CFP Board Welcomes Other Designations with the Accelerated Path

For credentialed financial professionals looking to expand their impact and advance their careers, the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification offers a faster, more efficient route without duplicating education or experience they already have.

At a time of rapid technological advancement, evolving client expectations and industry transformation, the value of human judgment and trusted relationships remains central to competent, ethical financial planning. On May 5-6, 2026, CFP Board hosted its first-ever Accelerated Path CFP® Pro Career Studio, designed specifically for professionals eligible for the Accelerated Path. The live, virtual event connected those considering CFP® certification with peers who had already completed the journey, offering real-world insight into what the Accelerated Path actually looks like and what it can unlock.

Learning From Those Who’ve Walked the Path

Four CFP® professionals, Samantha Booth, CFP®, ChFC®, CIMA®, CRPC®, Matthew J. Clarke, CFP®, CFA®, WMCP®, Candis Best, CFP®, JD, MBA, ChFC®, RICP and Christopher Schipske, CPA, CFP®, each bringing a different background and set of credentials, shared why they chose to pursue CFP® certification, how it transformed their careers and what the Accelerated Path experience involved. Their stories gave attendees an unfiltered look at the process, from balancing time commitments to preparing for the CFP® exam, with opportunities to ask questions in real time.

For many professionals, the decision to pursue CFP® certification is driven by a desire for greater client impact. Panelist Christopher Schipske described wanting to move beyond back-office work and into a more client-facing role. “I just got really burnt on sitting in the back room, crunching a bunch of numbers,” he said. “I want to see my hard work get put to immediate use. I want to see how it affects these families.” After adding CFP® certification to his CPA background, Schipske went on to found his own firm and build a fulfilling, client-centered career.

Why the Accelerated Path to CFP® Certification Matters

When clients work with a CFP® professional, they are partnering with someone who meets rigorous education, experience and ethical standards. CFP Board upholds CFP® certification as the standard in financial planning, serving the public while strengthening the profession.

The Accelerated Path recognizes the depth of education and professional preparation that come with qualifying credentials. Rather than repeating coursework or experience requirements they’ve already satisfied, the Accelerated Path allows these professionals to build on their existing knowledge and move more efficiently toward CFP® certification.

Qualifying credentials for the Accelerated Path include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA) (added April 17, 2026)
• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
• Licensed attorney
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Ph.D. in financial planning, finance, business administration, or economics
• CFP® certification from outside the U.S. through a Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) affiliate

Inside the CFP® Pro Career Studio

Held over two evenings (7-8 p.m. ET) to accommodate working professionals, the Accelerated Path CFP® Pro Career Studio went beyond a typical FAQ or informational webinar. Attendees connected directly with CFP® professionals who completed the Accelerated Path, gaining candid insight into exam preparation, time management and career outcomes.

The goal is not simply to inform, but to help credentialed professionals see how CFP® certification can complement their existing expertise and create new opportunities for growth, leadership and client service.

Take the Next Step

Interested in earning CFP® certification but missed the career studio? Explore the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification to learn if you qualify and keep an eye on the CFP Board Events Calendar for upcoming CFP® Pro virtual events designed to help you take the next step.