Why a CFP® professional?
FPA1 supports the CFP certification because CFP professionals are dedicated to using the financial planning process to serve the financial needs of individuals, families and businesses. Most CFP professionals have earned a four-year college degree in finance-related areas, and have completed a course of study in financial planning approved by CFP Board.
To earn the prestigious CFP certification and remain certified as a CFP professional, individuals must meet four main requirements.
Examination. They must successfully complete CFP Board's comprehensive certification examination, which tests the individual’s knowledge on various key aspects of financial planning.
Experience. They must acquire three years of financial planning-related experience before receiving the right to use the CFP marks.
Ethics. They 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 the permanent loss of the right to use the CFP marks.
Education. They must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current in financial planning knowledge, including ethics.
Compliance with these four all-important areas assures you that an individual who holds the CFP certification is well prepared and qualified to give you sound, professional advice.
As a result of its established recognition and credibility as a symbol of educational competence and continued commitment to financial planning excellence, FPA recommends the use of a CFP professional for your financial planning needs.
1The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) connects those who need, support and deliver financial planning. FPA believe that everyone is entitled to objective advice from a competent, ethical financial planner to make smart financial decisions.