Frequently Asked Questions About the CFP® Exam

The questions most frequently asked about the CFP^® exam and certification are answered in this article, equipping you with the information you need to plan for this next step in your career.

What is CFP® certification?

CFP^® certification is a professional designation for financial planners. Also known as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification or CFP^® mark, its governing body, CFP Board, administers the credential. With financial advising and planning estimated to be one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations, getting your CFP^® mark can help set you apart in the industry.

What is the difference between the CFP® certification and the CFA® charter?

The CFP^® mark and CFA^® charter are both the most prestigious designations in their respective fields, and each is administered by a governing body. A CFP^® professional is likely to be a financial planner, wealth manager, or financial advisor. CFA charterholders commonly help individuals and institutions invest and allocate assets. To earn CFP^® certification, you must sit for and pass one exam; the CFA Program exam has three levels. Our article about the CFP® mark vs the CFA charter has more details.

What is the difference between the CFP® certification and a master’s in personal financial planning?

Both the CFP^® certification and a master’s degree in personal financial planning lead to unique professional opportunities for those with a bachelor’s degree who want a career in personal finance and planning. But their requirements, topics of study, and their benefits are slightly different. To make a decision, you need to think about what you want to do long-term. This article compares the two options in greater detail.

What jobs can I get with the CFP® certification?

CFP^® professionals usually become financial planners or advisers, helping clients with investment decisions, taxes, and selecting insurance policies and retirement plans. While no two days will ever be the same, much of the work involves meeting with clients, analyzing financial information, and researching new opportunities.

How do I earn the CFP® certification?

Earning the CFP® certification involves the following steps:

1. Complete a CFP Board Registered Education Program and make sure CFP Board is notified.

2. Sit for the CFP^® exam.

3. Hold or earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college within five years of passing the CFP^® exam.

4. Demonstrate financial planning experience. This can be professional experience (6,000 hours) in relevant personal financial planning activities, or apprenticeship experience (4,000 hours) that meets additional requirements.

5. Pass CFP Board’s Candidate Fitness Standards.

What is the CFP® exam? Why should I take it?

The CFP^® exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam. It consists of two 3-hour sessions that are divided into distinct subsections (two subsections within each session). The sessions are separated by a 40-minute scheduled break. You may also take an optional break between the subsections. It is offered three times a year in March, July, and November at almost 50 locations nationwide.

Recruiters and prospective employers recognize CFP^® certification as the most desired designation in the growing financial planning and advisor field. If your objective is a career as a financial planner or financial adviser, you should consider earning the CFP^® mark, which means taking and passing the exam.

Did you know you can get a sneak peak at the CFP® exam to determine if it's right for you? It's all in our free eBook.

What are the requirements to sit for the CFP® exam?

To sit for the CFP^® exam, you will need to complete a CFP Board Registered Education Program first. After you complete it, CFP Board must be notified. Usually, your coursework provider will do that for you. There are no degree requirements to sit for the CFP^® exam, but you will have to earn a bachelor’s degree within five years of passing the exam. You don’t need a sponsor to take the exam. Also, candidates often use a CFP® exam study package before they take the exam, but it’s not required.

While most candidates must complete a full Registered Education Program, those with certain professional credentials (like a CFA^® or CPA) can take an "Accelerated Path" that only requires completing a Capstone course.

Should I earn the CFP® mark if I already have a different certification or charter?

It depends. If you have a securities or insurance license, the CFP^® certification can be helpful if you would like to add planning to your repertoire. On the other hand, if you are a CFA charterholder, a CFP^® mark might not be necessary.

The CFP Board provides an Accelerated Path for individuals with specific professional designations. Starting in 2026, the Certified Investment Management Analyst^® (CIMA^®) certification was added to this list alongside credentials like CFA^®, CPA, and other approved degrees or licenses. Candidates on this path are exempt from the standard seven-course requirement but must still complete a Capstone course, hold a bachelor’s degree, and pass the CFP^® exam.

Is the CFP® exam paper or computer-based?

The CFP^® exam is computer-based and administered at a Prometric testing center.

What topics are covered on the CFP® exam?

The topics covered on the CFP^® exam include general financial planning principles, investment planning, retirement savings and income planning, risk management and insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning, professional conduct and regulation, and psychology of financial planning.

How many questions are on the CFP® exam?

The CFP^® exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that test your ability to apply your financial planning knowledge to client situations. The topic weights break down as follows:

How much time does it take to study for the CFP® exam?

Most candidates spend between 250 and 300 hours studying for the CFP^® exam, although there are reports that it took some candidates much more than that. The entire CFP^® certification program, including CFP Board Required Education, takes at a minimum about a year.

How hard is the CFP® exam?

The CFP^® exam is not easy, which is one reason the mark is among the most respected certifications in the financial services industry. It includes case studies, short scenario questions, and standalone questions designed to assess your knowledge of financial planning concepts and how to apply them to specific situations. It requires a significant investment of time to be successful. But most of the time, failing the exam is the result of not preparing properly. If you put together a stellar study plan and are willing to invest in your exam preparation, you can increase your odds of passing.

How much does it cost to sit for the CFP® exam?

There are three levels of pricing for the CFP^® exam:

• Early: $825

• Standard: $925

• Late: $1,025

Check CFP Board's website for deadlines specific to upcoming exam dates.

What are the pass rates and passing scores for the CFP® exam?

The most CFP Board says on the passing score for the exam is that it is based on a minimal competency level required to pass the exam, which is determined by CFP^® professionals. For the March 2023 exam, the overall pass rate was 65 percent, and the pass rate for first-time exam takers was approximately 69 percent.

If I fail the CFP® exam, what is the wait time before I can retake it?

Candidates who do not pass the exam on their first try can take it two more times in a 24-month period. You then have to wait a year before retaking it. If you don’t pass the exam after five attempts, you cannot take it again.

Ready to earn your CFP® mark?

We hope this article answers your pressing questions about the CFP^® exam and certification. If you’re interested in taking the exam, we have CFP® exam study packages. Or if you’re just starting out and need to complete the required education, explore our CFP Board-registered education program.