Why a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?

Financial planners can be a valuable resource, whether you are planning for retirement or your children’s education, looking to minimize estate taxes, or simply want to have the confidence that you’re on track that comes with working with an experienced professional. You only get one chance at major goals in your life, but an experienced planner has been through these things many times before. In many cases, working with a financial planner can be a helpful step in planning for your financial future.  

Why a CFP® Professional?

CFP® professionals are dedicated to using the financial planning process to serve the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses. To earn the prestigious CFP® certification and remain certified as a CFP® professional, individuals must meet four main requirements.

Certification Requirements

Examination

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ Professionals must successfully complete CFP® Board’s comprehensive certification examination, which tests an individual’s knowledge on various key aspects of financial planning.

Experience

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professionals must acquire three years of financial planning-related experience before receiving the right to use the CFP® certification marks.

Ethics

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ Professionals must voluntarily ascribe to CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and additional requirements as mandated. CFP® practitioners who violate the code can be disciplined, including permanent loss of the right to use the CFP® certification marks.

Education

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ Professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current in financial planning knowledge, including ethics.

Compliance with these four areas informs you that an individual who holds the CFP® certification mark is well prepared and qualified to give sound, professional advice.

CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™ and federally registered CFP® (with flame logo) are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete CFP® Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.