What Is a Certified Financial Planner™?

The Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) certification is a globally recognized designation that is earned by discerning financial professionals after rigorous education, experience, examination, and ethics requirements. 

The CFP® certification has a 30-year track record of success and has given many clients added confidence when selecting a financial advisor. The CFP® is trusted by major financial institutions and financial planning firms, and more than 10,000 businesses have hired CFPs. Eighty-four percent of consumers who work with a CFP® professional say they are extremely or very satisfied — and 71% are more confident about their finances.

This professional certification for financial planners is recognized in the United States by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards and outside of the United States by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) and its affiliates.

Candidates must meet education and experience requirements, pass a difficult exam, and complete continuing professional education courses annually to earn and maintain the CFP license. CFPs must also commit to ethical standards of the CFP Board, which require them to put clients’ interests first.