About Personal Finance Certification For Educators

Since 2008, W!se has helped professionals strengthen their personal finance knowledge and build the confidence to bring that knowledge into the classroom, equipping them to teach financial literacy to learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

The W!se Personal Finance Certification for Educators is a nationally recognized credential that validates educators’ knowledge of personal finance and their readiness to teach these concepts with confidence. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from preparing for the exam to choosing the testing option that works best for you.

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Who can get certified?

Any qualified professional interested in teaching personal finance can take the test; it is especially targeted to support high school teachers. The test assesses knowledge of personal finance topics that are aligned with state and national standards. It builds teachers’ capacity and allows them to earn the first financial literacy certification of its kind.

The Certification in Personal Finance was first launched at the University of Central Arkansas, and teachers in 39 states have since taken the Test.

Get Certified for Free

Thanks to grant funding, educator testing is available at no cost through June 2027.

Your free testing bundle includes:

  • Educator Pretest
  • Educator Certification Exam
  • Opportunity to earn the W!se Personal Finance Certification for Educators

Choose How You Test

Option 1: Test Remotely with ProctorNow

ProctorNow allows you to complete your Certification Exam remotely through an online proctoring system.

Getting started is easy:

  1. Visit the ProctorNow testing site.
  2. Create a new account.
  3. Open the Catalog using the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner.
  4. Select the testing product that works best for you.
  5. Enter promo code 26/27SY100OFF to receive your testing bundle at no cost.
  6. Complete your testing and work toward earning your Personal Finance Certification.

Create Your Account & Access ProctorNow

Option 2: Test with an In-Person Proctor

  • Identify a supervisor who can serve as your proctor.
  • Complete the In-Person Proctor Request Form (which can be found here) and send it back to W!se.
  • W!se will provide the information needed to access and administer your exam.

Prepare for the Exam

Take advantage of resources designed to help you build your knowledge and prepare with confidence.

Educator Pretest

Start with the Pretest to assess your current knowledge and identify topics you may want to review before taking the Certification Exam.

Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators (J$FFE)
Free, self-paced online modules that closely align with the topics covered on the W!se Certification Exam.

The four core modules cover:

  • Spending & Saving: financial wellness, goals, and spending and saving plans
  • Credit & Debt: credit, debt, credit reports and scores, and debt management
  • Investments: investment goals, types of investments, and decision-making
  • Insurance: risk management and vehicle, home, health, and life insurance

Additional lessons are also available on Stretching Your Income, Struggling to Pay Bills, and Identity Theft.

Access the J$FFE Modules

W!se Educator Manual

Use the W!se Educator Manual as an additional study resource to review the concepts and content areas assessed on the Certification Exam.

 

Questions or need help getting set up?
Contact Lizzy Odom at eodom@wise-ny.org.