Why Get Certified

For Financial Professionals

If you're already in the financial services profession, earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is a proven investment in your future. Whether you're looking to further your career in financial planning or complement your other qualifications, earning CFP® certification sets you apart from the competition.

Get Certified, Go Further

Invest in a rewarding career by achieving your CFP® certification, the standard of excellence in financial planning. CFP® professionals have demonstrated expertise and are committed to high standards to earn the respect of their colleagues and the trust of their clients.

Compensation

$192K

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

Competitive Edge

79%

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

Success

76%

say CFP® certification has directly contributed to their success.

Take the Accelerated Path to CFP® Certification

You may be able to bypass most of the education coursework requirement if you hold one of these degrees, licenses or credentials.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - inactive license acceptable
Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Licensed attorney - inactive license acceptable
Ph.D. in financial planning, finance, business administration, or economics
International CFP certification from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Expand your services beyond a once-a-year, tax-centered approach.

Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)

Holding both CFP® certification and CIMA® designation equips you to offer a more detailed, comprehensive approach to the services you provide.

Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)

See why Chartered Financial Analysts® have also added the CFP® mark to their credentials.

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)

Expand your insurance and estate planning practice with comprehensive financial planning.

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

Build on your ChFC® and gain greater trust among consumers and employers.

Attorney License

Get your clients' finances in order by offering financial planning along with estate planning and legal advice.

Sources

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