The experience requirement mandates individuals to have earned a certain number of hours of experience related to the financial planning process and working with clients directly. There are two ways fulfill the experience requirement:

• Three years (6,000 hours) of full-time professional experience

• Two years (4,000 hours) in an apprenticeship

The experience can be earned 10 years before the CFP® exam or five years after passing the exam.

There is a two-part education requirement. Candidates must:

• Complete financial planning education program that is registered and approved by the CFPBoard

• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university (Candidates who don’t already have a bachelor’s degree, will have five years from the date they pass the CFP® exam to earn their bachelor’s degree)

In order to take the CFP® exam, candidates must complete the education requirement first. The average time for this will take 12-18 months.

Candidates will need to sign the Ethics Declaration along with providing a background check to the CFP Board. This signed statement requires CFP® professionals to adhere to the ethical and professional standards as determined by the CFP Board of Standards, as well adhering to the fiduciary standard.

Passing the CFP® certification examination is a challenging, professional-level exam. It’s equally as rigorous as the CPA exam, the CFA exams, and the bar exam. It requires proper planning and a CFP® exam review provider that can set you up for success. With Dalton Education’s Pre-Study Program, Live Review Classes, and Post-Study Program, you’ll have the tools necessary to pass the CFP® exam your first try, we guarantee it. Get CFP® exam ready with Dalton Education. Get started today with our CFP® exam practice questions and set yourself on the right course.