Why Use a Certified Financial Planner™

They apply their knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regularly updated research of what planners do, the CFP® Board’s exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Experience – CFP® Practitioners must have a minimum of three years’ experience counseling clients on financial matters prior to earning the CFP® mark. As a result, CFP® Practitioners possess financial counseling skills in addition to their financial planning knowledge.

Education – CFP® Practitioners develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum. There are over 100 educational institutions registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP® Board).

Examination – CFP® Practitioners must pass a comprehensive two-day, 10-hour CFP® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply their knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regularly updated research of what planners do, the CFP® Board’s exam covers the financial planning process, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Ethics – As a final step to certification, CFP® Practitioners agree to abide by the CFP® Board’s Practice Standards and a strict code of professional conduct, known as the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility that sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, to clients and to employers. Through the Code of Ethics, CFP® Practitioners agree to act fairly and diligently when they provide you with financial planning advice and services, always putting your interests first. The Code of Ethics states that CFP® Practitioners are to act with integrity, offering you professional services that are based on your needs.

Source: Financial Planning Association