CFP certification combines education, exam passage, professional experience, and an earned bachelor's degree. Candidates can fulfill the education requirement through accredited colleges, online university programs, or professional certificates. Always verify that a program is CFP Board-registered and current on fees and course lists.

Multiple pathways to CFP-ready education

Becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) requires completing a sequence of education topics, passing the CFP exam, meeting experience and ethics requirements, and holding a bachelor's degree before final certification is awarded. Today those education requirements can be met through traditional college programs, continuing-education providers, and many online offerings.

College and university programs

Many accredited universities now offer CFP Board-registered programs or graduate certificates in financial planning. These programs cover core CFP Principal Knowledge Topics and often use a mix of recorded lectures, live sessions, and case work. Programs range from semester-based coursework to certificate tracks designed for working professionals.

Online providers and professional certificates

Specialized online providers and university extension schools also offer focused financial planning education. Examples often cited include eCornell (Cornell's online arm) and Boston University's online offerings, which have historically provided courses in financial management and financial planning topics such as investments, risk management, tax, retirement, and estate planning. Specific fees, durations, and course lists vary by program and change regularly, so check each provider for current details.

What the CFP Board requires

To earn CFP certification you must:

  • Complete the CFP Board education requirement by finishing a CFP Board-registered program or demonstrating equivalent coursework.
  • Pass the CFP Certification Examination.
  • Meet the experience requirement (either 6,000 hours of professional experience or 4,000 hours under the Board's apprenticeship pathway).
  • Hold a bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution; you may be allowed to sit for the exam before the degree is conferred, but the degree must be awarded before the Board grants certification.
  • Satisfy background and ethics standards required by the CFP Board.
If you are already a practitioner, look for programs that explicitly state they fulfill CFP Board education prerequisites.

Topics you should master

CFP education centers on integrated planning across topics including general financial planning principles, insurance and risk management, employee benefits, investments, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Short courses and continuing education

Professional financial planning courses (sometimes called PFPC or similar) can boost specific skills - insurance, retirement, tax, or estate planning - and help prepare you to advise clients. Availability, prerequisites, and whether a course counts toward CFP Board education depend on the provider and program accreditation. 1

Next steps

Confirm any program's CFP Board registration status before enrolling. Compare delivery formats, instructor credentials, pricing, and how the curriculum maps to the CFP Board's Principal Knowledge Topics.

  1. Confirm current course lists, fees, and duration for eCornell financial management offerings.
  2. Confirm Boston University's specific online CFP or financial planning programs and current curriculum/fees.
  3. Confirm whether the referenced PFPC (Professional Financial Planning Course) is an established, named program and whether it counts toward CFP Board education.

FAQs about Financial Planner Education

Can I take the CFP exam before I finish my bachelor's degree?
Yes. The CFP Board generally allows candidates to sit for the exam before the bachelor's degree is conferred, but you must earn the degree before the Board will grant final CFP certification.
How do I know if an online program meets CFP education requirements?
Look for explicit CFP Board registration or a statement from the provider that coursework maps to the Board's Principal Knowledge Topics. If in doubt, confirm with the CFP Board or the program's admissions office.
How much professional experience is required for CFP certification?
The CFP Board requires either 6,000 hours of professional experience or 4,000 hours under its apprenticeship pathway. Documented, relevant client-facing or supporting work typically counts.
Do short professional courses count toward CFP education?
Some do, but it depends on the provider and whether the course is part of a CFP Board-registered curriculum. Verify registration before assuming it will meet the education requirement.
What core topics are covered in CFP education?
Core topics include financial planning principles, insurance and risk management, employee benefits, investments, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning.

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