Why a CFP^®?

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PRACTITIONERS 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, individuals must meet four main requirements.

1. Education. Candidates for certification must show the attainment of certain educational requirements before sitting for the exam. Once they become CFP® certificants, they must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current in financial planning knowledge, including ethics.
2. Examination. They must successfully complete the CFP® Certification Examination, which tests the individual’s knowledge on various key aspects of financial planning.
3. Experience. They must acquire three years of financial planning-related experience before receiving the right to use the CFP® marks.
4. 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 marks.

Compliance with these four all-important areas assures you that an individual who holds the CFP® certificate 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, the Financial Planning Association®(FPA®) recommends the use of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ PRACTITIONER for your financial planning needs.