Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates earn the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation by passing the certification examination. You may purchase the exam voucher or enroll in the CDFA® program, which includes study materials and an exam voucher.

Yes. Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree and three years of relevant professional experience, or
• Five years of relevant professional experience if no bachelor's degree is held

Relevant Experience Includes:

• Financial Analysis
• Family Law Practice
• Experience with the tax code
• Investment advisory or management
• Real Estate, mortgage and reverse mortgage lending
• Life and disability insurance
• Financial therapist or coach

Candidates are required to document their experience, which must be reviewed and approved prior to using the CDFA® designation.

The program is designed to be completed within one year; however, many participants complete it in three to four months, depending on their schedule.

Yes. Candidates have 12 months to complete the program. A one-time extension is available for $495. After 24 months, previously passed examinations must be retaken.

You may prepare by enrolling in an IDFA® program or by studying independently using the CDFA® Exam Blueprint. A passing score on the certification exam is required to earn the CDFA® designation.

The certification exam is included with the purchase of the CDFA® program, with no additional fee for your initial attempt.

If you do not pass the exam, you may retake it for a fee of $225 per attempt. Candidates must wait 30 days between attempts and may take the exam up to three times within a 12-month period.

After registering for the course, you will receive instructions to set up an account with IDFA's approved testing provider, along with your authorization code and exam voucher. You can then use this information to schedule your exam.

Yes. If you are not satisfied with the program, you may request a refund within 30 days of receiving your materials, minus a service charge. To be eligible, you must notify IDFA before taking the exam and return all materials.

Yes. The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) designation must be renewed annually.

• Annual renewal fee: $345
• Continuing education: 30 hours of divorce-related CE every two years

Certificants must also remain in good standing with IDFA® to maintain the designation.

IDFA® will waive the annual CDFA® renewal fee for professionals on active military deployment.

Continuing education (CE) requirements may be deferred during deployment. Certificants will be required to complete any outstanding CE requirements upon return from active duty in order to remain in good standing.

No. The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts® (IDFA®), a Certitrek organization, does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status.

This policy applies to all aspects of the organization, including admissions, programs,examinations, and certification and recertification processes.

Yes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), IDFA® provides reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates with disabilities.

Accommodations will be provided unless they would fundamentally alter the nature of the exam or compromise the validity of exam results.

• Submit your request at least 30 days prior to your exam date
• Include documentation from a qualified professional that:
  • Describes the disability
  • Confirms how long you have been under their care
  • Specifies the requested accommodation

Documentation must be provided on official letterhead and include the professional’s title, address, and phone number.

Requests can be submitted to:
info@institutedfa.com
Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts®,
3622 Lyckan Parkway, Suite 3003
Durham, NC 27707