-week study schedule for maximum focus and support
- Specialized sessions for breaking down practice questions and discussing testable topics
- Live instruction and the student community lead to a feeling of connection and motivation
- Exam-quality practice questions with unlimited exam attempts
Cons
- Fewer bonus tools than providers like Kaplan and Dalton
Boston Institute of Finance
Which BIF Package Should You Choose?
Choosing the right package can be difficult. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Boston Institute of Finance’s offer suite, and which could be the best fit for your budget and learning style.
| Packages | ILE + Premium | ILE + Core | SPE + Premium | SPE + Core |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-Led Cohort (Complete Within 9 Months) |  | |  | |
| 21-Month Access Period | | | | |
| 7 Online CFP® Courses | | | | |
| Unlimited Exam Attempts | | | | |
| Free Premium BIF Review Course Retake | | | | |
| Three Prep Reference Books | | | | |
| Eight-Week Study Schedule with Live Classes | | | | |
| 3 QBanks (Pre-Study, Prep, and Financial Calculator) | | | | |
| Live “Deep Dive” Sessions on Tuesdays | | | | |
| Live Question Breakdown “JAM” Sessions on Thursdays | | | | |
| Formula Sheet Strategies | | | | |
| Case Study Strategies | | | | |
| Online Student Community Access | | | | |
| Price | $5,790 | $4,990 | $4,790 | $3,990 |
| Get Started | START NOW | START NOW | START NOW | START NOW |
Instructor-Led Education + The Premium BIF Review
Pairing live, instructor-led education with the deluxe bonuses associated with the Premium BIF Review leads to the most feature-rich package, but also the most expensive. Naturally, you’ll gain access to the instructor-led cohort of the education program, but you’ll also unlock:
- Deep dive sessions (Tuesdays)
- Question breakdown “JAM” sessions (Thursdays)
- Case study and formula sheet strategies
- BIF student community access
- One free Premium Review retake
Choose ILE + Premium if you want the highest levels of support and live class discussions available.
Instructor-Led Education + The Core BIF Review
If the live education program cohort led by BIF’s panel of authentic CFP® professionals appeals to you, but you’re not as concerned about exam prep, the ILE + Core package may be ideal. You’re getting the live instruction to cover core financial planning concepts for the strongest possible foundation. However, you’ll miss out on the course retake if you fail the exam or run out of time. Further, this package lacks the additional Tuesday and Thursday sessions, formula sheet, and case study tips, and community access.
Choose ILE + Core if you value a strong, instructor-driven financial planning foundation, but are a gifted test taker and aren’t concerned about your ability to pass the exam without bonuses.
Self-Paced Education + The Premium BIF Review
We’ve discussed the live education cohort, but if you’re more concerned with mastering the finer nuances of the exam than drilling through the basics, the SPE + Premium package could be the shortcut you’re after. Obviously, you’re not getting an invitation to the cohort here; nevertheless, you’ll have all the pluses of multiple-times-a-week live prep classes, additional tips and strategies, and the student community to access additional help and form virtual study groups.
Choose SPE + Premium if you prioritize acing the exam over a strong, engaging education program.
Self-Paced Education + The Core BIF Review
The SPE + Core package lacks the bonuses of the others, but it also lacks the more intimidating price tag. You’ll still have the basics, such as:
- 7 online CFP® courses
- 21 months of access
- Unlimited exam attempts
- Three reference books
- 8-week study structure with live classes
- 3 QBanks, including one each for pre-study, prep, and financial calculators
Choose SPE + Core if you want BIF’s most affordable program.
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Individual Course Details
I personally studied the most important features from the Boston Institute of Finance’s education and prep packages for aspiring financial planners:
- Structure and User Experience
- Video Lessons and Live Classes
- Support Options and Access Period
- Value vs. Content
Here are my findings.
Structure and User Experience
The plan is simple: work your way through the course, watching videos and participating in live classes along the way. Take practice quizzes between sections to test and review your newfound knowledge, and access bonus tools like formula and case study strategies as needed.
An extrovert struggling with the lack of socialization? Hop into the forums—you can communicate through posts and threads, but you may also be able to make friends, form a virtual study group, and complete some collaborative study sessions over Zoom.
I loved the simple, streamlined clarity of BIF’s courses, and the fact that I never had to guess what I was expected to do next. They give students a calendar complete with live classes and how to attend them, and the dashboard itself is well-organized. If you prefer a step-by-step plan over figuring it out on your own, I think you’ll appreciate the efficiency of these courses as much as I did.
“Bryant education is easy to follow, and the info is up to snuff. IMO not worth killing yourself with an insane curriculum like Dalton.”
Reddit Review
Video Lessons and Live Classes
Video lessons and live classes are at the core of BIF’s teaching methodology, alongside reference books and slides for reading-based learners. However, I do think the course caters more to visual learners, particularly those who may not have an extensive attention span.
Everything gets right to the point: video lessons are frequently around the 5-10 minute mark, and most of the reading “pages” in each section took between 1 and 5 minutes to work through (depending on the section and my current level of caffeination at the time).
As for both the video lessons and live classes, I appreciated that there was no “reading off of slides.” You’re getting authentic insights from certified experts, and I felt more confident in the material as I realized this. For example, in the lesson on “The Business Cycle,” instructor Brendan Flaherty CFP®, CIMA, pointed out common mistakes students made, like referring to periods of economic contraction as a recession, which isn’t always the case.
Further, I enjoyed the casual-yet-professional feel of each class. These are clearly well-educated, highly experienced professionals, but they talk to you like a student, not someone regurgitating a doctoral thesis. All in all, it’s clear why BIF touts their live classes as such an elite asset for exam prep: in my opinion, they are.
“Loved their live review, 3 hours on 8 Mondays in a row. You can ask live questions, and they will answer them all live in the chat for you. The instructors are incredibly helpful. Haven’t taken the exam yet, but feeling prepared.”
Reddit Review
Support Options and Access Period
Whereas most CFP® prep courses tie your access period to your chosen exam date, the Boston Institute of Finance instead offers a 21-month access period across every combined education-and-prep package. This gives you more time to study, particularly if you haven’t yet scheduled your exam date. Perhaps even more importantly, it takes the stress off your shoulders a bit. When I took the CPA exams, I was so stressed it was hard to focus at times; the last thing I would’ve needed is a strict access deadline that expired immediately after I took the exam, particularly when one-third of CFP® candidates fail.
As for support, I was able to enjoy both the personalized help thanks to live class Q&A sessions, as well as support through instructors and fellow students alike in the community forum. The instructors were patient, clearly knowledgeable, and passionate about student success. I like to test common “stressors” when working with others during these reviews, just to see how well the support team can handle tough questions and personality quirks. The instructors were incredibly patient with my rapid-fire barrage of completely random questions, as well as patient and helpful when I continually asked for clarification.
Meanwhile, the community forum was active, featuring multiple posts and/or responses each day; I never had to worry about whether a question would get answered that way. Student responses came within just a few hours, and expert replies always came within 24 hours.
Value vs. Content
The Boston Institute of Finance has one of the most affordable education programs + test prep bundles on the market, ideal for students who want high-quality study materials and exam-quality practice questions without the excessive price. That value increases even more when you consider the volume of live instruction from CFP® professionals, to the tune of 3+ sessions each week. Further, this instruction includes time to ask questions and get clarification on the subjects you’re stuck on—an invaluable boost when you’re preparing for an exam.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the combined power of both an education program and an exam review course in one, you’ll struggle to find a more affordable choice than BIF.
Boston Institute of Finance vs. CFP® Competitors
| Feature | Boston Institute of Finance | Kaplan | Dalton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Structure | 8-week structured calendar with weekly live sessions | Self-paced, live online, and on-site formats | Structured multi-week live programs with on-site options |
| Access Period | 21 months | 12 months | Varies (tied to exam date) |
| Live Instruction | 2–3 live sessions/week (“Deep Dives” + “JAM” sessions) | 11+ live online sessions or 4-day onsite options | Multiple live sessions with office hours and coaching |
| On-Site Options | | (3 cities across the U.S.) | (6 cities across the U.S.) |
| Number of Practice Questions | 1,500+ | 2,500+ | 2,800+ |
| Bonus Tools | Formula sheets, case study strategies, and community access | Study checklists, podcasts, and adaptive learning tech | Flashcards, calculator book, and digital Q&A sessions |
| Support | Virtual student community, live Q&A with instructors | Instructor email access (InstructorLink™) | Pre- and post-review coaching, office hours |
| Pricing Range | $3,990 – $5,790 | $5,350 to $8,049 | $5,995 to $8,495 |
| Best For | Structured learners seeking efficiency and affordability | Flexible learners wanting broad resources and options | Students needing strong live support and hands-on coaching |
Boston Institute of Finance vs. Kaplan
Kaplan and the Boston Institute of Finance both offer respected CFP® prep programs, but their formats and philosophies are quite distinct. Kaplan specializes in flexibility and breadth, with a variety of formats including on-demand, live online, and even on-site courses in select cities. Its standout features include a massive 2,500+ question bank, adaptive learning technology, and its PassProtection™ guarantee. Kaplan’s extensive resources and polished platform make it a compelling choice for self-paced learners or students who want to build their own study schedule.
By contrast, the Boston Institute of Finance stands out for its structure, simplicity, and focus on efficient delivery. Its programs are anchored by a rigorous 8-week plan that blends short, to-the-point video lessons with consistent live instruction and supplemental sessions. While Boston Institute of Finance may not offer the same range of bonus tools, its high level of instructional quality, emphasis on community, and tight pacing make it a smart pick for students who need a clear roadmap and weekly accountability.
- Choose Boston Institute of Finance if you want a highly structured, interactive program with live support, simplified reading materials, and a strong track record—especially if you’re working under a tighter timeline.
- Pick Kaplan if you prefer a more flexible format with deeper practice resources, on-demand content, and multiple learning formats to choose from.
Boston Institute of Finance vs. Dalton
Dalton Education positions itself as a top-tier option for students who want extensive instructor engagement and traditional classroom-style support. Known for its robust student services, Dalton offers live weeknight and weekend classes across multiple cities, pre- and post-course coaching, office hours, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes over 2,800 practice questions. For students who thrive on hands-on interaction and prefer a slower-paced, deeply immersive experience, Dalton delivers a strong package.
The Boston Institute of Finance, on the other hand, takes a more efficient and streamlined approach. The program is built around a focused 8-week calendar, with engaging video lessons (typically under 10 minutes) and highly visual reading content designed to simplify complex CFP® topics. Live “Deep Dive” and “JAM” sessions offer regular opportunities for clarification and discussion, while the virtual student community encourages peer-to-peer support. It’s a modern, fast-paced alternative for students who want clarity, consistency, and value without compromising on quality.
- Choose Boston Institute of Finance if you prefer a faster-paced program with high-impact live instruction, strong visual materials, and a clean digital experience that doesn’t waste your time.
- Pick Dalton if you’re looking for more robust personal support, a traditional educational format, and don’t mind a higher price tag for that added guidance.
Final Verdict
From my experience and research, I’d argue that the Boston Institute of Finance’s online programs for CFP® education and exam preparation are a great fit for most students. However, the students who would benefit the most are students who value live learning (but not the physical commute) and visual learners who enjoy succinct video content. With a lengthy access period, more accessible price tag, and more intense focus on practicality than their competitors, Boston Institute of Finance delivers an outstanding option to help you fulfill your education hours and prepare to pass the CFP® exam.
Looking to get a head start on your studies? Learn more about the Boston Institute of Finance.
FAQs
It depends on the package, but you can expect to spend several thousand dollars. Check BIF’s website for the most reliable and current pricing information.
Pass rates aren’t reliably disclosed by all prep providers, but top programs like BIF, Kaplan, and Dalton are widely trusted for high success rates.
The national failure rate hovers around 35%, based on recent CFP Board statistics. The exam covers complex subjects like investment management, sales management, and personal financial planning.
Yes—CFP® certification is highly respected and can significantly boost career opportunities and earning potential in financial planning.
It can be, but only with a focused, consistent study schedule and a high-quality review program.
