Competence. Credibility. Confidence. The path to CFP® certification is a rigorous but rewarding process that gives you the knowledge and skills you need for a fulfilling career.
The "4 E's" of CFP® certification equip you to provide comprehensive advice to your clients, so you can help them achieve confidence today and a more secure tomorrow.
The two-part education requirement includes both (1) completing coursework on financial planning through a CFP Board Registered Program, and (2) holding a bachelor's degree or higher (in any discipline) from an accredited college or university.
You must complete the coursework before you can take the CFP® exam. You have 5 years from the date you pass the CFP® exam to complete the bachelor's degree requirement.
Passing the CFP® exam demonstrates that you've attained the knowledge and competency necessary to provide comprehensive personal financial planning advice. The CFP® exam is a 170-question, multiple-choice test that consists of two 3-hour sessions over one day. The exam includes stand-alone and scenario-based questions, as well as questions associated with case studies.
The experience requirement prepares you to provide personal financial planning to the public without supervision. You can fulfill the experience requirement either before or after you take the exam. You need to complete either 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process, or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements.
The ethics requirement is the final step on your path to CFP® certification. It indicates you've agreed to adhere to high ethical and professional standards for the practice of financial planning, and to act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to your client, always putting their best interests first.
Here are some of the most common paths to CFP® certification. The certification process offers flexibility so you can make it work for you — many steps can be done at any time in your process.
Typical length: 18-24 months
Complete the certification coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program before you take the CFP® exam.
Sit for the CFP® exam after completing your coursework.
Earn your degree in any discipline up to 5 years after passing the CFP® exam.
Work in a qualifying financial planning job before or after you take the CFP® exam.
For your final step, you must sign an ethics declaration and undergo a background check.
CFP Board offers the guidance, tools and support you need to successfully become a CFP® professional, no matter what stage of the process you're in. Watch this video to see how CFP Board can support you.
Learn about what's on the CFP® exam, take practice exams with real questions from past exams and get tips on how to be ready for exam day.
To diversify the financial planning workforce, the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning offers scholarships for coursework and for the CFP® exam.
Use our candidate forum to connect with others who are at various stages on their path to CFP® certification. Whether you have a question, need advice or are just looking for support, we welcome you to join in.
Find a CFP® professional mentor who can offer real-world advice, help you stay motivated and guide you on your path to CFP® certification.
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