Two Ways to Fulfill the Education Requirement of CFP® Certification

A key step toward earning CFP® certification is completing the required coursework at a college or university with a financial planning program registered with CFP Board.

There are two ways to satisfy the education requirement:

1. Financial Planning Degree Option
2. Certificate Option

The first option is ideal for

• College students in undergraduate or graduate financial planning programs that are registered with CFP Board and meet the education requirement for CFP® certification
• Those preparing to enter college

If you are already a college student or are entering college soon, there are many undergraduate and graduate programs in financial planning that are registered with CFP Board and meet the education requirement for CFP® certification.

These programs:

• Provide the fundamental education, competencies and fluency needed for a successful financial planning career
• Prepare you to sit for the CFP® exam after graduating

After completing your degree program, you must pass the CFP® exam and also meet the experience requirement to become a CFP® professional. A variety of positions at financial services companies can enable you to meet the experience requirement. You can fulfill this requirement up to 10 years before or 5 years after passing the CFP® exam.

Time: The typical time frames to complete financial planning degrees are the same as degrees in other fields.

Degree:

• Bachelor’s: 4 years
• Master’s: 1 to 2 years
• Ph.D.: 3 to 5 years

The second option is ideal for:

• Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than financial planning that do not wish to pursue a graduate degree
• College students enrolled at a college or university that does not offer a financial planning program registered with CFP Board

The education coursework requirement for CFP® certification can be met through a certificate-level CFP Board Registered Program. These certificate programs cover the courses and topics you need to master to pass the CFP® exam.

These programs can typically be completed within one year. They also provide flexibility for busy adults by being offered in a variety of formats including:

• In person
• Online
• Recorded sessions
• Live lecture

Time: Usually 12 to 18 months, though some programs offer accelerated options, including self-paced study

If you need financial assistance, scholarships for funding the education coursework are available on the CFP Board website.