How to Get Your CFP Certification Online

Getting your CFP certification online is a significant step in building your financial planning credentials. This postgraduate certification identifies financial planners to customers as being certified for high levels of competency, professionalism, and ethical principals as it relates to the financial planning profession. Obtaining your CFP certification is important for all aspiring financial planners.

Instructions

1. Complete the educational requirements set by the CFP board of standards. These include earning at least your bachelor's degree; agreeing to the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards. You must also acknowledge the CFP Board's right to enforce these codes and standards through its Disciplinary Rules and Procedures.

2. Enroll in a CFP certification online exam prep course. There are a number of programs to choose from. They all have different cost levels and are structured differently. Choose the online exam prep program that fits best with your needs.

3. In addition to enrolling in a CFP certification online prep course you might also wish to purchase additional CFP exam study materials. The test is difficult and should not be taken lightly. If you do not have the discipline to complete an online course, you might try looking into guided prep courses offered at at various continuing education campuses.

4. Enroll in a testing date for the CFP certification online. The CFP assessment exam will cover all topics related to financial planning, make sure your exam prep is sufficient to pass all sections of the CFP exam. The test is 285 questions and covers all facets of financial planning situations.

5. Once you successfully complete the exam you will have to build up three years of working experience in the profession before earning the right to advertise the CFP certification mark. You may have already completed this while you studied for the exam; if not start job searching.

6. Once you have met your experience requirement you can now enjoy the benefits of calling yourself a board certified certified financial planner. The boost to your credibility should allow for growth in the industry and trust from your customers. By displaying your CFP certification online and in your print marketing materials you will quickly win the trust and business of many more customers.

7. You will have to recertify to remain a CFP every two years. Recertification consists of completing 30 hours of continuing education requirements and reporting these hours to the CFP Board.

References

• Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards