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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.

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Change careers, change lives.

Join the 2024 CFP® Pro Career Studio Sessions & Create Your Future as a Financial Planner

CFP Board is pleased to launch 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 the final Studio Session of 2024:

  1. November 12, 13, & 14 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET (best for those from a service or people-centric background)
gain Experience

Discover the Role of a Financial planner

CFP Board has partnered with Amplified Planning to bring three Planning Discovery Courses for FREE!

Each of these courses will give you a glimpse into what CFP® professionals do every day. Sit in on real client meetings, practice building client plans and receive real-time feedback while you explore three different client scenarios.

You will receive 50 standard pathway hours towards the CFP® certification experience requirement for each course you complete.

Benefits of Becoming a CFP® Professional

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

Compensation
Compensation
$192K

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

satisfaction
satisfaction
89%

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

Success
Success
76%

say CFP® certification has directly contributed to their success.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

Download the Brochure

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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