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Career Path Stories From Finance Professionals eBook
If you’re planning a future in wealth management, this eBook will help learn about potential careers and a variety of career path options.Getting Started in Your Career
March 11, 2026
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The Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalSM (FPQP®) designation introduces financial planning to professionals with no prior experience and also helps deepen foundational knowledge for support staff with some industry experience. It is offered exclusively by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company (CFFP). This article explains the designation, how it differs from the CFP® mark, and the curriculum to help you decide if it's a good fit for your career.
The foundation of financial planning is developing strong relationships with new and current clients, so you can help them achieve their financial goals. The FPQP® designation is for those who have no financial planning experience and want to start building that foundation. The program covers the main facets in personal financial planning with a focus on practical application, such as estate, tax, retirement, insurance, and investments. Holding the FPQP® designation demonstrates to clients that you can gather, review, and analyze their financial information and offer a comprehensive picture of their financial well-being.
CFP® certification is a professional designation for financial planners. Also known as the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ mark, its governing body, CFP Board, administers the credential. CFP® professionals are experienced personal financial advisors who take the lead in helping clients create comprehensive plans for meeting their long-term personal financial goals, such as retirement, college tuition, business startup, a home, and so on. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious designations in personal finance or personal financial planning.
Professionals who have earned the FPQP® designation are part of a financial planning team and often do most tasks associated with financial planning services. Although FPQP® designees can advise clients, they do not usually take the lead in client relationships.
The FPQP® curriculum consists of these 10 modules:
The Financial Planning Process
Business Ownership, Cash Management, and the Use of Debt
The Time Value of Money
Insurance Basics and Property Insurance
Life and Health Insurance
Investment Basics and Strategies
Retirement Planning
Tax Implications of Financial Decisions
Estate Planning Basics
Case Study and Master Index
You can complete the FPQP® program in 100–125 hours of study time, and there is a final exam. This exam has 75 questions, and the passing score is 70 percent or better. Students have 120 days from the date they are provided online access to complete a designation program (including testing and passing the Final Exam).
The FPQP® mark can set you apart from other paraplanners because it demonstrates you have the knowledge and expertise to provide advice to clients as part of an effective financial planning team. You are better able to assist financial planners and their clients while advancing your own financial career.
Earning the designation is also a sound financial decision. FPQP® graduates can generally expect a pay increase after earning the FPQP® designation. Plus, it can help with your future education plans. By earning the FPQP® designation, you can receive credit for the completion of General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Client Psychology in the CFFP CFP® certification education program. This allows you to save both time and money while pursuing multiple credentials.
The FPQP® designation is well-suited for:
New finance professionals who want financial planning credentials to advance their career
Support personnel who work with financial planners and advisors
Individuals interested in a broad base of financial knowledge to assist with their personal finances
To learn more about how to earn a financial planning designation endorsed by top financial firms, visit the FPQP® web page.

eBook
Career Path Stories From Finance Professionals eBook
If you’re planning a future in wealth management, this eBook will help learn about potential careers and a variety of career path options.
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