Why Get Certified

For Career Changers

You're Worth It.

A career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional can give you the future you deserve — and help you give others the same. If you're considering a career in financial planning, earning your CFP® certification gets you on the path to a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field.

Where Money Meets Purpose.

Join the May 2025 CFP® Pro Career Studio Sessions & Create Your Future as a Financial Planner

On May 6, May 7, and May 8, 2025, CFP Board is pleased to deliver the CFP® Pro Career Studio.

The CFP® Pro Career Studio is a live, three-part virtual event that will deepen your understanding of what financial planners do, answer your questions through guidance from career changers, and help you take your first steps to making a change to a career where money meets purpose.

Register now and join us for all three sessions.

gain Experience

Discover the Role of a Financial planner

The Externship, an 8-week financial planner virtual training program, gives career changers a deep-dive into the technical and "softer" skills that make a great planner. The Externship provides 500 standard pathway experience hours, access to financial planning software, and insights from 50+ industry experts — helping you build confidence and accelerate your career.

Learn More

Benefits of Becoming a CFP® Professional

Here are a few reasons why earning your CFP® certification is well worth the investment.

Compensation

$192K

Experienced financial advisors earn on average, $192,000 a year.*

satisfaction

89%

of CFP® professionals say they are satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification.

Success

76%

say CFP® certification has directly contributed to their success.

Call the Shots on Your Career

More About Brittney

All CFP® Professional Stories

There's so much transformation in one's life when they get their finances together. It's a great feeling because I know I helped them get there.

Brittney Castro

CFP® Professional

Tips for Career Changers

Most people change careers at least 3 times in their lifetime. Here are some ways you can position yourself for success along your path to becoming a CFP® professional.

Know what transferable skills you have to offer your future employer. In the case of financial planning, there are several key skills that you've probably developed at previous jobs, including communication/interpersonal, analytical, relationship management, marketing and project management.
Become a “superfan” of the field. Learn all about the financial planning profession by subscribing to industry publications, joining professional associations and attending conferences/social events.
Network with professionals in the field. Informational interviews are a great way to learn about the field and build your list of contacts. Who knows – you may even find a mentor or a new connection that leads to a job.
Have a solid job search strategy and be flexible. A well thought-out plan for job searching will minimize frustration and increase your chances of landing interviews. Initially, it’s important to focus on the areas that offer more jobs in your field, and also be creative and flexible in your search.

Visit the CFP Board Career Center

Learn from Others on the Certification Path

Sources

* USA Today, “From taxes to retirement: Everything to know about the evolving role of financial advisers”