When you search for a financial advisor, you probably come across plenty of candidates with a “CFP” designation after their names. How to apply for a Certified Financial Planner certificate in USA. This acronym indicates you’re looking at a certified financial planner, a highly credentialed financial advisor that can help you create a plan for your whole financial life.
Certified financial planner is a professional designation awarded to financial advisors who have passed rigorous coursework and an examination to prove their fluency in all aspects of financial planning.
CFPs must undergo years of training—4,000 to 6,000 hours in total—before they are eligible to place the letters CFP after their name. They’re also obligated to continue their education even after receiving certification. Buy CFP certificate online.
The years of training aim to prepare a CFP to help you identify short- and long-term goals for your financial life, make a plan to achieve your goals and then execute on the plan. Goals can include saving for college, navigating debt repayment, preparing for retirement or maximizing the impact of your charitable giving.
Some CFPs specialize in different areas, like tax planning or estate planning, and some may have additional professional credentials, such as certified public accountant (CPA), to help you further.