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 Professional Status Online Online at Search for a Certified Financial Planner Professional
Investor Complaint Process Online at Submit a Complaint
Published List of Disciplined Designees Yes at Public Disciplinary Actions
Accredited By National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)