How to become a certified financial planner

Typically, it takes 18-24 months to become a CFP® professional, but the certification process offers flexibility so you can make it work for you.

Summary. Yes, CFPs are worth the investment — a fact I can attest to because I use one — but not just any one. If he were to retire, finding a replacement would be hard because, in finances, as well as in life, it’s all about relationships: The right CFP literally has to be the right person.

On average, it takes between 18 and 24 months to become a CFP, and can cost a minimum of $4,000 (if you already have an undergraduate degree).

The certified financial planner exam is one of the hardest tests in the financial planning industry. That said, becoming a CFP is no cake walk. On practice management, research and industry insights, delivered weekly. The certified financial planner exam is likely the hardest test you’ll ever take, Dorsainvil says.

The CFA is much much much MUCH more difficult than the CFP. You’ll have more credibility in the industry with a CFA, especially with high net worth individuals or if you move over to big 401k plans, db plans, etc… In my opinion most of a Financial Advisors duty is just sales.

The multiple choice exam uses real-life situations to assess an applicant’s ability to use broad financial planning knowledge. Overall, the CFP program is shorter and less-rigorous than the CFA program. If you think this could be the program for you, you can learn more about CFP certification requirements here.

The catch: There aren’t enough to meet demand. There are about 76,000 certified financial planners (CFPs) in the U.S. now, but there’s room for more. In fact, financial advisors, in general, are one of the most in-demand positions, according to a recent CareerCast report on the toughest jobs to fill.

The Importance of the CFP Designation

Unlike some certificates that are worth little more than the paper they’re printed on, the CFP designation is one of the most prestigious financial certificates around.

The CFP designation is much easier to obtain than the CPA, CMA or CFA, but that is not to say it isn’t well respected.

Lately, the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation has transitioned from a “nice to have” credential to quickly become the minimum standard for many financial advisors. There are a host of financial planning designations after the CFP that you can earn – CLU, CLTC, CFA- and the list goes on and on.

The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Exam

The scope includes professional conduct and regulations, financial planning principles, education planning, risk management, insurance, investments, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Financial Advisor

They can be stockbrokers, insurance agents, money managers, estate planners, bankers, and more. Financial planners with the CFP® designation are likely to create short-term and long-term financial goals for their clients and then devise financial plans for achieving them.

Candidates for CFP® certification often choose to establish a private practice, either by themselves or in conjunction with other planners. Some planners work for banks, credit unions, insurance companies, accounting or law firms, credit counseling organizations and brokerage firms.

Independent Financial Planner

Independent financial planners and advisors can base their offices out of their homes as long as their homes provide a professional backdrop for their practices.

High Stress Industry

Financial advisors can experience a great deal of stress when starting this career. Financial advisors are constantly managing the emotions of their clients based on downturns in the market, and this can lead to a high level of stress over time.

The CFP Board will allow professionals to sit for their national Board exam and pass without having the work experience. At least 3 years of full or part-time work experience. Work experience may be earned up to 10 years prior to passing the Board exam or 5 years thereafter.

No. After you take the exam (and assuming you meet the other CFP board requirements education, experience, etc.) and earn the designation, it can take the place of the Series 65 or 66 in most states for fee-based planning.