PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
What CFP® certification means.
The CFP® marks signify a commitment to rigorous preparation and ethical financial planning. CFP Board bases certification on four requirements: education, examination, experience, and ethics.
THE FOUR REQUIREMENTS
Preparation backed by standards.
EDUCATION | Complete financial planning coursework and meet the degree requirement. |
EXAMINATION | Pass a comprehensive certification exam that tests the ability to apply planning knowledge. |
EXPERIENCE | Complete qualifying professional experience related to the financial planning process. |
ETHICS | Agree to CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, including the fiduciary duty when providing financial advice to a client. |
The fiduciary standard
CFP® professionals must act in their clients’ best interests when providing financial advice. Certification is a professional standard; it is not a guarantee of investment performance or any particular outcome.