Taking the CFP® Exam is a major step in your financial planning career. It’s the culmination of your coursework, and after you cross this bridge, you'll emerge one step closer to achieving your goal. You know you'll need to put in long hours to master the material, but what if the standard testing environment doesn't allow you to perform at your best? You can request CFP® Exam accommodations.
If you're not sure if you're eligible for exam accommodations, what type may be available, or how to go about getting them, we're walking you through what you need to know.
What Are CFP® Exam Accommodations?
Exam accommodations (for any exam, not just the CFP® Exam) are changes or adjustments made to the standard testing environment and auxiliary aids and services so people with disabilities have a fair testing experience. They don't give anyone an unfair advantage, but they do level the playing ground by removing barriers that may prevent a candidate from demonstrating their skill and knowledge.
When Are CFP® Accommodations Granted?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. CFP Board provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities, but the candidate must show documented proof plus need for them. Here are some examples of reasons for CFP® Exam accommodations, though this list isn't exhaustive.
- Physical Disabilities: Conditions affecting mobility, dexterity, or sensory functions, like visual impairment, hearing loss, or conditions that require the use of a wheelchair or other mobility device.
- Learning Disabilities and ADHD: Documented learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, autism, or ADHD can impact a person's ability to concentrate and manage time in a standardized testing environment.
- Psychological and Psychiatric Conditions: Anxiety disorders, depression, and other psychological conditions can affect an individual's performance in the standard testing environment.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Long-term medical issues, such as Crohn's disease, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis, may require specific accommodations, like extra breaks or permission to have medical supplies in the testing room.
- Temporary Medical Conditions: Even short-term conditions, like a broken arm or a recent surgery, can be grounds for temporary accommodations.
- Breastfeeding: While this is not a disability, candidates who are breastfeeding will receive accommodation, such as a stop-the-clock break to breast
Examples of Available Accommodations for the CFP® Exam
Once CFP Board approves a request, the specific CFP®Exam accommodations provided depend on the candidate’s documented needs. The idea is to tailor the support to the individual. Some examples include a separate testing space, extra stop-the-clock breaks, adaptive equipment or assistive technology, or a person acting as a scribe who can write down a candidate's dictated answers. The most frequent accommodation is extended testing time, such as receiving 1.5 times or two times the standard testing duration.
How to Request CFP® Exam Accommodations
Requesting accommodations for the CFP® Exam is a straightforward process, but you need to be organized and mindful of deadlines. Here are the steps to get it done:
Step 1: Start Early
Do not wait until the last minute. CFP Board takes time to review requests, and they have an accommodation request deadline, usually about five weeks or so before the CFP® Exam testing window begins. Make sure you get your request form and all supporting documentation submitted before the deadline or you may not receive your request.
Step 2: Gather Your Documentation
This is the most critical part of the process. You’ll need to provide recent and comprehensive documentation from a qualified professional who diagnosed your condition. The documentation must:
- Clearly state your specific diagnosis.
- Describe the functional limitations caused by the disability and how they impact you in a standardized testing environment.
- Provide a rationale for each requested accommodation. It’s not enough to say you need extra time; your evaluator must explain why extra time is necessary based on your specific diagnosis.
- Be current. For most learning disabilities, documentation should be within the last five years. For psychiatric and medical conditions, it should typically be within the last year.
If you received accommodations in a previous educational setting (like college) or on other standardized exams (like the SAT or GRE), be sure to include that history. It provides strong supporting evidence for your request.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Request Form
The testing accommodations request form is located on CFP Board's website. Fill it out completely and accurately and submit it with your supporting documentation through your online CFP Board account. The system will guide you through uploading your files.
Step 4: Await the Decision
Once you’ve submitted everything, CFP Board reviews everything, and this can take several weeks. We know it's tough to be patient, but you'll get notification of their decision via email.
If your request is approved, the email will tell you the exact accommodations you have been granted. If it is denied, the notification will explain the reason. You may have the opportunity to appeal the decision by providing additional information, so pay close attention to the instructions and deadlines provided.
Try the BIF Review FREE for 30 Days
The CFP® Exam is difficult, but with the right preparation and CFP® Exam accommodations, you can pass the exam and earn your marks! BIF can help you with the right preparation with The BIF Review, our CFP® Exam prep course designed to help you pass with confidence with expert instruction, unlimited support, and comprehensive materials.
Try it FREE for 30 days to see exactly how we make sure you're ready on Exam Day!
