CFP Board Candidate Open Forum

  • 1.  Postpone exam

    Posted 10-22-2020 07:59
    Good morning everyone.

    I am doing this as a challenge candidate, did well on the capstone course I had to take, and just thought I could make it to the November exam with just the review course and about a 2000 question bank.  How wrong I was.  I postponed my exam yesterday to get the concepts better so that I can better understand.  I was getting 60s and 70s in my question bank, but only had a 54 on the practice test last weekend.  I am not frustrated now as much as determined to get this right.  I can do either March or July next year for a $100 fee before having to start over with the process.  If anyone else is interested in this opportunity, you only have until the 27th of October if signed up for the November exam.

    I wish all those who are ready the very best.  I will be with you soon, just not in November.
    Have a GREAT day!!!


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    Scott Carter
    Marysville OH
    Cubbiesoh@yahoo.com
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  • 2.  RE: Postpone exam

    Posted 10-23-2020 04:49
    Scott, yours is a very important post. I feel too many candidates are not inclined to make the type of difficult decision you made. Good on you. This is not an exam to rush into, for either the first or subsequent  attempt.  I had a 16 month break btwn my attempts. Best wishes. 

    Regards,
    Rob Rea, CFP®, MBA





  • 3.  RE: Postpone exam

    Posted 10-23-2020 07:33
    I was also a challenge candidate, I wanted to really learn the material. I was planning to take in March 2020 and decided to move to July based on deadlines which got moved to September 2020 and I passed first try. I had a huge leg up on investment planning because of CFA charter but you need to master estate tax and retirement planning which don't have great overlap. I think it's smart to take the time you need to learn it otherwise you'll either burn yourself out trying to cram or potentially fail and have to take it again. No substitute for putting in the time.

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    Michael Ratte
    Senior Associate
    Fidelity Investments
    North Reading MA
    (978)360-9757
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  • 4.  RE: Postpone exam

    Posted 10-23-2020 08:03
    Hey Scott,

    Good to recognize beforehand rather than try to force something and take a greater risk.  If it's any consolation, remember that practice questions & tests are designed to be more difficult than the actual test.  Best of luck in your CFP journey!

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    Nicholas Dippel
    Financial Solutions Advisor
    Bank of America
    Belmont MA
    (603)714-5204
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  • 5.  RE: Postpone exam

    Posted 10-25-2020 22:33
    Wish you the best in taking the exam!

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    Ryan Kleiss, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS®
    Financial Advisor
    Edward Jones
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