THE FINANCIAL PLANNING PROFESSION Five Things You Probably Didn't Know About the Financial Planning Profession As you look at CFP® certification and opportunities in the personal financial planning field, here are some important facts to consider. Did you know that the demand for personal financial advisors is growing? The financial planning career path is growing to meet that need, with a projected growth rate of 30 percent through 2024. EDUCATION The Candidate Forum as a Starting Place CFP Board's Candidate Forum is a great starting place for learning more about CFP® certification. The Candidate Forum is an online community for those interested in—or actively pursuing—CFP® certification. THE PROFESSIONAL-DESIGNATION PATHWAY Capstone Alternative Option CFP Board provides professionals who hold certain academic or professional credentials the opportunity to obtain an exemption from most of the pre-requisite education requirements and accelerate their path to CFP® certification. CERTIFICATION Study Strategies for the CFP® Exam As challenging as the CFP® exam is, you can increase your chances for success by developing a strategy for your exam preparation and making use of a variety of available resources.