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 my coursework and capstone course (which took me just under one year for me to complete), I followed the study plan of my exam preparation provider and joined two study groups (all of which I found because of what I read on the CFP Board Candidate Forum). Because of the foundation and discipline I developed during the education program, I was able to maintain the same study schedule that I had in place, but with chunking my study sessions into 25-30 minute blocks of specific topics or tactics.
An example of what a block would consist of would be 25 minutes of flashcards on a principal topic of my choice, then I would take a five-minute break and then transition to the next study exercise, which would be reading over my notes of which were handwritten. The transitions at times were challenging because 25 minutes can go quickly, but after realizing my ability to absorb and recall critical pieces of information I was able to stick to it.
In addition to having the discipline to stick to my study plan and put in the work, I also made it a point to not get discouraged or "stuck" on a topic. When I got stuck, discouraged or flat out frustrated, I would write a note on the topic, take a break and either try to figure it out on my own or reach out to someone for help. The best things I did were ask for help and keep a positive attitude.
I hope this helps and if anyone needs more information or wants to discuss my experience in more detail, I am happy to help. It is the least I can do for all of those that helped me during my journey. I want to thank my wife and children, the CFP Board Candidate Forum, Brett Danko, Adam Scherer and Mike Long of the Boston Institute of Finance for all of their time, resources, insights and support.
Congratulations to all those that have passed. You should be proud of your accomplishment; and for those who did not, do not give up! There are resources available that can help, just look for them and ask.