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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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?
Pull out your credentials—Taking the CFP® Accelerated Path means you’ll need one of these CFP Board-recognized designations or degrees:
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.
Time is money, and the Accelerated Path can save you plenty of both. Here’s a quick timeline for what lies ahead:
Not sure if you qualify? Follow these simple steps to check your 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.
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.
Whether you’re taking the traditional route or the Accelerated Path, Boston Institute of Finance (BIF) has your back. Our cutting-edge programs include:
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.