FPSB’s CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification Requirements

Only those who have fulfilled initial and ongoing certification requirements, as adapted by an FPSB affiliate organization for its territory or delivered by CFP Board in the United States, can hold themselves out as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals.

To obtain CFP certification, individuals must meet rigorous initial certification requirements adapted to local marketplace needs. To maintain their right to use the CFP Marks, CFP professionals must complete ongoing
renewal requirements.

FPSB’s requirements are designed to be consistent across borders; however, each program may adapt the requirements to fit with local regulations, laws and products. These requirements are in compliance with FPSB’s public-interest mission of benefiting the clients and potential clients of financial planners looking to identify qualified financial planning professionals around the world.

Education

• Complete a financial planner education program whose format and content meet the specifications outlined in FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Framework, localized for a territory
• The financial planner education program completed is at an academic level equivalent to the Learning Level Descriptors described in FPSB’s Financial Planning Curriculum Framework

Assessment

• Complete one year of supervised, or three years of unsupervised, relevant work experience within 10 years prior to CFP certification or after passing the CFP exam
• Evidence of relevant work experience, verified by the territory’s FPSB affiliate organization.
• Complete a financial plan to demonstrate mastery of the Fundamental Financial Planning Practices and Financial Planner Professional Skills, integrating across the Financial Planning Components, as described in FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile
• Pass a valid and reliable CFP certification exam(s) that assesses the candidate’s knowledge and abilities of the Fundamental Financial Planning Practices and Financial Planning Components covered in FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile

Certification

• Agrees to abide by FPSB’s Financial Planner Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Financial Planning Practice Standards and rules for correct use of the CFP marks once certified
• Attest to Fitness Requirements, verified by the territory’s FPSB affiliate organization
• Attest that all CFP certification requirements have been met, verified by the territory’s FPSB affiliate organization

Ongoing Competency

• Complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development every two years as outlined in FPSB’s Financial Planner Competency Profile
• At least two of the 30 hours address topics covered in FPSB’s Financial Planner Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and/or FPSB’s Financial Planning Practice Standards, verified by the territory’s FPSB affiliate organization
• Continue to adhere to FPSB’s Financial Planner Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards
• Attest that all Continuing Professional Development hours have been met, verified by the territory’s FPSB affiliate organization

Recertification

• FPSB requires CFP professionals in good standing to renew their CFP certification at least every three years.
• Must disclose any Disciplinary, Criminal or Civil Proceedings that occurred during the certification period, consistent with local laws
• Re-attest to adherence to FPSB’s Financial Planner Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards
• CFP marks were not used during the lapsed period of CFP certification