CFP stands for Certified Financial Planner, which is a professional certification mark for financial planners. It is considered the gold standard in the financial planning industry and is managed by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) . To become a CFP, a candidate must have a bachelors degree (or higher) or its equivalent in any discipline from an accredited college or university, pass the CFP exam, and meet other requirements such as completing coursework on financial planning through a CFP Board Registered Program.
CFPs are financial advisors who have earned a certification that indicates in-depth knowledge of financial planning. They are there to help individuals manage their finances, including investment planning, retirement planning, insurance, and education planning. CFPs must demonstrate proficiency in risk management, investment, tax, retirement, income, and estate planning. They are also fiduciaries of their clients assets, meaning that they make decisions with their clients best interests in mind.
CFP certification is a rigorous but rewarding process that gives financial planners the knowledge and skills they need for a fulfilling career. CFP professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards. They take a holistic, personalized approach to bring all the pieces of their clients financial life together.
