The Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®) Program

Because student loan debt can be one of the largest obligations, student loan repayment planning should be integral to a client’s master financial plan. Over 43 million consumers have some form of student debt. Many parents hold student loan debt for their children in programs such as ParentPlus loans in addition to their own loans.

Created by Jantz Hoffman and Heather Jarvis, the Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®) Program provides essential training and support for financial professionals on student loan advising. The CSLP Program is entering its tenth year as an educator for both consumers and financial professionals.

The creators are widely considered subject matter experts in student loan advising. The CSLP Program is entering its tenth year as an educator for both consumers and financial professionals.

For more information and to register please visit the link below.

https://fpa.cslainstitute.org

• CFPs who complete the program and exam receive 13 CE Credits.
• Participants who successfully complete the program receive the CSLP® designation.
• Participants will learn the steps for client intake, loan analysis, and how to make the best recommendations based on client goals and other factors.
• Understand the differences and rules of a client’s student loans.
• Understand what to recommend when a client faces payment challenges.
• Understand the process of loan consolidation and how to determine whether it is the right move or the right time to execute it.
• Understand forgiveness options for clients and those working in specific professions.
• Understand calculations associated with appropriate programs and illustrate the contrasts and associated benefits of each.
• Understand how to determine the optimal repayment plan based on a client’s stated financial objectives.
• Understand employee benefit programs in relation to student loan repayment.
• Understand the various forgiveness and grant programs available to those with military service backgrounds, healthcare workers, educational providers, and legal professionals.
• Be able to calculate costs and financial benefits based on different repayment strategies.
• Understand the rules on student loan discharge.
• Be able to qualify clients for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Identify the rules associated with debt cancellation and taxation.
• Have a thorough knowledge of terms associated with student loan programs and policies.
• Become familiar with the rules related to Federal Loan programs and Income-Driven, Income Contingent, SAVE, and REPAYE programs.
• Understand LRAPs (Loan Repayment Assistance Programs)
• Be able to assist consumers with the loan rehabilitation process.
• Understand the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans.
• Be able to assist clients with the completion of various loan-related applications.
• Identify the Direct and Non-Direct Loan types and limits.
• Understand types of Direct Loan Consolidations.
• Awareness of important loan consolidation cautions.
• Understand the impact of interest capitalization on specific loan types.
• How to determine borrower eligibility based on all criteria
• How to recertify student loans based on borrower income and family size.
• Understand issues with delinquency and default.
• Understand unique options associated with advising Dentists, MDs, Nurses, Teachers, and Legal Professional

Competency Level: Foundational

FPA Competency: Client Communication & Care

CFP Board Topic: N/A

CFP Board CE Credit Hours: 0

The CSLP® program is an online course and specialty designation for financial planners who advise clients with student loan debt.

Student loan payments frequently restrict consumers from achieving important financial goals such as purchasing a home, saving for children’s education, and investing for retirement. 

Numerous repayment programs have many qualification rules, interest calculation methods, forgiveness options, and consolidation caveats.  They face important decisions about changes to their repayment program as life events warrant, such as a marriage that includes additional student loans. Job, income changes, and increases in family size are all causes for making repayment program changes. 

The 4-course certification program is delivered online through pre-recorded video presentations. Each course is subdivided into short lessons that include downloadable resources. The program is entirely self-paced and is generally completed within 4 week to 6 weeks.

To obtain the CSLP® designation, participants must pass a remotely proctored exam. After completion, there is an annual renewal requirement.

Participants receive continued access to subject matter experts in a private forum.  and also periodic program updates as rules and guidelines are updated.

Participants have a personal learning management system to navigate the courses and manage progress. 

The program provides extensive training on the advising process through walk-through case studies featuring complex loan scenarios, such as a married couple who work in healthcare, each with their own set of loans taken out at different times.

Participants learn how to assess client loans (as there are many types) and make appropriate recommendations based on goals and a financial analysis to enable more efficient use of their financial resources.

Since student loans are not the same as mortgages or credit card debt, clients and financial professionals should understand all possible options when managing student loan repayment.