Are you looking to boost your career in financial planning or make the shift from banking or accounting? Earning your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) certification could be the game-changer you've been waiting for if you're working as a financial advisor or in wealth management. This professional designation doesn't just add a fancy acronym to your name—it opens doors to higher earning potential, career advancement, and increased credibility with clients and employers and, spoiler, it makes you better at your job!
If you want to know more about the CFP® certification process or whether it’s the right move for you, stick with us. We’re breaking it all down, from what the certification is and its requirements to its benefits, costs, and the opportunities it can open up.
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® is a financial professional recognized by CFP Board for expertise in financial planning after meeting their strict requirements in education and experience and passing their comprehensive exam. Earning this certification isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about helping individuals and businesses create strategies for investments, taxes, retirement, insurance, and even estate management.
Think of a CFP® professional as a trusted guide for financial decisions—someone who makes sure their clients’ money is working as hard as they are. When you earn this certification, it sends a signal to clients (and employers) that you’re qualified, ethical, and committed to their financial future.
Earning the CFP® designation involves checking off four major milestones—commonly known as the "4 E's."
CFP Board does offer an Accelerated Path which allows you to skip much of the education coursework requirement, except the capstone course. You can take the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification if you have one of the following eligible designations, degrees, or credentials:
After you meet the CFP Education coursework requirement, you have to show you not only remember it, but you can also apply it to real-world scenarios. This is where the
170-question, six-hour CFP® Exam enters the chat, testing your knowledge in the following topics:
It's not easy, but hey, nothing worthwhile is. But don’t panic—we’ve got your back. Prep courses like the BIF Review (starting at just $995) will make sure you know exactly what you need to help you pass on the first try.
How long does it take to become a CFP® professional? It's typically not a fast process —the average timeline ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on factors like your starting experience and how long it takes you to complete the education coursework requirements.
We know you want to earn your CFP® certification as soon as possible. And we know most students need accountability and structure to stick with it. At Boston Institute of Finance, our streamlined, instructor-led program brings the best of both worlds – streamlined content with accountability and structure so you can move through the coursework requirement and pass the exam in less than a year!
Becoming a CFP® professional isn't a "set it and forget it" kind of deal. You'll need to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including two hours of ethics education. Think of it as a way to keep your skills sharp and stay on top of industry trends.
There’s no sugarcoating it—becoming a CFP® professional requires an investment. Here’s the breakdown of typical costs:
An exam prep course isn't a CFP Board requirement (but it is highly recommended). And, the BIF Review can help you get ready to pass the first time (saving money on exam retest fees) and pass faster (and we all know time is money).
At the Boston Institute of Finance, we believe cost shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving your career goals. That’s why we offer premium CFP® Education starting at $2,995 and BIF Review starting at $995.
Now that you've seen the journey to earning your CFP® certification, you're probably wondering if it's worth all the hard work and the financial investment.
The short answer? Absolutely.
Earning potential skyrockets once you have your CFP® credential. According to CFP Board data1, median earnings for CFP® professionals are $192,000 annually. Even professionals with minimal financial planning experience can see the financial benefits of certification. The same study showed that CFP® professionals with less than five years of financial planning experience earned a median of $103,000 in total compensation.
Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this credential can give your paycheck a serious boost.
Employers in financial services often look for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals—some even require it, especially for senior roles. Earning your CFP® certification can give you the edge for promotions, partnerships, and landing your next big opportunity.
The CFP® certification is widely known and respected as the gold standard for financial planners. It shows prospective clients and employers that you have comprehensive knowledge, met rigorous standards, and are committed to acting ethically and in your clients’ best interests.
Basically, having those three letters after your name does some serious heavy lifting for your reputation.
Okay, the “more money, better reputation, bigger career” benefits are all great. But even more awesome, becoming a CFP® professional makes you a better financial planner. You’re not just learning about tax, insurance, and estate planning—you’re learning how to put the pieces of all these things together to create more holistic financial plans for your clients that lead to better outcomes.
And having happy clients who are meeting their financial goals—that feels pretty good.
The CFP Board is your go-to for building connections and finding your career path. From networking events and town halls to career fairs, they make it easier to connect with mentors, collaborate with peers, and grow professionally.
(Think “How to make friends and influence people” as a CFP® professional)
Learn more: 7 Benefits of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Certification
Holding a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification provides opportunities to a wide variety of careers in the financial services industry, including:
These roles are not only satisfying but also in high demand as more clients seek personalized, professional financial advice.
And it’s nice to feel needed, isn’t it?
Feeling inspired? You’ve got what it takes to earn your CFP® certification and unlock the future you’ve been dreaming about. At Boston Institute of Finance, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from education to exam prep, so you can achieve your goals in less than one year.
Connect with a Student Advisor today!
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