Certification Coursework Requirement

Accelerated Path: Get Certified Faster

The CFP Board Accelerated Path allows you to sit for the CFP® exam sooner, expediting your path to CFP® certification and saving you time and money. That's because you can skip the majority of the coursework requirement for CFP® certification — based on your knowledge gained from other advanced degrees or professional certifications.

Get Started with a Free Account Submission Requirements

Check Your Qualifications

Accelerated Path Qualifying Credentials

Do you hold one of these qualifying credentials? If so, take advantage of the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification today.

See Your Next Steps

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Licensed Attorney

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)

Doctor of Business Administration

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)

Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

CFP Certification from Outside the U.S. [from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) affiliate located in your territory of residence]

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)

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Building on Your Expertise

Add the CFP® Mark to Your Credentials

CFP® certification is the standard of excellence in personal financial planning. Holding CFP® certification signifies that you are trained and experienced in comprehensive financial planning, and prepared to help your clients chart a course for a secure future.

Adding CFP® certification to your professional credentials gives you a competitive edge by allowing you to expand your client services with a holistic financial planning offering. Complementing your other credentials with the CFP® mark can also grow your business prospects, while enhancing your career opportunities.

Complement Your Existing Credentials

Grow Your Business, Enhance Your Career

Adding CFP® certification to your credentials is a great opportunity to expand your professional knowledge and the services you offer to your clients. It also helps you to stand out from your competition, while also increasing your earning potential.

26%

more in compensation is what CFP® professionals earn compared to other financial advisors.

89%

of CFP® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors.

Andrew K. Laslie, CPA, CFP®

With CFP® Certification, I'm my biggest referral source. I'm not reliant on anyone else.

Steps to CFP® Certification

Accelerated Path Requirements Checklist

Even though Accelerated Path will qualify you to bypass coursework, to earn CFP® certification you'll still need to:

Complete the Capstone course OR Capstone Alternative
Pass the CFP® exam
Complete the experience hours required for certification
Submit an official transcript for a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university, to complete your Education requirement