Recommendations from Candidates

Exam Recommendations

Two of the most common questions we receive from candidates preparing for the CFP® exam are: “What were other candidates doing at this point in their study preparation?” and “What review course provider did you use?”

To help you, we have asked those who took the CFP® exam what they did to prepare. Everyone is different and there is no one set answer to this question, but we hope that hearing from others will help advise your study strategy. 

How You Prepared for the CFP® Exam

  Using the CFP Board Practice Exam as Part of Your Study Prep

12 weeks out from the exam, where you in your preparation?

10 Weeks Before the CFP® Exam, where was I in my preparation?

4 months before the CFP® exam, where were you in your preparation?

5 Weeks before the CFP® exam, where were you in your preparation?

2 Weeks before the CFP® Exam, where were you in your preparation? 

Coursework Recommendations

One of the most common questions we receive from candidates who are starting their CFP® certification journey is: “What coursework program did other candidates use?”

To help you, we have asked those who have completed their coursework what program they used and why they recommend it. Everyone is different and there is no one set answer to this question, but we hope that hearing from others will help advise you as you start your path to CFP® certification. 

Your Experience Completing the Required Coursework

Your Experience Earning a Scholarship

Completing the Coursework Requirement for CFP® Certification

Certification Recommendations

There are many questions we receive from candidates who are on the path to CFP® certification, outside of exam preparation and starting the coursework, including how to earn experience, how to start a career in financial planning, how earning CFP® certification impacted your career, how to balance completing certification among other responsibilities, and more.

To help you, we have asked those who have recently become certified their experience finishing the certification process. Everyone is different and there is no one set answer to this question, but we hope that hearing from others will help advise you as you complete your CFP® certification.

What are your resume and interview tips for financial planning job hunting?

What is your advice for young people starting a career in financial planning?

What was your path to changing careers to financial planning?

Earning Experience and Finding a Job in Financial Planning

How did you finance your path to CFP® certification?