Candidates' Study Plans

My first attempt at taking the exam was over six years ago. Unfortunately, I did not adhere to the study guidelines set forth in the Dalton preparation course I’d enrolled in to prepare for exam. The biggest mistake I made was not dedicating the necessary amount of study time the CFP Board and Dalton provided as a framework for successful test takers, 225-250 hours. I simply sat for the exam too soon. On my second attempt, I was determined to not repeat that same mistake. Taking into consideration the amount of time since my first attempt, I decided to add 50 hours to my preparation runway. The additional time allowed me to revisit the material at a comfortable ...

The CFP Board Candidate Forum has been a useful resource and was instrumental in successfully passing the CFP® Exam on my first attempt.  I wanted to share my study plan with folks on the path or coming back to finish their journey.  It started with developing a schedule which began when I was going through the education requirement and completing the coursework.  I chose an online education program that was self-paced because I needed the flexibility due to my work schedule and busy family.  I made it a point to block out three hours per day (7-10pm) four days during the week, six hours on Saturdays and would put in four hours on Sundays. After completing ...

Training for a marathon; solving a 1500 piece puzzle. Daunting at first glance? A long road ahead? I'd like to share my plan on passing the exam on the first attempt in March 2021, as an advanced career-changer with no prior experience in financial planning. Liken it to a 26-week training schedule for a marathon. Liken it to your game-plan of solving the puzzle - piece by piece, pattern by pattern; first outline, then corners, then details. Begin each day with the end in mind - and why CFP® certification is important to you. When nothing else makes sense at the time, begin with why . 1st 12 weeks (moderate) time: 10-12 hours per week I had completed ...