Start Your Journey to CFP® Certification
Create your CFP Board account today to unlock the professional benefits of CFP® certification.
Certification Process
The Education Requirement
The education requirement helps to provide the knowledge required to deliver professional, competent and ethical financial planning services to clients. There are two main parts to the requirement: completion of CFP Board-approved coursework, and a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university.
Become a Trained Expert
Education Requirement Overview
This overview explains the two-part education requirement and what you'll learn on the path to becoming a knowledgeable CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional.
education requirement: part 1 of 2
Fulfilling the Coursework Requirement
As part of earning your CFP® certification, you'll need to complete college or university-level coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. You'll become well-versed in these major personal financial planning areas: Professional Conduct and Regulation, General Principles of Financial Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, Investment Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Savings and Income Planning, Estate Planning, Psychology of Financial Planning, Financial Plan Development (Capstone Course).
Find a CFP Board Registered Program
Search for institutions that have registered a financial planning program that satisfies CFP Board's coursework requirement.
See If You Qualify to Bypass Some of the Required Coursework
Certain academic degrees and professional credentials may qualify you for an accelerated path to certification.
Verify Your Coursework
Proof of completion of the coursework requirement must be received by the education verification deadline for your selected exam.
Education Requirement: Part 2 of 2
Earning Your Bachelor's Degree
You must verify that you hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university (accreditation must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree is awarded) to fulfill the second part of the CFP® certification education requirement. The degree may be in any discipline, and must be completed either before you pass the CFP® exam, or within 5 years after you pass it.
Start your journey to CFP® Certification
- Track your progress with the CFP® Certification Tracker
- Post your resume at the Career Center
- Connect with a mentor who can guide you
- Register and prepare for the exam
- Find career and financial support
- Connect with other candidates at our online forum