CFP® Professionals
- Dedicated to using the financial planning process to serve the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses.
- Many CFP® Professionals have earned a four-year college degree in a finance-related field, and have completed a course of study in financial planning approved by the CFP Board.
To earn the CFP® designation and remain certified as a CFP® professional, individuals must meet four main requirements.
Examination
CFP® Professionals must successfully complete the CFP® Board's comprehensive certification examination, which tests an individual's knowledge on various key aspects of financial planning.
Experience
CFP® Professionals must acquire a minimum of three years of relevant financial planning-related experience before receiving the right to use the CFP® certification marks.
Ethics
CFP® Professionals must voluntarily ascribe to CFP® Board's Code of Ethics and additional requirements as mandated. CFP® practitioners who violate the code can be disciplined, including permanent loss of the right to use the CFP® certification marks.
Education
CFP® Professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current in financial planning knowledge, including ethics.
CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame logo) are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
