Choose Wisely: Finding the Best CFP® Program

You're ready to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® (an excellent decision, by the way). Now, you need to start working on your CFP^® coursework requirements. But with so many programs to choose from, how do you choose the best one? We know it's a tough decision, so we're walking you through what to look for and how to choose the best CFP^® program. 

What Is CFP® Coursework?

CFP Board requires all candidates to complete a registered coursework program to make sure you have the knowledge and skills deemed necessary to provide competent and ethical financial planning services to clients. The coursework will cover eight Principal Knowledge Topics: 

1. Professional Conduct and Regulation
2. General Principles of Financial Planning
3. Risk Management and Insurance Planning
4. Investment Planning
5. Tax Planning
6. Retirement Savings and Income Planning
7. Estate Planning
8. Psychology of Financial Planning

All CFP Board-Registered programs end in a capstone project—a practical project with case studies and client scenarios where you apply what you learned to real world scenarios. 

How Long Does It Take to Complete a CFP^® Program? 

Most candidates complete their coursework in 12 to 18 months, but there are a bunch of factors that determine how long it takes.

• Are you eligible for the Accelerated Path? If you are a, CPA, CFA^®, CLU^® or ChFC®, or licensed attorney, or you hold a Ph.D. in financial planning, finance, business administration, or economics, you can skip most of the coursework and just complete the capstone project. 
• Are you planning on a self-guided or instructor-led course? Self-guided means you take as much or as little time as you need to work through the material, while an instructor-led course keeps you on a specific pace and path to completion. 
• How deep does the material go? Some CFP^® programs dive deep into the weeds of the Principal Knowledge Topics, while others focus on the essential information you need for the CFP^® Exam and your career.  

Financial planning pro tip: BIF provides streamlined curriculum taught by subject matter experts with practical, real-world experience so you learn exactly what you need for the exam and how to better advise your clients. Many of our students complete their coursework requirement in less than nine months! 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best CFP^® Program (for You)

Before you start shopping around, take a step back and consider what you really need. The best CFP® program is not necessarily the one that costs the most or has the most features—it's the one that meets your learning style and that you can stick with. So, first, let's look at the factors to consider when choosing an education program. 

CFP Board Registered

This is a non-negotiable. Only a CFP Board-Registered program will fulfill the coursework requirement and allow you to sit for the CFP^® Exam. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, Board-Registered courses will cover the eight Principal Knowledge Topics to ensure you're more prepared to take (and pass!) the CFP^® Exam. 

So, make sure when you're weighing your options, you're only looking at Board-Registered ones.  

Program Format

Do you want the freedom and flexibility to go at your own pace through a CFP^® program or would rather study at 2:00 A.M.? If so, consider a self-guided or self-paced course that you can fit into your busy schedule and complete at the speed that works best for you. 

On the other hand, if you want more support and engagement, consider an instructor-led program. This allows you to ask questions in a (usually virtual) classroom environment and feel more connected to your instructors and peers. Also, having regularly scheduled classes provides the accountability you may need to stay on track and focused. 

Benefits of a 100% self-paced review:

• Ultimate flexibility to study when it works for you
• The ability to spend more time where you need it
• No pressure to keep up with a group

Benefits of instructor-led review:

• Real-time Q&A sessions
• Structured schedules that keep you on track
• Peer interaction and discussion
• Immediate feedback and clarification

Student Support

There's no sugarcoating it—a CFP^® program is a lot of work, especially when you're juggling your career, family, and just life. It's easy to get off track when you're on your own, so it's important to consider the support available from your program.

Is there a way to ask questions when you're confused? How quickly do you get responses? Some courses offer live office hours, others provide email support, phone support, or discussion forums.

Having support that allows you to easily ask questions, get personalized guidance, and access tutoring, and other resources can be the difference between breezing through the program or getting stuck.

Course Length

Of course, you set the pace if you choose a self-guided program, but if you choose an instructor-led option, be sure to see how long the program is designed to last. Some CFP^® Education programs, like BIF's, can be completed in less than nine months, others take over a year. 

Cost

The final factor to consider when finding the best CFP^® program to meet your needs—cost. When you're looking at programs, you're going to see a wide range of prices. Consider what you're comfortable spending and remember that the highest price doesn't equal the highest quality, especially if it has features you don't need. 

Pro tip: Check with your employer to see if they cover the cost of CFP^® Education! 

Why BIF Is the Best CFP® Program

Okay, we've talked about the features and factors to look for, now let's talk about why BIF's CFP® Education is the best choice to suit your schedule, learning needs, and budget (and no, we aren't just saying that because we're biased!). 

Flexible Format

BIF's programs are 100% online so you can join from anywhere, and you can choose from either a self-guided program you can compete at your own schedule or an instructor-led option where you can join live virtual classrooms. 

Streamlined Curriculum

At BIF, the curriculum is designed to cut through the clutter and get you exam-ready fast. You’ll learn exactly what you need to know for the CFP® exam—no detours into outdated tax law or overly academic rabbit holes. The content is clear, practical, and focused, so you can build real-world knowledge while staying on track to finish in under nine months. It’s all about helping you pass the exam and hit the ground running in your career.

Subject Matter Experts

BIF instructors aren’t just teachers—they’re seasoned professionals who’ve worked directly with clients and know how to make complex financial concepts click. They bring real-world examples into the classroom to help you connect the dots between theory and practice. Whether it’s retirement planning or estate strategies, they make the abstract feel tangible and applicable—both for the exam and for your future as a financial planner.

Proactive Support

From day one, you’re paired with a student success advisor who’s in your corner the whole way. They’ll help you build a personalized study plan, check in to make sure you’re staying on track, and hold you accountable while cheering you on. It’s not just support—it’s a partnership designed to keep you motivated and confident as you move through the program.

Accessible Pricing

Proven Results

With over 32,000 candidates earning their CFP® certification through BIF, the results speak for themselves. Our students have a track record of success and complete their coursework ready to jump right into exam prep with a strong foundation of knowledge. When you choose BIF, you’re joining a community of professionals who’ve taken the same path—and come out certified and confident.

Try the Best CFP® Program FREE

Get a free demo of BIF's CFP® coursework to see for yourself how we've helped thousands of students complete their CFP® coursework and prepare for the next step in their career!