Why Get Certified
Earning your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is the most beneficial step you can take to accelerate your career and better serve your clients. As a CFP® professional, you’ll enjoy a rewarding, in-demand career while helping people achieve their financial dreams.
The CFP® Certification Difference
Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. Only those who have met CFP Board's high standards for certification can call themselves a CFP® professional.
Experienced financial advisors earn on average, $192,000 a year *
of CFP® professionals say they have a competitive edge over other financial advisors
of consumers say they feel more confident working with an advisor with a financial planning designation
Where Can CFP® Certification Take You?
Work for a large firm. Join a small independent firm. Build a solo practice. In whatever role you choose, CFP® certification opens the door to numerous opportunities to serve clients and help them reach their financial goals.
Financial Planner
Creates holistic financial plans to meet the unique financial goals of their clients.
Financial Analyst
Performs research and analysis and/or manages investment options, making recommendations to advisors.
Client Services Advisor
Prepares financial plans for review and implementation, participates in client meetings and works on follow-ups for clients.
Investment Manager
Selects and manages investments on behalf of a firm and its clients.
Wealth Management Advisor
Develops one-on-one relationships with high-net-worth clients and helps to construct investment portfolios.
Portfolio Manager
Manages client assets and portfolios in accordance with firm's guidelines, and contributes to research and analysis of investment opportunities and firm investment philosophy.
CFP® Certification Sets You Apart
Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. Only those who have met CFP Board's high standards for certification can call themselves a CFP® professional.
| Financial Advisor Without Certification | CFP® Professional |
|---|---|
| Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor | Meets requirements established by CFP Board |
| May not have committed to act as a fiduciary | Committed to CFP Board to fiduciary duty to act in clients’ best interests |
| 72% client satisfaction | 87% client satisfaction |
| Lower compensation on average | Earns 12% more than other financial planners** |
CFP® Certification: More Important Than Ever
CFP® professionals can help clients navigate times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the holistic financial planning to prepare them better for a secure tomorrow.
Sources
* USA Today, “From taxes to retirement: Everything to know about the evolving role of financial advisers”
** College for Financial Planning®, a Kaplan Company’s 2019 survey of 758 financial planners
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