THE FINANCIAL PLANNING PROFESSION A Highly Satisfying Career Choice CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals are highly satisfied in their career choice and their decision to obtain CFP® certification. Results of our biennial survey provide an in-depth picture of CFP® professionals' perceptions of the value of their certification, its impact on their careers, and their views of the financial planning profession. EDUCATION CFP Board Candidate Forum – Starting on the Path CFP Board's Candidate Forum is a great place to start your path to CFP® certification. This online discussion community is for those interested in—or at any stage of pursuing—CFP® certification. The Candidate Forum provides an opportunity to connect with others and offers candidates dynamic, real-time interaction where they can ask questions, get advice and find support on the path to certification. THE PROFESSIONAL-DESIGNATION PATHWAY Expanding Your Expertise with CFP® Certification Experienced professionals in financial services often regard CFP® certification as the next step in their career advancement. Although they may already possess other recognized professional designations and credentials, they see CFP® certification as a means to broaden their knowledge, provide the level of advice their clients seek, and expand their business. CERTIFICATION The Professional Experience Requirement CFP® certification indicates to the public your ability to provide competent and ethical financial planning unsupervised, and CFP Board requires you to have professional experience in the personal financial planning competencies and process. CFP Board recognizes the variety of professional roles in which candidates gain experience.