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.