What is Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a recognized certification given to experts in the fields of financial planning, taxes, estate planning, insurance, and retirement planning. The CFP professionals go through rigorous education, and training and meet ethical standards. A CFP serves as an advisor who holds one of the prestigious certifications for financial planning. Their prime objective is to serve the best interests of their clients today to prepare them for a better and secure tomorrow.

These professionals should have some years of experience in the field of financial planning, clear the CFP exam, and comply with the strict ethical standards amended by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. Unlike other financial advisors, CFPs are obligated to serve the best interests of their clients, it is is fiduciary standard.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. awards CFP certifications is eligible individuals.
  • The CFPs serve their clients in managing multiple financial areas for example retirement planning, educational purposes, investing decisions, insurance, and taxes.
  • A rigorous training of around 4000 to 6000 hours in total is required to fulfill by a CFPTM, after which they are eligible for suffixing their name with CFP. Post receiving the CFP certificate, they must continue their education.
  • Becoming a CFP requires multiple years of experience, successful completion of CFP exams, showcasing ethical standards, and a formal rigorous education.

Table of Content

  • Benefits of CFP Certification
  • Eligibility Requirements for CFP Program
  • Salary of a CFP
  • CFP Exam Structure
  • CFP Exam Tips and Resources
  • Conclusion

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) | Complete Guide

Similar Reads

What is Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a recognized certification given to experts in the fields of financial planning, taxes, estate planning, insurance, and retirement planning. The CFP professionals go through rigorous education, and training and meet ethical standards. A CFP serves as an advisor who holds one of the prestigious certifications for financial planning. Their prime objective is to serve the best interests of their clients today to prepare them for a better and secure tomorrow....

Benefits of CFP Certification

CFP is a professional financial advisor who after going through rigorous training and education, achieve their dream job of financial planning. It gives them a sense of satisfaction as they are able to help their clients in the best way possible. Some of benefits of the certification is listed below,...

Eligibility Requirements for CFP Program

If you are a graduate (possess an undergraduate degree), you will require on an average 18 to 24 months to become a CFP. You can pay a minimum amount of $925 and do not require the pursue the coursework. Further, those candidates who do not possess financial designation, can apply for CFP program but they need to fulfill an experience criteria ranging from 24 to 36 months....

Salary of a CFP

For the financial planners, two compensation methods are applicable: salaries and payouts. Few organizations offer salaries to their financial planners. Others compensate depending on a percentage of the revenue that they generate, this means based on the productivity and business development success, their financial planners are rewarded....

CFP Exam Structure

The CFP exam comprise 170 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be solved within 6 hours. These 170 MCQs are from more than 100 topics related to financial planning. The overall areas focussed comprise financial panning principles, risk management, professional conduct and regulations, insurance, education planning, investments, retirement planning, tax planning and estate planning. Further, every topic has different weights are assigned, which you need to check in the CFP Board website. As per the CFP Board, in 2023, on an average around 67% of first-attempters passed the exam....

CFP Exam Tips and Resources

1. Don’t rely on multiple sources. Try to use the official CFP Board resources. It consist of handbook for candidates, outline and structure of the exam and sample questions which would familiarize you with the exam format and content....

Conclusion

To become a CFP, one needs to have education qualification, minimum experience and a strong sense of financial ethics. Clearing the test and being eligible for the CFP program, doesn’t guarantee that the CFP Board would award you the certificate. The final decision is always with the CFP Board....

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) – FAQs

How vast is the CFP exam?...