You’re on the fence about getting your CFP® certification. The months of coursework, the exam, the fees…it seems like a lot of work just to add a few letters after your name.
Yeah, it is a lot of work, but let’s be honest, those letters look really good on a business card or your LinkedIn profile.
Seriously though, the investment of time, money, and work into earning your CFP® marks is absolutely worth it. If you’re not quite convinced, check out the top seven benefits of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification.
The 7 Benefits of a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification
You Get Really Good at Financial Planning
If you’re already working in a financial advisory or planning role, we’re sure you’re doing amazing! But becoming a CFP® professional helps you level up your skills and makes you better at your job.
During your CFP® coursework, you learn so much about topics like tax planning, risk management, and investment strategies. You’ll even learn about the psychology of financial planning (understanding people is just as important as understanding numbers!). The in-depth knowledge of each area is great, but you’ll also learn how to put the pieces together into more cohesive financial plans. By knowing how to create holistic strategies tailored to each client’s needs, you can secure better outcomes, which is pretty awesome.
You’ll Know that You’re Really Good at Financial Planning
When you’re in the thick of the coursework, you may not realize that all those pieces are coming together. You’re probably just focusing on getting through it. Same with studying for the exam—you know the information but you’re thinking about it related to getting a passing score.
Even after you’ve tackled the topics, passed the exam, and have those sweet, sweet CFP® marks, it may not kick in that you know your stuff. But then you’re sitting down with a client, working through a strategy, and all that knowledge comes together like it’s second nature. And when it does, that’s when you start feeling really confident in yourself and your skills.
Everyone Knows That You’re Really Good at Financial Planning
As we’ve mentioned several times, meeting the CFP® requirements isn’t a walk in the park, but that’s a good thing. Completing the Capstone course and passing the CFP® Exam prove you have advanced knowledge and skills and meeting the ethics requirements proves you know that you need to put the best interests of your clients first.
This is the financial planning certification that instantly tells employers, clients, and peers that you mean business (and that you know your business).
Stand out in the job market
Just about any credential you earn can give you a more competitive resume, but the CFP® certification is the gold standard, making you more desirable on the job market and when building your client base. Case in point, 79% of CFP® professionals say this financial planning certification gives them a competitive edge in the job market1.
Why? Because employers love hiring CFP® professionals. Many see it as a prerequisite for senior-level or management roles, while clients actively seek out certified advisors to handle their financial goals.
Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder or build a rock-solid client base, becoming a CFP® professional is your golden ticket. Bonus? If you’re considering a career change or new niche, this credential can help open those doors, too.
A Salary Boost
Okay, building skills and confidence are great, and we don’t want to downplay that, but the salary boost that comes from earning this financial planning certification is pretty great. On average, CFP® professionals earn 12% more than non-certified financial planners in similar roles.
And those numbers climb as you gain more experience. Here’s what the CFP Board reports as average salaries for certified planners across years of experience:
- 5–10 years experience = $150,000
- 11–20 years experience = $225,000
- 20+ years experience = $325,000
Of course, CFP® salary depends on factors like location, specialization, and whether you’re managing a team—but you get the idea!
Career Flexibility and Growth
What do you want to do in your career?
- Work for a global organization or start your own boutique financial planning business?
- Niche down as a retirement planning expert or tax planning guru?
- Focus on a type of client, like working as a wealth management advisor?
All these avenues open up to you when you become a CFP® professional2. Your potential roles include personal financial planner, wealth management advisor, client services advisor, or even portfolio manager. Or take the solo entrepreneur route to build your dream client base. The beauty of holding this financial planning certification lies in the professional freedom it provides.
Oh, and did we mention job satisfaction? A staggering 85% of CFP® professionals1 say their career is “highly fulfilling.”
Make a Real Impact on Clients’ Lives
Why are 85% of CFP® professionals highly fulfilled? Financial planning is about more than just numbers. It’s about helping real people reach life-changing goals, like sending their kids to college or retiring comfortably. Using your expertise, you create financial roadmaps that make your clients’ lives better!
These are the moments that make earning your CFP® certification worth it. Helping people gain financial confidence changes lives for the better. And no, it doesn’t hurt that it feels amazing to make such a positive impact every day.
Become a CFP® Professional with BIF
Earning your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is more than just a career move; it’s an investment in yourself, building your credibility, skills, and income potential while giving you the satisfaction of making a real difference.
If you’re ready for the next big step in your career, take the plunge. Who knows? This time next year, you could be celebrating your certification and joining the ranks of the most respected names in financial planning.
Ready to get started? Connect with a student advisor today to learn how BIF can help you earn your certification in less than a year!
