CFP Board Enforcement FAQs

No, self-disclosures are not published by CFP Board. CFP Board publishes information regarding public disciplinary actions and provides links to disclosures made in other publicly available resources, such as FINRA’s BrokerCheck database. Disclosures made to CFP Board that do not result in public disciplinary action is not subject to publication.

If you have one or more filings or adjudications for personal or business bankruptcy where you were a Control Person of the business, you may be required to file a Petition for Fitness determination, which requires consideration of the facts and circumstances of the bankruptcy filing and review of your current financial condition. CFP Board has adopted procedures for expediting consideration of most cases involving a single bankruptcy filing.

CFP Board may take action including private censure, public censure, suspension or revocation of the CFP® marks and a temporary or permanent bar from applying to obtain CFP® certification. Some final orders may also include additional Continuing Education (CE) or other undertakings.

1. Log into your CFP Board account at CFP.net.
2. Look below “Track Your Progress” located on the right-hand side.
3. If your background check is done, your account will reflect completion. If it does not show completion and the Enforcement department hasn't contacted you, please allow more time for review of the background check

The length of a background check for CFP Board varies. You can check the status of your background check by logging into your CFP Board account on CFP.net. In some cases, CFP Board staff may reach out to a candidate for further information about issues that arise during the background check process. Once the background check is complete, your CFP Board account will show completion of your Ethics requirement.

CFP Board has a Handbook For Respondents that is free to view or download.

A control person is a person who has the power, directly or indirectly, to direct the management or policies of the entity at the relevant time, through ownership, by contract, or otherwise. Typically, a control person is someone who serves in one or more of the following roles in an organization:

• Owns a substantial portion of the business
• Has contractual authority to direct management
• Holds a position that gives practical decision-making power

All CFP® professionals must comply with CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct in order to remain eligible for CFP® certification and continue to adapt to any changes to the Code and Standards that arise. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action, up to revocation of the CFP® marks.

Background checks are conducted once a candidate for CFP® certification receives a preliminary pass on the CFP® exam and submits the Ethics Declaration. Candidates with further questions should email to the Compliance team.

A single misdemeanor DUI charge or conviction should not affect your eligibility for CFP® certification if you have not been involved in any other drug or alcohol- related offense. If you have been involved in more than one drug or alcohol-based misdemeanor offense, including DUI, or if you have been charged or convicted of a felony in connection with your DUI, the Enforcement Department will want to review the facts and circumstances of the event or events at issue.