CLFP Foundation

What CLFP Foundation does

The CLFP Foundation (Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation) is a US-based non-profit organization that administers the only recognized professional certification for the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Washington DC, the Foundation has certified nearly 1,700 professionals across the United States, Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia. Its mission centers on building a more professional commercial equipment leasing and finance industry through standardized competency assessment, continuing education, and adherence to a published Standards of Professional Conduct.

The Foundation's core product is the CLFP Designation, conferred upon candidates who pass a four-section, eight-hour proctored online exam administered via Proctorio, complete prerequisite industry experience, and commit to ongoing recertification. Candidates prepare through the proprietary CLFP Handbook (10th Edition, available in print and on Google Play as an audiobook), the annually updated Body of Knowledge, study guides, flashcards, and an optional Mentor Program pairing candidates with certified professionals. The Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) is the Foundation's flagship training program, delivered as two- or three-day in-person courses at partner-company sites, virtual classroom sessions, or self-paced online modules within a six-month window. Supporting products include the Anonymity Program, which preserves candidate confidentiality during the exam process.

The Foundation operates a hybrid revenue model combining one-time certification fees (ALFP class $750, exam $695, bundled package $1,400) with recurring streams from annual membership renewals ($155), recertification classes for current CLFPs ($395), and a tiered corporate Partnership Program ranging from Bronze at $500 to Diamond at $7,500 annually. Distribution occurs through direct digital channels, corporate partners who host Academy events and sponsor employee certifications, and industry referrals. The Foundation maintains a Board of Directors and is led by CEO Reid Raykovich (since 2012), under whom membership has grown by over 1,000%. In 2026, the Foundation formalized a strategic affiliation with the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), the trade association representing the $1.3 trillion US equipment finance industry.

Name

CLFP Foundation

Legal name

CLFP Foundation

Website

https://clfpfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The CLFP Foundation is a US non-profit that administers the only recognized professional certification for the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry, having credentialed nearly 1,700 professionals worldwide through its proctored exam, proprietary Handbook and Body of Knowledge, and partner-hosted Academy training events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Leveraged Loans & CLOs (FSAAAHAF)

Keywords

• Professional certification services
• Equipment leasing education
• Continuing education courses
• Certification examination programs
• Professional designation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Northbrook

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Academy and Exam Fees: Revenue from ALFP class fees ($750), exam fees ($695), and bundled packages ($1,400). Current CLFPs pay discounted rates ($395).
2. Annual Membership Dues: Annual renewal membership fees of $155 for CLFPs in Good Standing, which includes recertification requirements and access to continuing education materials.
3. Corporate Partnership Program: Corporate partners pay annual fees at various tiers: Diamond ($7,500), Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500), Silver ($1,000), Bronze ($500). Individual partners also contribute at various levels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The CLFP Foundation administers the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation, the only recognized professional certification for equipment leasing and finance professionals worldwide. It delivers the certification through the Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) prep course, an 8-hour proctored online exam, the CLFP Handbook (10th Edition), and ongoing recertification. The Foundation also runs a Corporate Partnership Program with tiered sponsorships and continuing education for the nearly 1,700 CLFPs in Good Standing globally.

Product overview

The CLFP Foundation offers a certification program for equipment leasing and financing professionals built around its core CLFP Designation. The primary study materials include The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook (10th Edition) available in print and audiobook formats, the CLFP Body of Knowledge, and CLFP Flashcards. Candidates prepare through self-study using these materials, the CLFP Exam Study Guide, and optional support from the CLFP Mentor Program. The Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) provides instructor-led or self-paced training courses (2-day, 3-day, in-person, virtual, or online formats). The CLFP Exam is the proctored assessment that candidates must pass to earn the designation. The CLFP Anonymity Program offers privacy during exam-taking. Annual recertification maintains the credential. The Partnership Program provides corporate and individual sponsorship opportunities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP): Three-day intensive course designed to fully prepare individuals to sit for the CLFP exam.
• Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook

Products and services

• CLFP Designation (Certified Lease & Finance Professional) The premier credential for equipment leasing and financing professionals who have demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education, and a commitment to industry best practices. Earned by passing the CLFP Exam and maintaining annual recertification.
• Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) A 2 or 3-day intensive course designed to fully prepare individuals to sit for and pass the CLFP Exam. Available in in-person, virtual classroom, or self-paced online formats within a 6-month timeframe.
• Certified Lease & Finance Professionals' Handbook (10th Edition) The primary study resource following the Body of Knowledge footprint, providing practical aspects of the commercial equipment leasing and finance industry. Available in 10th Edition, Third Printing in print format.
• CLFP Handbook Audiobook Audiobook version of the CLFP Handbook narrated by Leonard Lane, CLFP, providing an additional accessible format for candidates preparing for the CLFP Exam. Distributed via Google Play.
• CLFP Corporate Partnership Program An annual partnership program offering corporate donor levels (Diamond $7,500, Platinum $5,000, Gold $2,500, Silver $1,000, Bronze $500) and individual donor levels (Champion, Patron, Benefactor, Sponsor, Supporter, Contributor) to support the Foundation and CLFP designation. Partners receive employee certification benefits and visibility.
• CLFP Recertification Program Ongoing annual program for CLFPs in Good Standing to maintain their designation, including $155 annual renewal membership, adherence to Standards of Professional Conduct, and completion of recertification quizzes following industry update articles.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 1,700 professionals have earned the industry-recognized CLFP certification
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, standard and minor.

• Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026In 2026, ELFA and the CLFP Foundation announced establishment of a formal affiliation between the two organizations following a vote by CLFP members in good standing. ELFA represents the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry.
• Wintrust Specialty FinanceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Diamond Partner at $7,500 annual level. One of the top-tier corporate partners supporting the CLFP Foundation and its designation program.
• Ascentium CapitalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level. Supporting CLFP certification and professional development in the equipment finance industry.
• Channel Partners CapitalcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level.
• ConcordcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level.
• DLLcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level. DLL is a global equipment finance company.
• ECS Financial ServicescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level.
• LTi Technology SolutionscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level. Technology solutions provider for the equipment finance industry.
• NorthteqcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Platinum Partner at $5,000 annual level. Technology provider for the equipment finance industry.
• Alliance Funding GroupstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• AP Equipment FinancingstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• Arvest Equipment FinancestandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• Auxilor Capital PartnersstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• Financial Pacific LeasingstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• First American Equipment FinancestandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• Great American Insurance GroupstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• North Mill Equipment FinancestandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Gold Partner at $2,500 annual level.
• American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB)standardStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Silver Partner at $1,000 annual level. Trade association for commercial finance brokers.
• BMO Harris Equipment FinancestandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Silver Partner at $1,000 annual level.
• Oakmont Capital ServicesstandardGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Silver Partner at $1,000 annual level.
• Ivory Consulting CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Bronze Partner at $500 annual level. Consulting firm serving the equipment finance industry.
• CoreTech LeasingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Host company for virtual ALFP courses in 2026 (July 9-10).
• SolificoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Host company for in-person ALFP in Minneapolis, MN (September 15-16, 2026) at Solifi headquarters, 800 Washington Avenue North, Suite 901, TractorWorks Building.
• Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Host company for in-person ALFP in Chattanooga, TN (October 14-15, 2026) at 400 Birmingham Highway.
• Wintrust Specialty FinanceflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Host company for in-person ALFP in Irvine, CA (October 19-20, 2026) at 2050 Main St, Suite 230.
• First Commonwealth Equipment FinancecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Host company for virtual ALFP (November 5-6, 2026).

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP): Non-profit membership organization that grants the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) certification for finance professionals. Direct structural parallel to CLFP Foundation: self-study curriculum, proctored exam, mandatory continuing education, and a community of certified practitioners serving the financial services industry.
• AICPA: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants administers the CPA credential, the most recognized accounting certification, with similar structure - rigorous exam, ongoing CPE requirements, and a professional designation that signals competency to employers. Comparable to CLFP in certification philosophy and stakeholder engagement.
• CAIA Association: Non-profit that grants the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation, a specialized finance-industry credential with rigorous exam, body of knowledge, and ongoing continuing education requirements. Comparable to CLFP in serving a niche finance vertical with a sole-recognized designation.
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): Industry association for association management that awards the CAE (Certified Association Executive) credential. Direct parallel: CLFP CEO Reid Raykovich earned her CAE from ASAE, validating that CLFP Foundation's own structure (credentialing body, body of knowledge, exam, recertification) follows the same proven association-management model.
• CFA Institute: Global non-profit that administers the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, the premier credential for investment and financial analysis professionals. Closely parallel operating model: proctored exam, body of knowledge, member community, continuing education, and employer-led sponsorship - exactly the structure CLFP Foundation runs for equipment leasing and finance.
• NACVA (National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts): Professional association that grants the CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) credential and related business valuation designations. Direct parallel as a small-scale niche certification body with self-study curriculum, proctored exams, annual dues, and mandatory continuing education for credential-holders.

Broad incumbents

• Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA): Trade association representing the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry that entered a formal 2026 affiliation with CLFP Foundation. Functions as the broader industry body for advocacy, networking, and research, while CLFP Foundation runs the credentialing arm - making them adjacent rather than directly competitive.
• Project Management Institute (PMI): Global non-profit that grants the PMP (Project Management Professional) credential using a similar certification architecture - body of knowledge, exam, ongoing PDU requirements. Comparable as a professional certification body, though operating in project management rather than equipment leasing.

Regional players

• National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA): Trade association focused on equipment finance, particularly serving the broker and small-ticket segment of the U.S. market. Overlaps with CLFP Foundation's industry ecosystem and partner network, though organized as a regional trade body rather than a credentialing organization.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/clfp_foundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/CLFPFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clfp-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CLFP Foundation