What Is The CFP Board Exam?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The CFP® exam is a

170-question, multiple-choice test

that consists of two 3-hour sections during one day. Each section is divided into two distinct subsections. The exam includes stand-alone questions, as well as questions associated with case studies.

What does the CFP Board do?

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) is a non-profit organization that

serves the public by fostering professional standards in personal financial planning

.

Is the CFP exam hard?

The certified financial planner exam is

one of the hardest tests

in the financial planning industry. … The certified financial planner exam is likely the hardest test you’ll ever take, Dorsainvil says. “Think of the hardest exam you took in college then times it by 10.”

Can anyone take the CFP exam?


You must complete the certification coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program

before you can take the CFP® exam. Don’t forget that you must complete your certification coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program before you can sit for the CFP® exam.

Is CFP exam harder than CPA?

The

CFP program is also less-rigorous overall than the CPA program

. CFPs do not require the same specific education and experience requirements that CPAs must have.

What is the CFP pass rate?

This process is conducted by CFP® professionals and led by testing experts to assure the exam remains current, reliable, valid and legally defensible. In 2019, the

overall pass rate was 62%

, and the pass rate for first-time exam takers was 66%. CFP Board works with volunteer CFP® professionals to develop the exam.

Is CFP easier than CFA?

Overall,

the CFP program is shorter and less-rigorous than the CFA program

. If you think this could be the program for you, you can learn more about CFP certification requirements here.

Is the CFP worth it?

Unlike some certificates that are worth little more than the paper they’re printed on, the CFP designation is one of the most prestigious financial certificates around. “The CFP designation offered by the CFP board is one that

is actually significant

because it requires so much preliminary work,” said Sotudeh.

Can you be a CFP without a degree?


You do not have to have a college degree to become a financial adviser

. Some financial advisors build their careers through on-the-job experience. However, becoming a financial advisor requires you to earn certifications or licenses by passing exams.

Is CFP a professional degree?

Certified Financial Planner or CFP is a

6 months to 2 years professional certificate course

in financial planning offered by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). … The typical course fee ranges between INR 40,000 and 60,000.

How long does it take to study for CFP?

CFP Board recommends you spend

at least 250 hours

studying for the exam. While that sounds overwhelming, the time goes pretty quickly between pre-study, the Candidate Handbook, required education courses, question bank time, review, practice exams, and your own preparations.

What are the requirements to be a CFP?

  • Completion of the Advocis Core Curriculum Program for CFP® and QAFPTM Certification.
  • Completion of the Advocis Advanced Curriculum Program for CFP® Certification.
  • Completion of two educational courses offered only through FP Canada: …
  • FP Canada CFP Examination.

Does a CFP need a Series 7?

A CFP® who holds and maintains a Series 7 license is different than someone who doesn’t.

One obtains the Series 7 by passing a General Securities Representative Exam

, which allows the individual to sell general investment products and securities on behalf of the financial firm they work for.

Who makes more money CFP or CPA?

Those lead advisers with the

CFP

mark earned a median $115,000 last year, plus $27,750 in bonuses. Those with a CPA earned $112,250 and a median $32,330 in incentive-based comp, the survey of advisers found.

Can a CFP prepare tax returns?

Financial advisors engage in a wide variety of financial areas, including tax return preparation and tax planning for their clients. … Many financial advisors who do taxes for their clients typically hold relevant certifications, such as certified public accountant (CPA) and certified financial planner (CFP).

Is a CFP an accountant?

Three of the best-known professional designations in the financial industry are certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial analyst (CFA), and

certified financial planner

(CFP®). Each has a core career focus and points to its own professional path.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.