ChSNC

The ChSNC® program is delivered fully online and is self-paced. Courses include short videos, knowledge checks, quizzes, and case studies. HS 377 is delivered as a live webinar. Each course features its own final exam, and there is no high-stakes cumulative final exam across the program. Courses start the first Monday of each month, with a welcome unit available two weeks before the start date.

The program is a specialized, three-course curriculum designed to supplement a broader financial education. It covers complex topics such as special needs trusts, SSI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and tax planning. While there are no prerequisite courses beyond a high school diploma or equivalent, the program is intended for professionals with a background in financial services or law. Expect to spend 5–8 hours per week per course to keep pace with the 14 weeks of material.

You must earn a final course grade of 70% or higher to pass each course. There is no high-stakes cumulative final exam across the program; instead, each course features its own exam. To earn the ChSNC® designation, you must successfully complete all three required courses and agree to comply with The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures.

The source material does not specify a retake policy for course exams. For details on retakes or re-enrollment, contact The American College of Financial Services directly. The program requires a final course grade of 70% or higher to pass each course, so if you do not meet that threshold, you should inquire with the College about your options.

The program can be completed in as few as five months. Each course contains 14 weeks of material, and you have up to 20 weeks to complete a course, though an accelerated path allows completion in as little as five weeks per course. Upon enrolling, you have a four-month window to complete the course, plus the remainder of the month in which you enrolled.

The College lists the courses as HS 375, HS 376, and HS 377, which suggests a logical progression from introductory concepts to more advanced legal and financial planning topics. HS 375 introduces disability and lifetime planning, HS 376 covers legal and financial issues, and HS 377 examines financial planning for families. Following this sequence is advisable, but the source does not mandate a specific order.

Common challenges include underestimating the time commitment (5–8 hours per week per course), struggling with complex topics like special needs trusts and Medicaid, and not keeping up with the 14 weeks of material. Since each course has its own exam and a 70% passing threshold, falling behind can make it difficult to pass. Staying on schedule and using the knowledge checks and case studies is important.

There are no prerequisite courses required to begin the program other than a high school diploma or the equivalent. However, to receive the ChSNC® designation, you must have at least five years of professional experience in financial services or the practice of law (with a focus on income tax and/or estate planning), OR four years of relevant professional financial services experience and an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Single courses are $1,025 each. The full three-course package is regularly $2,895, but a promotional price of $2,606 is available through 11/6 with promo code ELEVATEFALL2026. After that date, the regular package price applies. The program consists of three required courses: HS 375, HS 376, and HS 377.

Yes. If you are recertifying designations earned through The College, each course in the ChSNC® program can be used as 30 College CE credits toward your Professional Recertification Program (PRP) requirement. To check current state, CFP Board, and other CE credit values, visit The American College website and use the filters on the Browse All Programs page.