CFP (Certified Financial Planner): Requirements & Exam Details
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential is issued by the CFP Board and requires candidates to meet published prerequisites before sitting for the examination. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, complete CFP coursework, and demonstrate 6,000 hours of financial planning experience. The single exam attempt carries a base fee of $925; early registration fees are $825, while late registration fees are $1,025. This fee information was current as of June 2026 but is subject to change without notice.
The CFP credential is valid for two years from the date of certification. Credential holders must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to renew and maintain active status. Eligibility criteria, exam fees, experience hour requirements, and renewal rules are established and updated by the CFP Board and may change at any time. Candidates and certificate holders should verify all current requirements, fee schedules, and renewal policies directly on the CFP Board's official website before registering or taking action, as this overview reflects only the facts available as of the stated verification date.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | Bachelor's + CFP coursework + 6,000 hrs experience |
| Base exam fee | $925 |
| Fee notes | standard $925 / early $825 / late $1,025 |
| Validity / renewal | 2 years (CE) |
Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by CFP Board and can change — confirm on the official page.
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