What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) PRACTITIONER?

Contrary to popular belief, not all financial planners are “certified”. Pretty much anyone can call him or herself a “financial planner”. The CFP Board benefits you by independently certifying financial planners. CFP® professionals meet rigorous qualifications. Only people, like Jason Rainier, who have satisfied the CFP Board’s arduous & ongoing requirements can call themselves CFP® professionals. 

Requirements for CFP® professionals to obtain certification:

• Acquire years of experience delivering financial planning services
  • 6,000 hours professional experience related to the financial planning process, or 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience that meets additional requirements
• 2-part education requirement before taking the CFP® exam
  • Complete coursework on financial planning through a CFP Board Registered Program
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college / university
• Pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Exam: 
  • 170 multiple choice questions (stand alone, scenario based, and case studies)
  • At the time Jason passed, it was given as two 5-hour sessions over 2 days.
• Passing demonstrates that one has attained the knowledge & competency necessary to provide comprehensive personal financial planning advice. 
  • In 2019, the pass rate for first-time exam takers was approximately 67%. 
• Commit to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary
  • This means he will act in your best interest at all times when providing advice & planning.
  • CFP Board may sanction a CFP® professional who does not abide by this commitment
• Commit to high ethical & professional standards
  • All applicants sign the Ethics Declaration, and CFP Board does a background check.