Do You Qualify for the Accelerated Path?

As you consider earning CFP® certification, explore the available pathways and choose the one that best fits your experience and knowledge. If you hold one of the following qualifying degrees, licenses or credentials, you may be eligible for the Accelerated Path, which allows you to complete only one course before sitting for the CFP® exam:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
• Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
• Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®)
• Licensed Attorney*
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Finance, Business Administration or Economics
• CFP certification from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) affiliate located in a territory of residence outside the U.S.

Exciting news for CIMA® professionals! Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designees are now eligible for the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification, helping you move closer to your certification goal by bypassing most of the required coursework. To earn CFP® certification, CIMA® holders still need to complete the Capstone Course or Capstone Alternative, pass the CFP® exam, meet the experience requirement, and hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university.

“I earned my CIMA® designation while serving as chief investment officer of an RIA, where my work was heavily focused on investments. CIMA® gave me a rigorous investment-management framework, but looking back, I wish I had pursued CFP® certification at the same time. The two credentials are highly complementary: CIMA® provides specialized investment-management depth, while CFP® certification provides breadth across comprehensive financial planning. For CIMA® professionals working in wealth management, I strongly encourage you to consider the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification.” — Rob Reilly, CFP®, CIMA®

Learn more about the Accelerated Path and get answers to your questions by watching this recorded webinar:

To complete the education coursework requirement, you will take a financial plan development Capstone Course, designed to enhance your practical skills in delivering professional financial planning services. If you have already met the experience requirement for CFP® certification, the option is available to you.

The CFP Board Accelerated Path allows you to sit for the CFP® exam sooner, expediting your path to CFP® certification and saving you time and money. Take your next step today and get certified in 2027!

*Inactive licenses acceptable