Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a CFP Certification allow me to do?

    The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S., have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.

  • How many questions are on the exam?

    The CFP® Certification Examination is given in pencil and paper form. All questions are presented in a multiple-choice format. There are two primary types of questions, including stand alone multiple-choice and scenario-based questions. Scenarios can be brief, with a few accompanying questions, or more extensive, with 10-20 associated questions.


  • How long is the exam?

    10 Hours.

  • What score do I need to pass the exam?

    The CFP® Certification Examination is a pass or fail exam. The primary goal of a certification exam is to separate those who have met the certification standard (passing) from those who have not (failing).


  • What are the requirements to become certified?

    To become certified, you are required to meet the following four initial certification requirements (known as the four “E’s”):

    • Education
    • Examination
    • Experience
    • Ethics


  • Where can I take the test?

    Exam locations are available in 50 locations around the U.S. Exact location sites are not secured until after the Application Deadline so that we may accommodate all examinees. Information about exact exam location sites is provided to examinees

    approximately two weeks prior to the exam dates through an admission ticket sent by email. Exam dates are posted when available to CFP Board’s website at http://www.cfp.net/become/.


  • When can I take the test?

    The CFP® Certification Examination is a one and a half day, 10-hour exam and is held three-times a year, generally on the third Friday and Saturday of March, July and November. The exam consists of one four hour session on Friday afternoon, and two three-hour sessions on Saturday.


  • How much does the exam cost?

    $595

  • What can I expect at the testing center?

    You must bring the following items to the exam site:

    • Admission ticket
    • Valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, exactly matching the name under which you registered
    • #2 pencils (or other comparable soft graphite or mechanical pencils)
    • One or more battery-powered, nonprogrammable, dedicated financial function calculator (See Calculator Policy below)

    Food and drink (including water) are not permitted in the exam room. Individuals who require access to food or liquids for medical reasons during any of the exam sessions are required to file with CFP Board a Special Accommodations Request Form (available at http://www.cfp.net/become/). All exam sites provide access to water fountains located outside of the exam room.

    No notes of any kind are permitted in the testing room(s). While testing is in session, examinees are prohibited from accessing electronic devices other than an acceptable calculator.

    Map out where the testing center is the night before and DON’T FORGET YOUR I.D.!