CLU vs ChFC

Both designations are conferred by The American College of Financial Services and are completed through required courses, each with its own proctored final exam. The CLU requires 4 courses (2 for candidates who already hold the CFP or ChFC), and the ChFC requires 8.

Level

CLU

Professional designation (post-licensing specialization, not an entry-level or FINRA-style exam)

ChFC

Professional designation (post-high-school; no bachelor's degree required to enroll)

Who it's for

CLU

Financial and insurance professionals whose clients need holistic life insurance, estate, and business-owner risk planning — e.g., life insurance agents, financial advisors, and estate/business planning professionals building deeper technical expertise beyond a base license.

ChFC

Financial services professionals (advisors, planners, insurance and retirement specialists) seeking a comprehensive, applied financial-planning credential covering insurance, tax, retirement, investment, and estate planning. Positioned by the College as a practical, real-world-scenario-focused alternative/complement to the CFP mark.

Format

CLU

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ChFC

Course-based, not a single unified exam. Candidates complete 8 required online, self-paced courses; each course includes quizzes, knowledge checks, and its own closed-book, proctored final exam (Pearson OnVUE online proctoring or in-person Pearson test centers). The College states there is no single high-stakes cumulative exam covering the whole designation.

Prerequisites

CLU

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ChFC

High school diploma or equivalent to enroll (no bachelor's degree required). To be awarded and use the ChFC designation, candidates must complete all 8 required courses/exams, have three years of full-time business experience in a related field within the five years preceding the award, and agree to the College's Code of Ethics.

CLU exam detailsChFC exam details