For Students
College is a great time to consider a rewarding career as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Demand for financial advisors is expected to grow fast, at a rate of 13% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — and USA Today notes that careers in financial services can start between $50-70K a year, with experienced financial advisors earning $192,000/year, on average. Earning CFP® certification is a solid investment in your future, sought after by firms and clients alike.
Discover the Role of a Financial planner
The Externship, an 8-week financial planner virtual training program, gives students 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.
Why CFP® Certification Is a Smart Career Move
Career satisfaction. Growth potential. Competitive edge. See how earning CFP® certification can put you on the path to a rewarding profession with an impressive career outlook.
Experienced financial advisors earn, on average, $192,000 a year.*
of investors see a potential financial advisor’s certifications as important.
are satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification.
Is Financial Planning Right for Me?
Financial planners work one-on-one with their clients to develop strategies for meeting their short- and long-term goals. From paying off debt to saving for retirement and short-term financial targets to long-term wealth management, financial planners partner with their clients to help them plan for a secure future.
Why Choose Financial Planning
A career in financial planning may be right for you if you enjoy a rewarding career in a growing industry that lets you work closely with people and carve out your own career path.
Working With People
Building trusting relationships with clients is key to a successful financial planning career.
Setting Your Own Schedule
Whether you have your own practice or work for a large firm, many financial planners enjoy the flexibility that comes with the job.
Career Growth & Jobs
The demand for financial planners is growing – and the U.S. Labor Department reports that jobs in financial planning are expected to grow faster than average through 2032.
How Do I Get Certified?
The "Four E's" make up the CFP® certification process: Education, Experience, Exam and Ethics. The 2-part education requirement includes (1) a bachelor's degree in any discipline, and (2) completing coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. If your college or university offers a financial planning curriculum registered with CFP Board, you can fulfill this requirement through attaining your degree. If you're close to graduation, you may also want to register for the CFP® exam.
Sources
* USA Today, “From taxes to retirement: Everything to know about the evolving role of financial advisers”
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