Earning your CFP® certification can give your career the kickstart you’ve been wanting. More opportunities? Check. Enhanced credibility? For sure. Boosted income potential? You bet. But let’s be real—it’s not easy. Becoming a CFP® professional requires commitment, with education, exams, and practical experience all in the mix.
Need to get there faster? Good news—you might be eligible to fast-track your certification by taking the CFP® Accelerated Path. Here’s a breakdown of how it works, who qualifies, and what you need to succeed.
The Traditional Path to Becoming a CFP® Professional
Before we talk shortcuts, here’s a snapshot of the “traditional path” to CFP® certification. It’s built around the "4 E's": Education, Exam, Experience, and Ethics.
1. Education
First, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and to complete a CFP Board-Registered education program. This means tackling courses like financial planning, investments, insurance, retirement planning, tax, and estate planning. Oh, and don’t forget the Capstone Course, which pulls it all together with real-world application.
2. Exam
Next, there’s the big one—the CFP® Exam. It's a 170-question test designed to see if you can apply all that knowledge to client scenarios. (Pro tip: This isn’t just about spitting out stuff you memorized; it’s real-world problem-solving.)
3. Experience
To truly earn your stripes, you’ll need to rack up some experience—6,000 hours of financial planning work, to be exact. Or, if you prefer, 4,000 hours under a CFP® professional's supervision in an apprenticeship-based setup.
4. Ethics
Finally, you’ve got to play by the rules by signing the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct—and yes, there’s a background check.
What Is the CFP® Accelerated Path?
Here’s where things get interesting. The CFP® Accelerated Path lets certain qualified candidates skip most of the education requirements. Sound amazing? It is. Instead of completing seven courses plus the Capstone, you’ll only need to nail the Capstone Course. (Yes, really!)
That said, you’ll still need to meet the Exam, Experience, and Ethics requirements. But by cutting down on coursework, you can fast-track the entire process from a year or more down to just a few months.
This option is tailor-made for seasoned financial pros, like accountants, CFAs, or financial advisors, looking to level up quickly. Why reinvent the wheel when you’ve already got years of expertise?
Who’s Eligible for the Accelerated Path?
Pull out your credentials—Taking the CFP® Accelerated Path means you’ll need one of these CFP Board-recognized designations or degrees:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics
- Licensed Attorney
- International CFP® Certification
If you’ve got one of these, you’re in luck. You can skip the bulk of the coursework, complete the Capstone Course, and focus on passing the exam and gaining experience (if you don’t already have it). You’re well on your way to adding "CFP®” after your name.
How Long Does the Accelerated Path Take?
Time is money, and the Accelerated Path can save you plenty of both. Here’s a quick timeline for what lies ahead:
- Capstone Course: Two to six weeks (depending on your program—BIF students complete their Capstone in an average of two weeks!)
- CFP® Exam Preparation: Two to six months of focused study
- Experience Requirement: You can claim relevant work experience from up to 10 years before or 5 years after passing your exam.
How to Determine Your Eligibility for the CFP® Accelerated Path
Not sure if you qualify? Follow these simple steps to check your eligibility:
- Create a CFP Board Account
- Sign up on the CFP Board website and create a profile. It’ll act as your personal HQ for tracking your progress.
- Submit Documentation
- Upload proof of your designation (CPA, CFA, etc.) or advanced degree for CFP Board review.
- Share Transcripts
- Send official transcripts to verify your bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
- Confirm Eligibility
Once approved, the CFP Board will greenlight your Accelerated Path. Then it’s time to enroll in the Capstone Course and prep for the exam.
Feel uncertain? Don’t sweat it. The team at Boston Institute of Finance is ready to help you figure it out—just give them a shout.
Is the Accelerated Path Right for You?
The Accelerated Path is perfect for experienced finance professionals who want to bolster their credentials without starting from scratch. If you’ve already mastered core financial planning concepts through work or advanced study, this is your chance to make the most of it.
By transferring your skills and knowledge, you can efficiently earn your CFP® certification—and spend less time in the classroom, more time making a difference for your clients.
Take the Fast Track to CFP® Certification with BIF
Whether you’re taking the traditional route or the Accelerated Path, Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) has your back. Our cutting-edge programs include:
- Convenient online access—perfect for busy professionals.
- Streamlined, focused content to maximize your study time.
- Budget-friendly bundles, including everything you need to conquer the CFP® Exam.
Don’t wait! Connect with a Student Advisor today to confirm your eligibility. They’ll help you map out a personalized game plan that fast-tracks your path to success.
Fast-track your career. Grow your expertise. Become a CFP® professional with the Boston Institute of Finance.
