CFP Board Candidate Open Forum

  • 1.  CFP Program

    Posted 05-30-2020 16:04
    Hello everyone. My name is Jerusha Lynn and I am currently attending Brandman University's online campus for my Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus in Financing. I will be graduating in the summer of 2021 and have already been planning for my future in the world of business. Adding the CFP certification to my name will show how compitent I am in the field and it is a very respected certification to have. While I would have met the requirement of having a bachelor's degree, I still need to attend a CFP program, which Brandman is not included. For the CFP program, would I have to attend another university and take some of the similar classes that I have already taken? Is there anyone who might be able to shine some light on this, so I will know what requirements I will need?

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    Jerusha Lynn
    N/A
    N/A
    CAMERON NC
    (570)574-6096
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  • 2.  RE: CFP Program

    Posted 05-30-2020 16:30
    Hi Jersuha. The CFP requires candidates to complete a CFP Board Registered Education Program, but state that "certain academic degrees and professional credentials may qualify you for an accelerated path to certification." Because of your degree, this could apply to you. Hope that's helpful! There's more information on their website here: https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/education-requirement. Congratulations on pursuing your CFP!

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    Rachel Anderson
    UI/UX Designer
    RobustWealth Inc.
    Anderson Island WA
    (253)683-0202
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  • 3.  RE: CFP Program

    Posted 05-30-2020 16:37
    Thank you Rachel, but unfortunately the Bachelor's degree alone will not be enough. "There are two main parts to the requirement: completion of CFP Board-approved coursework, and a bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university." I did read that some credentials, such as CPA or having a Doctorate in Business Administration are accepted in the accelerated program.

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    Jerusha Lynn
    N/A
    N/A
    CAMERON NC
    (570)574-6096
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  • 4.  RE: CFP Program

    Posted 05-30-2020 16:50
    Yup, you're exactly correct. You'll need a BS/BA in addition to completing a CFP specific program. This link gives you a list of those CFP programs: https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process/education-requirement/certification-coursework-requirement/find-an-education-program. 

    The accelerated path is applicable to people who have other certifications or degrees, but it looks like they are only higher education and advance certifications, regardless of what your undergraduate degree is in. 

    I've heard a lot of positive things about the Boston University Financial Planning Certificate Program, I'm planning on starting that soon.

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    Rachel Anderson
    Seattle, WA
    UI/UX Designer / Future Financial Planner
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelandersondesigner/
    https://twitter.com/randersondesign
    https://www.rachelanderson-portfolio.com/
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  • 5.  RE: CFP Program

    Posted 05-30-2020 17:02
    I will have to do some research on Boston University and the program there. Thank you for mentioning them.


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    Jerusha Lynn
    N/A
    N/A
    CAMERON NC
    (570)574-6096
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  • 6.  RE: CFP Program

    Posted 06-01-2020 11:11
    If you think your education covered much of the information, have you considered one of the self study online certificate programs? You can work at your own pace, which may be very quick if your prior coursework covered the information. The certificate programs usually have 6 courses and a capstone.  Each course has a midterm and a final. You usually get multiple attempts (3-4) to pass.  The capstone project/presentation/defense varies from provider to provider. 
    Don't take this lightly. There is a ton of information. Also consider an online self study review course. They consolidate the information and usually have a large test bank to practice on.  Normally, students have a hard time without the interaction of others or the taped or live lecture presentations, but if you have already done a full online degree, this may be a good option for you. I used Greene Consulting available through James Madison University (as well as other universities)

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    Andrew Mika CFP(R)
    Financial Life Manager
    Pegasus Financial Group
    Chantilly VA
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