What is a CFP®?
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) is a financial advisor who has earned one of the most prestigious certifications in the financial planning industry. The CFP® certification is administered by the CFP Board, a nonprofit organization that sets and enforces standards for financial planners. CFP® professionals are held to rigorous ethical standards and are required to put their clients' interests first.
Requirements to Become a CFP®
Becoming a CFP® requires completing the four "E's": Education (completing a CFP Board-registered education program), Exam (passing a rigorous 170-question examination), Experience (6,000 hours of professional experience or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship), and Ethics (passing a background check and agreeing to uphold ethical standards). The process typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
What CFP® Professionals Do
CFP® professionals provide comprehensive financial planning services including retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, insurance analysis, and education funding strategies. They take a holistic view of your financial life and create integrated plans that address all aspects of your financial situation.
Why Work with a CFP®?
Working with a CFP® professional gives you confidence that your advisor has demonstrated competence through rigorous testing, commits to ongoing education, and is held to high ethical standards. CFP® professionals must act as fiduciaries when providing financial planning, meaning they must put your interests ahead of their own.