CFAA Exam Preparation Online Workshop - Winter 2026
Dates: February 17 - March 17, 2026
Registration Deadline: February 16, 2026
Price: $299.00 (Over $200 in savings!)
NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam.
Workshop Details
- This five-week program features weekly 90-minute online sessions that offer a high-level overview of the 12 content areas assessed on the exam.
- This facilitated, virtual training experience will be led by currently certified FAACs.
- The content reviewed during this workshop will reflect 2025-26 regulatory requirements.
- Optional "Ask Me Anything" sessions hosted via Slack will provide participants the opportunity to discuss certification and the exam experience with certified FAACs and NASFAA program staff.
- Independent review and supplemental work may be recommended between sessions to reinforce key concepts.
- Participants will receive complimentary access to the exam preparation guide, a practice exam only available to workshop attendees, and the knowledge exam — a value of $525.
- Please note that previous certification-related purchases will not be refunded.
- For best results, workshop participants are strongly encouraged to sit for the knowledge exam during the first two testing windows immediately following the workshop.
- Exam outcomes have revealed that group review increased the likelihood of success on the knowledge exam compared to independent study. Typically, 7 out of 10 candidates are successful through independent study. After attending a workshop, about 9 out of 10 candidates were successful.
Workshop Schedule
Weekly meetings will take place online from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ET between February 17 and March 17, 2026.
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Tuesday, February 24, 2026
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Optional “Ask Me Anything” discussions take place online in Slack on alternating Fridays from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Friday, February 20, 2026
- Friday, March 6, 2026
- Friday, March 20, 2026
Knowledge Exam Access
Plan ahead for accessing the knowledge exam and practice exam after the workshop ends!
As soon as you receive NASFAA’s confirmation email regarding your exam access, login to your myNASFAA account and navigate to the Testing Center. Verify that both tests appear in your list of granted assessments, and note the expiration dates for each test on your calendar.
- The practice exam will be available for 40 days once granted and does not need to be booked in advance.
- The knowledge exam will be available through the remainder of your eligibility period, which is one year from the date your application was approved; confirm the date your application was approved on your certification dashboard.
Equipment Requirements
To participate, you must be able to fully engage with the online-based meeting. This includes having a webcam or video input on your computer or device and having both a microphone and speakers for active audio participation. To ensure the best possible experience, participants are strongly discouraged from participating by phone only.
Note: Weekly meetings will be recorded for those who develop unexpected conflicts during the 5-week period. However, live virtual attendance is strongly encouraged each week for dialogue and conversation as we discuss exam material.
Registrants will receive login and participation instructions via email shortly before the first session.