Each candidate must meet the knowledge criteria set forth by CFP Board prior to sitting for the exam. There are three ways candidates can fulfill the required education:
- Complete a CFP Board-registered Education Program
Academic programs include for-credit and non-credit certificate programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Learn more about the College for Financial Planning-a Kaplan Company's education program offerings
here.
- Apply for Accelerated Path
Previous education and licenses may fulfill CFP Board education requirements and allow you to apply for the exam with Accelerated Path. Academic degrees and credentials that fulfill the education requirement* include:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
- Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
- Licensed Attorney
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics
- CFP Certification from Outside the U.S. [from the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) affiliate located in your territory of residence]
*This does not include the Financial Plan Development Course, which challenge candidates must fulfill.
- Request a Transcript Review
Successful completion of upper-division level college courses or certain industry credentials recognized by CFP Board may satisfy some or all of the education requirements.
Bachelor's Degree Requirement
Candidates must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university within five years after passing the exam to receive CFP certification. Attaining a bachelor's degree is not a requirement to be eligible to take the CFP exam and does not have to occur before sitting for the exam or fulfilling the work experience.
