Certified Financial Planner ® (CFP®) Designation Defined
The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.
To become a CFP® , you are required to meet the following initial certification requirements:
- Education (approved Board-Registered programs)
- Examination (comprehensive exam covering 72 topics)
- Experience (two to three-year minimum experience of full time, relevant experience)
- Ethics (must meet the Fitness Standards for Candidates and Registrants set by the Board)
Once you earn the CFP® marks (by meeting the four criteria listed above), you must then meet the CFP Board’s renewal standards to continue using them. The CFP ® certification must be renewed every two years at the end of your renewal month and you are required to:
- Complete the certification application (must continue to meet the Fitness Standards for Candidates and Registrants)
- Pay a $355 certification fee
- Complete 30 hours of approved continuing education (2 hours must focus on Ethics)
For additional information, please visit: http://www.cfp.net/become/certification.asp