Your How-To: Becoming a Certified Financial Planner

Interested in being a part of the financial solution? Suppose you want a stable career, and you’re interested in helping others secure their financial present and future. In that case, you may want to consider a career path as a Certified Financial Planner™.  

To get started, take a look at the internet‘s most asked questions about the CFP profession.  

What is a certified financial planner? 

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) receives a formal designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. CFPs help individuals manage their finance throughout their lifetime. Here a few examples of the life stages a CFP assists with retirement, investing, education, insurance, and taxes. 

Can anyone be a financial advisor? 

Anyone can call themselves a financial advisor, but a financial advisor does not have the same requirements as someone who calls themselves a certified financial planner. 

How to become a financial advisor? 

To work in this field, you will likely need a relevant degree for a company to hire you. While advisors are generally viewed as anyone who advises others on money issues, keep in mind that a CFP usually means someone who takes a more comprehensive approach.  

What is the CFP Certification? 

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement (such as with 401(k)s). 

How to become a certified financial planner? 

An individual is required to meet specific requirements put forth by the CFP Board to qualify for CFP® certification. CFP Board refers to these requirements as the 4 E’s to CFP® certification: Education, Examination, Experience & Ethics 

Kennesaw State University is registered with the CFP Board to provide the education requirement for financial professionals to obtain the Certified Financial Planner™ certification. For more information regarding all requirements for the CFP® certification, visit CFP Board. 

How long does it take to become a financial planner? 

Typically, it takes 18-24 months to become a certified financial planner. Still, the certification process offers flexibility so you can make it work for you. 

Visit the Kennesaw State University Certified Financial Planner™ program page for more details about registration information, course schedules, and more.