Why work with a CFP®?
The CFP® certification mark is a financial planning credential awarded by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards (CFP Board). CFP® professionals are individuals who have met the CFP Board’s
education, examination, experience and ethics requirements.
The education requirement consists of a core curriculum covering a wide range of 89 topics that are taught at institutions approved by the CFP Board; the exam requirement is satisfied when the individual passes a 10 hour exam; and the experience requirement is completed when the individual has attained at least 3 years of full-time relevant experience. Once the candidate has satisfied each of these criteria, then he or she is required to pass a background check and agree in writing to abide by an ethics requirement as an on-going practice standard.
CFP® professionals agree to be bound and regulated in their planning activities by the CFP Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility (Code of Ethics). The Code of Ethics covers the principles of Integrity, Objectivity, Competence, Fairness, Confidentiality, Professionalism, and Diligence. The Code of Ethics also includes rules that relate to each principle and specifies the process for disciplinary proceedings against any CFP® professional who is in violation of outlined rules and regulations.
Additionally, CFP® professionals must complete biennial re-certification requirements – which include 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
It is estimated that there are 250,000 self-described financial planners practicing today. According to the CFP Board, there are 57,402 CFP® professionals nationwide; 1,369 of them in Maryland, 135 practicing in the District of Columbia, and 1,637 practicing in Virginia.
Get started on the right financial road today, contact us or call 202-494-5999 to arrange a personal consultation.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.