CCPS Certified College Planning Specialist Exam
Structured Study Notes and Topic Review
CCPS Certified College Planning Specialist Exam | Structured Study Notes and
Topic Review
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CCPS® (Certified College
Planning Specialist) certification exam, including key topics, study tips, and
practice questions to prepare for the 2026 exam cycle.
1. Exam Overview & Structure
What is the CCPS?
The CCPS® (Certified College Planning Specialist™) is the flagship training
program of the NICCP® and is recognized by both the CFP® Board of Standards
and the AICPA® for continuing education credit . The designation is designed for
financial professionals who want to specialize in college financial planning .
Prerequisites
1
,Candidates must meet one of the following requirements :
- Hold a professional financial certification/designation
- Hold a professional financial license (securities, insurance, accounting, etc.)
- Have a combination of education and experience deemed satisfactory by the
NICCP Advisory Council
Exam Structure
The CCPS exam consists of three separate module tests :
| Module | Topic | Passing Score |
|--|-||
| Module 1 | Paying for College | 70% (28/40 correct) |
| Module 2 | Saving for College | 70% (28/40 correct) |
| Module 3 | Advanced College Funding Strategies | 70% (28/40 correct) |
Key Details :
- Each test: 40 questions
- Time limit: 30 minutes per test
- Format: Web-based examination
- Immediate results after each test
- Re-test fee: $75 per module (if failed)
2
,Study Hours: Each module requires approximately 18-25 hours of study time .
Continuing Education
After receiving the designation, certificate holders must complete 24 hours of
continuing education annually .
2. Module 1: Paying for College
Financial Aid Overview
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)?
Answer: To determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid, including
grants, loans, and work-study.
Rationale: The FAFSA evaluates financial need based on family income, assets,
and household size. It calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is
used for federal, state, and institutional aid.
3
, Q2. What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
Answer: An index number calculated from FAFSA data that measures a family's
financial strength and determines eligibility for need-based federal aid .
Rationale: EFC is used by colleges to calculate the student's financial need using
the formula: Need = Cost of Attendance (COA) - EFC.
Q3. What is the difference between the Federal Methodology and Institutional
Methodology in financial aid formulas?
Answer: The Federal Methodology is used for federal aid (FAFSA), while the
Institutional Methodology is used by private colleges for their own institutional
aid, often considering additional assets .
Rationale: Institutional Methodology generally treats more family assets as
available for college expenses, potentially reducing institutional grant aid
compared to federal aid calculations.
4
Structured Study Notes and Topic Review
CCPS Certified College Planning Specialist Exam | Structured Study Notes and
Topic Review
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CCPS® (Certified College
Planning Specialist) certification exam, including key topics, study tips, and
practice questions to prepare for the 2026 exam cycle.
1. Exam Overview & Structure
What is the CCPS?
The CCPS® (Certified College Planning Specialist™) is the flagship training
program of the NICCP® and is recognized by both the CFP® Board of Standards
and the AICPA® for continuing education credit . The designation is designed for
financial professionals who want to specialize in college financial planning .
Prerequisites
1
,Candidates must meet one of the following requirements :
- Hold a professional financial certification/designation
- Hold a professional financial license (securities, insurance, accounting, etc.)
- Have a combination of education and experience deemed satisfactory by the
NICCP Advisory Council
Exam Structure
The CCPS exam consists of three separate module tests :
| Module | Topic | Passing Score |
|--|-||
| Module 1 | Paying for College | 70% (28/40 correct) |
| Module 2 | Saving for College | 70% (28/40 correct) |
| Module 3 | Advanced College Funding Strategies | 70% (28/40 correct) |
Key Details :
- Each test: 40 questions
- Time limit: 30 minutes per test
- Format: Web-based examination
- Immediate results after each test
- Re-test fee: $75 per module (if failed)
2
,Study Hours: Each module requires approximately 18-25 hours of study time .
Continuing Education
After receiving the designation, certificate holders must complete 24 hours of
continuing education annually .
2. Module 1: Paying for College
Financial Aid Overview
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)?
Answer: To determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid, including
grants, loans, and work-study.
Rationale: The FAFSA evaluates financial need based on family income, assets,
and household size. It calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is
used for federal, state, and institutional aid.
3
, Q2. What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
Answer: An index number calculated from FAFSA data that measures a family's
financial strength and determines eligibility for need-based federal aid .
Rationale: EFC is used by colleges to calculate the student's financial need using
the formula: Need = Cost of Attendance (COA) - EFC.
Q3. What is the difference between the Federal Methodology and Institutional
Methodology in financial aid formulas?
Answer: The Federal Methodology is used for federal aid (FAFSA), while the
Institutional Methodology is used by private colleges for their own institutional
aid, often considering additional assets .
Rationale: Institutional Methodology generally treats more family assets as
available for college expenses, potentially reducing institutional grant aid
compared to federal aid calculations.
4
