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Steps For Earning The CFP Designation

The following steps are required to earn the CFP designation:

1: Complete the Education Requirement

Before applying for the CFP® Certification Examination, you need to complete the education requirements set by CFP Board. You can fulfill the education requirement through one of three paths:
  • Complete a CFP Board-Registered Education Program
    There are more than 285 academic programs at colleges and universities across the country from which to choose. These programs include credit and non-credit certificate programs, undergraduate and graduate degree programs. They use various delivery formats and schedules, including classroom instruction, self-study and online delivery. Many of CFP Board's Registered Programs also offer in-house educational programs for individual companies.

  • Apply for Challenge Status
    Certain degrees and professional credentials fulfill the educational requirement and allow you to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

    Academic degrees and credentials that fulfill the educational requirements include:
    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - inactive license acceptable
    • Licensed attorney - inactive license acceptable
    • Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
    • Doctor of Business Administration
    • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
    • Ph.D. in business or economics
    • Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

  • Request a Transcript Review
    Certain industry credentials recognized by CFP Board, or the successful completion of upper-division level college courses, may satisfy some or all of the education requirements set by CFP Board.
Note: As of January 2007, a bachelor's degree, in any field of study or program, is required to obtain CFP® certification.

2: Pass the CFP® Certification Examination

The CFP® Certification Examination tests your ability to apply your financial planning knowledge to client situations. The 10-hour exam is divided into three separate sessions. Because of the integrated nature of financial planning, however, each session may cover all topic areas. All questions are multiple choice, including those questions related to case problems.

The exam is administered three times a year - generally on the third Friday and Saturday of March, July and November - at about 50 domestic locations. The application deadline is approximately seven weeks prior to each exam date (e.g., February 1, June 1, and October 1). Application forms can be downloaded or you can call 800-487-1497 to have one mailed to you. Completed applications, including payment of the $595 fee, must be received by the deadlines printed on the applications - there are no exceptions.

3: Meet the Experience Requirement

At least three years of qualifying full-time work experience are required for certification. Qualifying experience includes work that can be categorized into one of the six primary elements of the personal financial planning process. Experience can be gained in a number of ways including:
  • The delivery of all, or of any portion, of the personal financial planning process to a client
  • The direct support or supervision of individuals who deliver all, or any portion, of the personal financial planning process to a client
  • teaching all, or any portion, of the personal financial planning process
4: Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Pass A Background Check

After you have met the education, examination, and work experience requirements, you must disclose past or pending litigation or agency proceedings and agree to abide by CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards. A background check will also be conducted.

5: Pay Certification Fees

Upon successfully completing the first three steps, fees will apply as follows:
  • A one-time, non-refundable initial certification application fee of $100 for the background checks as noted above
  • A biennial certification fee of $360
6: Receive Authorization

Receive authorization to use the CFP® and Certified Financial Planner marks.


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