CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Requirements & Prerequisites
Everything you need to know before registering for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner), eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.
Cost
$825
Provider
CFP Board
Validity
2 years (30 CE hours)
Available
USA
Education
Check official exam requirements
Experience
1-3 years of hands-on experience recommended
Specific Requirements
- Complete CFP Board-approved coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program, or have equivalent coursework accepted through CFP Board's Transcript Review process, before sitting the exam.
- You may register for the exam before finishing the coursework, but CFP Board must receive verification by the education verification deadline for your window or the registration is withdrawn and a $500 postponement fee applies.
- Certain degrees and credentials qualify for the Accelerated Path, which lets you bypass most of the coursework and complete only the Capstone course or Capstone Alternative.
- A bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline from a college or university accredited by a body recognised by the US Department of Education. The degree is required for certification, not for exam eligibility, and may be completed within five years after passing the exam.
- 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process, or 4,000 hours under the Apprenticeship Pathway, which may be earned before or after the exam and reported at any time through your CFP Board account.
- Meet CFP Board's Fitness Standards. Felony convictions, misdemeanours involving fraud, theft, misrepresentation, drugs or alcohol, professional discipline and bankruptcy can bar or delay certification.
- Sign the Ethics Declaration and Agreement and pass a CFP Board background check as the final step before certification.
Number of Questions
170 multiple-choice questions, 85 in each 3-hour session
Duration
Two 3-hour sessions on the same day, with a scheduled 40-minute break between them and optional breaks between subsections
Question Format
Stand-alone questions, typically 2 to 3 sentences with 4 answer options, Short scenario questions, typically 3 questions attached to one scenario shown on the left of the screen, Case study questions, where the case runs several pages and carries typically 8 to 12 questions
Passing Requirement
Pass or fail only. Each question counts for 1 point and passing depends on the total score across all sections. CFP Board sets the cut score through a standard-setting process and does not publish a percentage of questions that must be answered correctly, and does not predetermine a pass rate.
How It Is Delivered
Computer-based at Prometric test centers, more than 265 sites in the United States, during 8-day windows in March, July and November. Remote proctoring through Prometric ProProctor is available on request from the November 2026 exam onward for candidates more than 60 miles from a test center or with a qualifying medical condition, United States only.
Languages Offered
English (CFP Board does not list any other exam language)
Visit the official CFP Board certification page
Create an account and select your exam
Choose a test center or online proctoring option
Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
- Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
- Appointment confirmation email
- For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
What are the prerequisites for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner)?
Complete CFP Board-approved coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program, or have equivalent coursework accepted through CFP Board's Transcript Review process, before sitting the exam.. You may register for the exam before finishing the coursework, but CFP Board must receive verification by the education verification deadline for your window or the registration is withdrawn and a $500 postponement fee applies.. Certain degrees and credentials qualify for the Accelerated Path, which lets you bypass most of the coursework and complete only the Capstone course or Capstone Alternative.. A bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline from a college or university accredited by a body recognised by the US Department of Education. The degree is required for certification, not for exam eligibility, and may be completed within five years after passing the exam.. 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process, or 4,000 hours under the Apprenticeship Pathway, which may be earned before or after the exam and reported at any time through your CFP Board account.. Meet CFP Board's Fitness Standards. Felony convictions, misdemeanours involving fraud, theft, misrepresentation, drugs or alcohol, professional discipline and bankruptcy can bar or delay certification.. Sign the Ethics Declaration and Agreement and pass a CFP Board background check as the final step before certification..
How much does the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) cost?
The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam costs $825. This includes the exam fee only, study materials are additional.
How do I register for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner)?
Visit the official CFP Board certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date
What should I bring to the CFP (Certified Financial Planner)?
Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.
Ready to prepare for CFP (Certified Financial Planner)?
Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.
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