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Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Designation Essentials
Status Currently offered and recognized by the issuing organization.
Issuing Organization Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
Qualification and Educational Requirements
Prerequisites

Candidate must meet the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university, and
  • Three years of full-time personal financial planning experience or the equivalent part-time experience (2,000 hours equals one year full-time).
Education Requirements

Candidate must complete a CFP-board registered program, or hold one of the following:

  • CPA
  • ChFC
  • Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
  • CFA
  • Ph.D. in business or economics
  • Doctor of Business Administration
  • Attorney's License
Examination Type

Final certification examination
Continuing Education Requirements

30 hours every two years
Verification, Complaints and Accreditation
Check Designation Status Online

Online at Search for a Certified Financial Planner Professional
Investor Complaint Process

Online at File a Complaint
Published List of Disciplined Designees

Yes at Disciplined Individuals By State
Accredited By

National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)