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Why CFP® Certification

Why Get Certified

Earning your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is the most beneficial step you can take to accelerate your career and better serve your clients. As a CFP® professional, you’ll enjoy a rewarding, in-demand career while helping people achieve their financial dreams.

The CFP® Certification Difference

Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. Only those who have met CFP Board's high standards for certification can call themselves a CFP® professional.

Where Can CFP® Certification Take You?

Work for a large firm. Join a small independent firm. Build a solo practice. In whatever role you choose, CFP® certification opens the door to numerous opportunities to serve clients and help them reach their financial goals.

More on Career Paths

Financial Planner

Creates holistic financial plans to meet the unique financial goals of their clients.

Financial Analyst

Performs research and analysis and/or manages investment options, making recommendations to advisors.

Client Services Advisor

Prepares financial plans for review and implementation, participates in client meetings and works on follow-ups for clients.

Investment Manager

Selects and manages investments on behalf of a firm and its clients.

Wealth Management Advisor

Develops one-on-one relationships with high-net-worth clients and helps to construct investment portfolios.

Portfolio Manager

Manages client assets and portfolios in accordance with firm's guidelines, and contributes to research and analysis of investment opportunities and firm investment philosophy.

There's so much transformation in one's life when they get their finances together. It's a great feeling because I know I helped them get there.
Brittney Castro
CFP® Professional

CFP® Certification Sets You Apart

Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor. Only those who have met CFP Board's high standards for certification can call themselves a CFP® professional.

Financial Advisor Without Certification CFP® Professional
Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor Meets requirements established by CFP Board
May not have committed to act as a fiduciary Committed to CFP Board to fiduciary duty to act in clients’ best interests
72% client satisfaction 87% client satisfaction
Lower compensation on average Earns 12% more than other financial planners**

CFP® Certification: More Important Than Ever

CFP® professionals can help clients navigate times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic and provide the holistic financial planning to prepare them better for a secure tomorrow.

Download Our Guide to Learn More

SOURCES

* USA Today, “From taxes to retirement: Everything to know about the evolving role of financial advisers

** College for Financial Planning®, a Kaplan Company’s 2019 survey of 758 financial planners

Start your journey to CFP® Certification

  • Track your progress with the CFP® Certification Tracker
  • Post your resume at the Career Center
  • Connect with a mentor who can guide you
  • Register and prepare for the exam
  • Find career and financial support
  • Connect with other candidates at our online forum