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.

Get Started on Your Path

Become a Trained Expert

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)

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.

More on the Bachelor's degree requirement

The Education Requirement

Fulfilling the Coursework Requirement

Find a CFP Board Registered Program

See If You Qualify to Bypass Some of the Required Coursework

Verify Your Coursework

Earning Your Bachelor's Degree

Start your journey to CFP® Certification