The Four E’s of a CFP®

Most people think all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Anyone can use the title “financial planner.” Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of CFP Board can display the CFP^® certification trademarks which represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism.

Education

CFP^® professionals, unlike many other financial advisors, must develop their theoretical and practical knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP Board. Our CFP^® professionals satisfy the education requirement by submitting a transcript review or previous financial planning-related course work. Or, they must show that they have attained certain professional designations or academic degrees that cover the important subjects in CFP Board’s financial planning curriculum.

Examination

Our CFP^® professionals must pass the comprehensive CFP^® Certification Exam, which tests their abilities to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance. This comprehensive exam ensures that our CFP^® professionals are highly qualified to develop a plan for your finances.

Experience

CFP^® professionals complete several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients prior to earning the right to use the CFP^® certification trademarks. This hands-on experience guarantees that CFP^® professionals have practical financial planning knowledge, so you can count on them to help you create a realistic financial plan that fits your individual needs, whatever they may be.

Ethics

When it comes to ethics and professional responsibility, CFP^® professionals are held to the highest of standards, as outlined in CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct. They are obliged to uphold the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence as outlined in CFP Board’s Code of Ethics. The Rules of Conduct require that CFP^® professionals put your interests ahead of their own at all times and provide their financial planning services as a “fiduciary”—acting in the best interest of their financial planning clients. CFP^® professionals are subject to CFP Board sanctions if they violate these standards.