The Certified Financial Planner designation is the most recognized credential in the financial planning industry. An individual must meet the education, examination, experience and ethics requirements established by the CFP Board of Standards in order to earn and maintain the designation.

Consumers need to be aware that anyone can call themselves a "Financial Planner". It is up to the consumer to differentiate between a planner who has earned the CFP marks and one who hasn't.

If a financial planner has earned the right to use the CFP marks, this means that they have met the following requirements:

Education:	There are three ways to meet the CFP education requirements: 1. Complete an education program that is approved by the CFP Board; or 2. Submit a transcript of previous financial planning-related course work to the CFP Board for review and credit; or 3. Attain certain professional designations or academic degrees which satisfy the CFP Board's education requirements.
Examination:	CFP's must pass a rigorous two-day, 10-hour exam administered by the CFP Board. This exam covers over 100 financial topics including; tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
Experience :	CFP's must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in the financial planning process.
Ethics:	CFP's must pass a background check and also disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to their professional or business conduct. The CFP Board reviews and investigates all such disclosures.

Candidates must also adhere to the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

Additionally, once certified, CFP certificants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of qualified continuing education courses every two years in order to stay up-to-date on the latest planning strategies and financial trends.