Experience

CFP® professionals must complete thousands of hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP® certification marks.

Education

In addition to completing a comprehensive financial planning curriculum approved by CFP Board, those seeking CFP® certification must have a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any discipline to become certified. Once certified, CFP® professionals are required to complete continuing education coursework, including a CFP Board approved ethics course, to further their competence in financial planning.

Ethics

Those aspiring to become certified must pass a comprehensive 6-hour CFP® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. The exam does not test textbook theories; rather, it assesses the candidate’s ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated approach to real-life financial planning situations.