G U I D E T O C F P® C E R T I F I C A T I O N

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

BOARD OF STANDARDS, INC.

M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T

The mission of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) is to help

people benefit from competent, professional and ethical financial planning.

C F P B O A R D C O R E B E L I E F S A N D V A L U E S

1. Accountability to the publicWe believe that the primary reason for our existence is to promote the public welfare throughstandards in personal financial planning.We value client-centered relationships and the differentiation of personal financial planningprofessionals from other financial service providers and advisers.

2. Trust derived from standardsWe believe that CFP Board’s individual certification standards advance the systematic body ofknowledge for financial planning and serve as the basis for the public’s trust in the expertise andadvice of personal financial planning professionals.We value the demonstration of the initial and ongoing competency required for a professional toobtain and retain the CFP marks.

3. Commitment to excellenceWe believe that the CFP marks represent excellence in personal financial planning and aprofessional obligation to a higher standard of conduct on behalf of the public.We value the seven principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality,professionalism and diligence that exemplify professional behavior.

4. Respect for professionalsWe believe that the public benefits from the existence of a growing pool of competent financialplanning professionals who place the interests of the client first.We value the input and involvement from individuals, organizations and firms who arecommitted to serving the public by strengthening the culture of professional financial planning.

Copyright © 1988-2005, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. All rights reserved.

Rev. 3/05

1G U I D E T O C F P ® C E R T I F I C AT I O N

Welcome to CFP® Certification: Financial Planning’s Highest Standard

Whether you are new to financial planning or have been in financial services for some time, CFP Boardwelcomes your interest in CFP® certification.

More people than ever are entering the financial planning profession, and we recognize the commit-ment you are about to make, both in terms of becoming certified and in maintaining your certificationduring your financial planning career. The CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and certification markswill provide you with the means to set yourself apart from others calling themselves financial planners.

Since their creation 30 years ago, the CFP marks have come to represent your agreement to adhere tostandards of excellence and a way to demonstrate to the public, and your peers, your commitment to acareer in financial planning. Amid the clutter of financial credentials, the rigorous competency, ethicsand practice standards met by those certified by CFP Board have allowed the CFP certification marks tostand out from the crowd as financial planning’s highest standard.

The CFP certification differs from an educational designation or state license in that it is based uponrequirements that have been determined by extensive job analyses of actual practitioners in the field,and, therefore, continues to evolve with the profession. Your decision to obtain CFP certification meansyou will join tens of thousands of CFP practitioners worldwide who are committed to the financial plan-ning process and who have agreed to put clients’ interests first. Not coincidentally, CFP Board researchhas shown that the clients of CFP practitioners tend to be more satisfied with their financial planningengagements and are more likely to recommend their planner to family or friends.

We understand that CFP certification is a voluntary process, one that requires a serious level of commit-ment on your part. Your decision to pursue completion of the CFP certification requirements as outlinedin this booklet is a first, but significant, step. We welcome any additional questions you may have at800-487-1497 or initialcert@CFP-Board.org and look forward to seeing your application for the CFP®

Certification Examination.

®

As you read through this booklet, look for this symbol for tips and resources available onwww.CFP.net/become.

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G U I D E T O C F P ® C E R T I F I C AT I O N2

CFP Board’s CFP® certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accred-

iting body of the Washington, D.C.-based National Organization for Competency Assurance. NCCA was created in 1989 to

establish nationally accepted criteria, guidelines and standards for certifying agencies. To receive such accreditation, CFP

Board’s CFP® certification program meets the highest national voluntary standards for private certification set forth by the

NCCA.

CFP Board does not discriminate in certification opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national

origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Contributions accepted by CFP Board are tax deductible.

In certain instances, CFP Board may release lists of individuals who have requested a copy of this booklet, and/or lists of

applicants for the CFP® Certification Examination to selected other parties, including CFP Board-Registered Programs and

Review Course providers, who agree to CFP Board’s usage requirements. Upon request, CFP Board will not release an

individual’s name to outside parties.

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3TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Table of ContentsCFP® Certification Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Initial Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Certification Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Online Tools and Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

The Education Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Completing the Education Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CFP Board-Registered Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Challenge Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Transcript Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

List of CFP Board-Registered Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

CFP® Certification Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Scoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Re-Examination Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Review and Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Exam Review Course Providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

List of Review Course Providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Topic List for CFP® Certification Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Provided Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Definition of Work Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Work Experience Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Pre-Certification Continuing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Internships/Residency Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Verification of Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Work Experience Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Verification of Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Authorization to Use the CFP Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Declaration Packet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Initial Fee and Continuing Education (CE) Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

International Reciprocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Grievance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Applying for Transcript Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Application for Transcript Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

CFP® Certification Examination Application Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

CFP® Certification Examination Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

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CFP® Certification Overview

The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individualswho have been authorized to use the CFP certification marks have met rigorous professional standardsand have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidential-ity, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.

Recently, CFP Board conducted a nationwide consumer survey among upper-income households. Thatsurvey reflects the public’s growing demand for financial planners who adhere to rigorous standards. Ofthose surveyed:

• 85% considered successful completion of a certification examination “very important”or “extremely important.”

• 95% felt financial planners should adhere to professional practice standards.• 97% said the most important standard for financial planners was adherence to a pro-

fessional code of ethics.

CFP certificants must pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination, agree to abide by CFPBoard’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility which puts clients’ interests first and abide by theFinancial Planning Practice Standards which spell out what clients should be able to reasonably expectfrom the financial planning engagement. These are just some of the reasons why the CFP certification isbecoming increasingly recognized.

In addition, the CFP certification prepares you for a career-long commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of your clients. As a CFP professional, you become a coach and problem-solver, able toprovide truly personalized services to clients and to maintain high levels of financial planning and pro-fessionalism. Finally, your expertise and credibility as a financial planner is instantly communicated withthe CFP marks — the financial planning certification most sought after by consumers and financial plan-ners alike.

INITIAL CERTIFICATION

To become certified, you are required to meet the following four initial certification requirements(known as the four “Es”):

• Education• Examination• Experience• Ethics

These four components are briefly described on the next page; subsequent sections of this booklet pro-vide detailed information about each component. While the CFP certification requirements may bechanged from time to time, you will be expected to meet the requirements that are in place at the timeyou apply for the CFP® Certification Examination.

4 O V E R V I E W

More information can be found on www.CFP.net/aboutus regarding CFP Board’s activities and volun-teer boards. Visit www.CFP.net for information on other financial planning organizations.

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O V E R V I E W

Education

To take the CFP® Certification Examination, you will need to be knowledgeable in thefinancial planning topics listed on page 33. For an outline of the three ways to completethe education requirement, see page 9. Beginning in January 1, 2007, candidates for certi-fication must have a bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, in order to obtain CFPcertification. The college degree requirement is a condition of initial certification; it is nota requirement to be eligible to take the CFP® Certification Examination and does not haveto occur before sitting for the exam or fulfilling the work experience. The bachelor’sdegree requirement will be waived for those individuals who have met all certificationrequirements prior to 2007.

Examination

After you have successfully met the education requirement, you will be eligible to applyfor the CFP® Certification Examination. The CFP® Certification Examination assesses your abilityto apply your financial planning knowledge (based on the topic list on page 33), in anintegrated format, to financial planning situations. Combined with the education andexperience requirements, it assures the public that you have met a level of competencyappropriate for professional practice. Details about the CFP® Certification Examination areon page 25.

Experience

Because CFP certification indicates to the public your ability to provide financial planningwithout supervision, CFP Board requires you to have experience in the financial planningprocess. Three years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree or higher is required.Until 2007, individuals who do not have a bachelor’s degree may substitute the degreerequirement with five years of relevant experience. The work experience requirement canbe completed either before or after successfully completing the CFP® CertificationExamination. Detailed information about this requirement is on page 41.

Ethics

When you have completed the education, examination and experience components ofthe CFP certification process, you will receive a declaration packet from CFP Board. Thispacket includes a CFP® Certification Application that must be signed by you, asking you todisclose whether you have ever been a party (or involved) in any criminal, civil, govern-mental, or self-regulatory agency proceeding or inquiry. CFP certification also requires youto agree to adhere to CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility andFinancial Planning Practice Standards, and acknowledge CFP Board’s right to enforce themthrough its Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Details about the ethics requirement are onpage 45.

CERTIFICATION RENEWAL

Once you have been authorized to use the CFP marks, you must meet CFP Board’s renewal standards tocontinue to use them. Your CFP® certification must be renewed every two years at the end of yourrenewal month in an odd or even year (based on your birth date.) In order to position you in the cor-rect period, your initial continuing education (CE) requirement and renewal fee are prorated.

The renewal requirements are 1) renewal application, 2) $360 renewal fee (non-refundable), and 3) 30hours of CE. The CE requirement includes 28 hours in the accepted financial planning topics (starting on

5

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page 33) and two hours from a pre-approved program on CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and ProfessionalResponsibility or Financial Planning Practice Standards.

A renewal packet, including a renewal application with notice of fees due will be sent to you approxi-mately two months before your certification expires. The renewal fee helps cover the costs associatedwith ethics enforcement, protection of the marks against infringement, maintenance of professionalstandards of practice and public awareness activities related to the CFP marks.

The renewal requirements are explained in more detail on CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/certifi-cants.

ONLINE TOOLS AND RESOURCES

CFP Board is dedicated to providing excellent service to its stakeholders. Our Web site,www.CFP.net/become, offers the most up-to-date information, and can be a valuable resource for youas you work to achieve the CFP certification. Another section of the site, www.CFP.net/learn, demon-strates our commitment to educating the public about the benefits of financial planning and theimportance of choosing a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional.

www.CFP.net/become

Set up a free account today. On www.CFP.net/become you have access to the most com-prehensive, up-to-date information regarding the CFP® certification. Go to the Web site tolook for a registered education provider, find sample exam questions, find an examreview course provider or learn more about post-certification volunteer activities.

www.CFP.net/learn

Here, consumers can learn about reducing debt, saving for retirement and managingother common financial issues; participate in polls and surveys; subscribe to CFP Board’seNewsletter to get more information about financial planning; learn how to choose afinancial planner and download a personal data organizer to help prepare them formeeting with a planner; learn about the high standards met by CFP professionals and ver-ify that a planner in their area has the CFP certification. To help educate the public aboutthe CFP marks, CFP Board also advertises in national magazines, participates in tradeshows and distributes radio and TV public service announcements.

6 O V E R V I E W

Log in to receive immediate updates and news from CFP Board at www.CFP.net/login.

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7E D U C AT I O N

The Education RequirementAs a first step to CFP® certification, you must master more than 100 integrated financial planning topics(see page 33). The topics cover major planning areas such as:

• General principles of financial planning• Insurance planning• Employee benefits planning• Investment planning• Income tax planning• Retirement planning• Estate planning

Although education is a fundamental part of achieving CFP certification, fulfillment of the educationrequirement does not automatically equate to preparedness for the CFP® Certification Examination.

Before determining an examination preparation strategy and applying for the exam, all individualsconsidering taking the CFP® Certification Examination should review the currency and completeness oftheir education against the current list of topics (see page 33). Retaking courses or taking additionalcourses to improve currency and mastery of specific topic areas are important complements to the edu-cational foundation. Previous experience and exam preparatory factors, such as taking an appropriatereview course, are also beneficial. Taking actions to ensure your education is comprehensive and up-to-date may improve your ability to synthesize and evaluate complex concepts at an advanced cognitivelevel.

Remember, the CFP® Certification Examination does not test textbook theories, but rather it assessesyour ability to apply your financial planning knowledge in an integrated approach to deal with “real-life” financial planning situations.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE REQUIREMENT

Beginning January 1, 2007, in addition to fulfilling the education requirement, a bachelor’s degree, inany discipline, will be required in order to attain CFP certification. The college degree requirement is acondition of initial certification; it is not a requirement to be eligible to take the CFP® CertificationExamination and does not have to occur before sitting for the exam or fulfilling the work experience. Abachelor’s degree in any major from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university will be accepted,and evidence (photocopy of degree) will be required at the final stage of initial certification.

Very important note for individuals not planning to obtain a college degree: Individuals without a col-lege degree can take the CFP® Certification Examination and may even be certified, but all certificationrequirements – education, passing the exam, five years of experience and the ethics component – mustbe met and the CFP® Certification Application must be completed, signed and received by CFP Board byDecember 31, 2006.

What the degree requirement means for specific situations:

• Individuals without a college degree will need to have passed the CFP® CertificationExamination by November 2006, and met the five-year experience requirement and theethics requirement by December 31, 2006.

• Individuals without a college degree and no qualifying experience would have neededto have started gaining financial planning experience before 2002 in order to meet thefive-year experience requirement. All individuals without a college degree who have

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E D U C AT I O N8

not completed the five-year experience requirement by December 31, 2006, will berequired to have a college degree.

• Individuals without a college degree and with five years of experience are encouragedto take the exam by July 2006, to avoid the pressure of having only one last chance topass the exam.

• Individuals without a college degree, even after 2007, may take the exam, but theymust then obtain a degree within five years after passing the exam in order to be certi-fied.

• Individuals without a college degree, who have fulfilled the exam requirement, butwho are not certified by December 21, 2006, will have five years from the exam date tocomplete the other initial certification requirements — five years of experience, ethicscomponent and a bachelor’s degree – before their candidacy is terminated and theexam will need to be retaken.

• Individuals without a degree who pass the November 2006 exam will have 30 calendardays from the date CFP Board delivers (electronic or hardcopy) the declaration packet toreturn a completed declaration packet to CFP Board.

• Individuals without a degree who receive a declaration packet after July 1, 2006, willhave until December 31, 2006, to return a completed declaration packet to CFP Board.

• Individuals without a degree who receive a declaration packet after December 1, 2006,will have 30 calendar days to return a completed declaration packet to CFP Board.

• Individuals without a degree, in CFP Board’s professional review process, who havecompleted all requirements before December 31, 2006, except for the ethics require-ment, will be certified after December 31, 2006, as long as professional review clearsthe individual and the individual submits any additional required paperwork within 30calendar days of the request.

CFP Board can not predetermine whether individuals will meet certain requirements, but will offercounsel to individuals seeking guidance about the education, bachelor’s degree or experience require-ments.

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9E D U C AT I O N

1. CFP Board-Registered Program

NO previous financial planning course work ➢

CFP Board-Registered Program CFP®

CertificationExamination

➢

➢

2. Challenge Status

CPA, ChFC, CLU, CFA®, D.B.A., Ph.D. (Business or Economics), Licensed attorney

CFP®

CertificationExamination

➢

➢

➢

➢

➢

3. Transcript Review

Previous financial planning course work OR professional designation

➢ CFP®

CertificationExamination

CFP Board-Registered Program

College University Courses/ Professional Designation

Or

Yes

NoTranscript Review OK?

COMPLETING THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

You can complete the educational requirement for CFP® certification through one of the followingthree methods:

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E D U C AT I O N1 0

CFP BOARD-REGISTERED PROGRAMS

You can complete a course of study in financial planning offered by an educational institution with acurriculum registered with CFP Board, as listed on page 13. For the most up-to-date list, with expandedcontact information, visit CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/become.

Course Titles and Length of Study

CFP Board has reviewed the upper division undergraduate level or higher educationalprograms at registered institutions to ensure that they cover the core knowledge neededto practice personal financial planning. Regardless of program type, the curriculumtaught must be the equivalent of at least 15 semester credit hours. Each educationalinstitution may present the topics under various course names and titles, such as riskmanagement, financial analysis or estate planning. However, each Registered Programwill cover all of the topics needed to meet the education requirement for CFP® certifica-tion. Some programs include various specialized courses or a review course to betterprepare you for the CFP® Certification Examination. Program Directors at any CFP Board-Registered Program have the authority to waive students out of courses in accordancewith their college or university policy.

Contact one of the programs listed on pages 13-24 of this booklet (or from the list onwww.CFP.net/become) for more information about courses offered, class schedules,tuition and transfer of credit for courses previously taken. In general, the course work in acertificate level program can be completed in 18 to 24 months.

CFP Board does not endorse one program over another. All programs cover the samecore curriculum, yet vary in style, length and delivery method. They may be certificateprograms, undergraduate programs or graduate programs. Programs can also differ intheir delivery methods with some having traditional classroom-based instruction andothers offering self-study or online courses. All institutions are accredited by their region'saccrediting body.

Note: individuals who do not fulfill all of the initial certification requirements byDecember 31, 2006, must have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited col-lege or university, in any field, in order to obtain CFP certification.

Important Questions to Ask

Because the educational offerings are so varied, consider asking the Program Director thefollowing questions when evaluating a program:

• What educational level is your curriculum (junior/senior baccalaureate, master’s or doc-torate level)?

• How long does it take to complete your curriculum? • How much does your program cost? Does that amount include books, test and other

fees? • Are you anticipating making changes to your program? • How do you schedule your courses? How often are courses offered? • Is your distance education program offered online or is it paper-based?• What are the credentials of your faculty? • Does your program have internships or job placement services?• Does your program have a review course? Does it partner with a review course

provider?• Overall, how will your program prepare me to be a financial planner?

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CHALLENGE STATUS

CFP Board has approved specific academic degrees and professional credentials as fulfilling the educa-tion requirement for CFP® certification. If you have one of the following degrees or credentials, you willautomatically be eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination:

• Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)• Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)• Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)• Ph.D. in business or economics**• Doctor of Business Administration**• Licensed attorney – inactive license acceptable*• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – must be currently licensed to practice (inac-

tive license with letter of good standing acceptable)*

Only the degrees and credentials listed above are approved for challenging the CFP® CertificationExamination. In addition, the Certified Employee Benefits Specialists (CEBS) credential plus the additionof two courses will qualify an individual to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination (see details onpage 12). If your degree or credential is not on this list, you may wish to consult the transcript reviewprocess as an alternate route to the CFP® Certification Examination.

To apply for the CFP® Certification Examination, use the application form at the back of this booklet ordownload the form from CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/become.

TRANSCRIPT REVIEW

CFP Board recognizes that you may have covered some of the components in CFP Board’s financial plan-ning topic list through previous educational coursework. CFP Board will consider granting credittowards the educational component required for CFP® certification if:

1. You can demonstrate that you have successfully completed equivalent upper-divisionlevel college or university coursework at a regionally accredited college or university;and/or

2. You have one of the credentials listed on page 12 that CFP Board has pre-approved forcredit towards the educational component.

Review the detailed topic list on page 33 and use the checklist on the transcript review applicationfound on page 51 of this booklet against your college transcript(s) to assess if you have covered any CFPBoard topics.

Look for upper-division level courses (junior, senior or graduate level coursework with course numbersof typically 300 or greater) with titles such as Personal Income Tax, Insurance, Investments, EstatePlanning, Retirement Planning and Personal Financial Planning.

To satisfy the entire educational component via a transcript review your financial planning-relatedcoursework must total at least 15 upper-division semester hours or 20 quarter hours. The courses musthave been taken at a U.S. regionally accredited four-year educational institution.

If, after reviewing your transcript, you feel that you have completed all or part of the necessary finan-cial planning topics at an appropriate institution, you may apply to CFP Board for a transcript review(see application on page 51).

*If you are fulfilling the education requirement on the basis of an inactive CPA license or law license, you will need to pro-

vide a letter from the applicable licensing board stating that you are in good standing with that authority.

**Degree must be from an accredited U.S. college or university.

1 1E D U C AT I O N

Rev. 3/05

The following credentials have been deemed to fulfill certain portions of the CFP® certification’s educa-tion requirement. The first column lists the credential; the second lists the corresponding topics in CFPBoard’s topic list.

Continuing education courses, firm training and/or National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD®) orstate licenses do not fulfill any of CFP Board’s initial educational requirement.

*Individuals who hold the CEBS credential may complete two additional courses (Personal Financial Planning I and Personal

Financial Planning II) from the Wharton School and the International Foundation for Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) to

satisfy CFP Board’s education requirement. These individuals will not need to complete a transcript review application or

submit a transcript review fee. Instead, they should use the CFP® Certification Examination Application ( on page 55) and

attach a copy of the CEBS designation and either a transcript or score report showing completion of the Personal Financial

Planning I and II courses.

E D U C AT I O N1 2

Credential

Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA)

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)*

Enrolled Agent (EA)

Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA)

Topics satisfied on CFP Board’s topic list

13, 14, 19, 40-53

13-15, 18, 21, 25, 35, 40-43, 73-81

57-71

13, 14, 19, 40-53

Rev. 3/05

The American College (*)CFP® Certification CurriculumMr. King McGlaughon610-526-1311Bryn Mawr, PAkingm@amercoll.edu

Masters of Sciences in FinancialServices

Dr. Walt Woerheide610-526-1398Bryn Mawr, PAjoannep@amercoll.edu

Boston University (*)Boston University Online Program for

Financial PlannersMs. Janice SmithBoston, MA617-358-2272cpe@bu.edu

California Lutheran University (*)M.B.A., Financial PlanningDr. Somnath BasuThousand Oaks, CA805-493-3980basu@clunet.edu

City University (*)M.B.A. in Personal Financial PlanningGraduate Certificate in Personal Financial

PlanningMr. Marvin WillBellevue, WA425-709-5456mwill@cityu.edu

College for Financial Planning (*)Master of Science, Financial Planning

ConcentrationDr. Kurt MillerGreenwood Village, CO800-237-9990enroll@fp.edu

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CertificationProfessional Education Program

Mr. Michael B. Cates, CFP®

Greenwood Village, CO800-237-9990enroll@fp.edu

Florida Community College atJacksonville – Institute forFinancial Studies (*)

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CertificationEducation Program

Ms. Melissa ChandlerJacksonville, FL904-633-8114machandl@fccj.org

Florida State UniversityCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. Susann RudasillTallahassee, FL850-644-1571srudasill@cpd.fsu.edu

Golden Gate University (*)M.S. in Financial PlanningGraduate Financial Planning CertificateM.S. in Finance, Financial Planning

EmphasisUndergraduate Financial Planning

CertificateDr. Steve HawkeySan Francisco, CA415-442-6584shawkey@ggu.edu

Iowa State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education) M.F.C.S. (Master of Family and Consumer

Sciences) with a Specialization inFamily Financial Planning

Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Mary WinterAmes, IA515-294-5982mfcsinfo@iastate.edu

Kansas State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Studies and Human

Services with a Specialization inFamily Financial Planning

Certificate in Family Financial PlanningMs. Estoria M. Maddux, CFP®

Manhattan, KS785-532-1480ipfp@ksu.edu

Kaplan University (*)Certificate in Financial PlanningMr. Keith R. Fevurly, CFP®

Davenport, IA866-523-3473infofp@kaplancollege.edu

Metropolitan Community College (*)Certificate of Achievement, Personal

Financial PlanningMs. Lori LothringerOmaha, NE402-537-3830llothringer@metropo.mccneb.edu

Mississippi State University (*)Certificate in Financial PlanningDr. Edwin DuettMississippi State, MS662-325-2341eduett@cobilan.msstate.edu

Montana State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Financial Planning Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Deborah HaynesBozeman, MT406-994-5013dhaynes@montana.edu

North Dakota State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Financial PlanningCertificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Greg SandersFargo, ND701-231-8272greg.sanders@ndsu.nodak.edu

Oglethorpe University (*)Financial Planner ProgramDr. Christopher AmesAtlanta, GA404-364-8318cames@oglethorpe.edu

1 3E D U C AT I O N

LIST OF CFP BOARD-REGISTERED PROGRAMS

Distance Education Programs

The Distance Education Programs listed below are presented using self-study and/or onlinedelivery methods. The schools indicated by a (*) may also offer in-classroom instruction at vari-ous locations throughout the country – contact the school for a list of additional locations.

For the most up-to-date list, with expanded contact information, of Distance Programs, visitCFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/become. You can find additional locations of the schoolsonline with Web site links to the schools.

Rev. 3/05

Oklahoma State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S., in Family Financial PlanningDr. Lona RobertsonStillwater, OK405-744-5053osu-ches@okstate.edu

South Dakota State University (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family and Consumer SciencesCertificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Bernadine EnevoldsenBrookings, SD605-688-4328bernadine_enevoldsen@sdstate.edu

Texas A&M University – Commerce (*)Certificate in Financial PlanningMr. Kenneth M. Washer, CFP®

Commerce, TX903-886-5674kenneth_washer@tamu-commerce.edu

University of California – Irvine (*)Personal Financial Planning CertificateMs. Lori Munoz-ReilandIrvine, CA949-824-2282lmmunoz@uci.edu

University of California – Los Angeles (*)Certificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningMs. Monica FrenchLos Angeles, CA310-206-1689mfrench@unex.ucla.edu

University of Nebraska (*)(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences

with a Specialization in FamilyFinancial Planning

Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Sheran CramerOmaha, NE402-554-2450scramer@unomaha.edu

Utah State University (*)Personal Financial Planning Certificate

Program OnlineDr. E. Vance Grange, CFP®

Logan, UT435-753-9699vance.grange@usu.edu

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Rev. 3/05

1 5E D U C AT I O N

ALABAMAAuburn University, MontgomeryFinancial Planner ProgramMs. Janie NoblesMontgomery, AL334-244-3930jnobles@mail.aum.edu

University of AlabamaB.S., Human Environmental SciencesCertificate Program in Family Financial

Planning (Graduate)Certificate in Family Financial Planning

(Undergraduate)Mrs. Jannis L. Brakefield, CFP®

Tuscaloosa, AL205-348-8132jbrakefi@ches.ua.edu

B.S., Banking and Financial ServicesDr. Robert W. McLeod, CFP®

Tuscaloosa, AL205-345-0934rmcleod@cba.ua.edu

University of Alabama – BirminghamFinancial Planner ProgramMr. Lowell BroomBirmingham, AL205-934-8824lbroom@uab.edu

ARIZONAUniversity of Phoenix (*)Financial Planning Professional

Education ProgramMs. Lisa MulliganPhoenix, AZ480-446-4640lisa.mulligan@phoenix.edu

ARKANSASSouthern Arkansas UniversityB.B.A., with an Emphasis in FinanceCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. James David Ashby, CFP®

Magnolia, AR870-235-4304jdashby@saumag.edu

University of ArkansasB.S.B.A., Finance Major, Personal

Financial Planning EmphasisMr. Douglas HearthFayetteville, AR479-575-4505dhearth@walton.uark.edu

University of Arkansas – Little RockB.B.A., Finance – Financial Planning(Track II, Insurance and Financial

Planning Option)Dr. Andy TerryLittle Rock, AR501-569-8872haterry@ualr.edu

CALIFORNIACalifornia Lutheran UniversityM.B.A., Financial PlanningCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. Somnath BasuThousand Oaks, CA805-493-3980basu@clunet.edu

California State University –Bakersfield

B.S. Business Administration with aConcentration in Finance andEmphasis in Financial Planning

Dr. Ken ShakooriBakersfield, CA661-664-2311kshakoori@csubak.edu

California State University – FresnoB.S., Business AdministrationCertificate Program in Financial

PlanningDr. K. C. ChenFresno, CA559-278-5646kchen@csufresno.edu

California State University – FullertonB.A., Business Administration, Finance

Emphasis, Financial PlanningDr. Donald B. Crane, CFP®

Fullerton, CA714-525-4445dcrane@fullerton.edu

Golden Gate UniversityM.S. in Financial PlanningGraduate Financial Planning CertificateM.S. in Finance, Financial Planning

EmphasisUndergraduate Financial Planning

CertificateDr. Steve HawkeySan Francisco, CA415-442-6584shawkey@ggu.edu

San Diego State UniversityMaster of Science in Business

Administration with aConcentration in Financial and TaxPlanning

B.S.B.A., Financial Services Major,Personal Financial PlanningCertificate

Executive Financial Planner ProgramDr. Thomas Warschauer, CFP®

San Diego, CA619-594-4354tom.warschauer@sdsu.edu

University of California – BerkeleyCertificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningMr. Marc HymanBerkeley, CA510-643-2181mlh@unex.berkeley.edu

University of California – DavisCertificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningMs. Kristina NorbergDavis, CA530-757-8627knorberg@unexmail.ucdavis.edu

University of California – IrvineCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningPersonal Financial Planning Certificate

– Fast TrackMs. Lori Munoz-ReilandIrvine, CA949-824-2282lmmunoz@uci.edu

Registered Programs Listed by State

The schools indicated by a (*) may offer in-classroom instruction at various locationsthroughout the country – contact the school for a list of additional locations. For the mostup-to-date list, go to www.CFP.net/become.

For the most up-to-date list, with expanded contact information, of CFP Board-RegisteredPrograms, visit CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/become. You can find additional locations ofthe schools online with Web site links to the schools.

Rev. 3/05

E D U C AT I O N1 6

University of California – Los AngelesCertificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningCertificate in Personal Financial

Planning: Accelerated ProgramMs. Monica FrenchLos Angeles, CA310-206-1689mfrench@unex.ucla.edu

University of California – RiversideCertificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningMr. Eric BlumRiverside, CA951-827-1600kcraig@ucx.ucr.edu

Professional Achievement in FinancialPlanning Fast Track

Ms. Kathy CraigRiverside, CA909-787-4111 x21600kcraig@ucx.ucr.edu

University of California – SantaBarbara

Professional Financial PlanningCertificate Program

Ms. Karen GravenorGoleta, CA805-893-3591kgraveno@els.ucsb.edu

University of California, Santa CruzCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningMs. Linda AndrewsCupertino, CA408-861-3801landrews@ucsc-extension.edu

COLORADOCollege for Financial Planning (*)Master of Science, Financial Planning

ConcentrationDr. Kurt MillerGreenwood Village, CO800-237-9990enroll@fp.edu

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™Certification ProfessionalEducation Program

Mr. Michael B. Cates, CFP®

Greenwood Village, CO800-237-9990enroll@fp.edu

Colorado Technical University –Colorado Springs

Certificate in Personal FinancialPlanning

Bachelor of Scence, FinanceMr. Eric GoodmanColorado Springs, CO719-590-6772egoodman@coloradotech.edu

Metropolitan State College of Denver (*)B.S., Finance, Concentration in

Financial ServicesMs. Maria Ruybal CarrilloDenver, CO303-556-6998hugginsk@mscd.edu

Personal Financial Planning CertificatePersonal Financial Planning Certificate

(Fast Track Format)Ms. Maria Ruybal CarrilloDenver, CO303-556-6998carrillo@mscd.edu

University of Northern ColoradoB.S.B.A. in FinanceMr. Kenneth MoonGreeley, CO970-351-1226kenneth.moon@unco.edu

CONNECTICUTFairfield UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Beatrix BrownfieldFairfield, CT203-254-4000 x2920bbrownfield@mail.fairfield.edu

Manchester Community CollegePersonal Financial Planning Certificate

ProgramMr. Stanley R. Roesler, CFP®

Manchester, CT860-875-6632racestan@aol.com

Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac-UNT/PDI Certificate

Program in Personal FinancialPlanning

Ms. Tammy RussellGuilford, CTguttery@unt.edu

FLORIDABarry University (Ace)CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification

Education ProgramDr. Robert D. Lovett, CFP®

Miami Shores, FL954-796-3067rdl@rdlovett.com

Florida Atlantic UniversityM.B.A./Financial Planning TrackDr. Scott BarnhartJupiter, FL561-799-8512sbarnhar@fau.edu

Florida Community College atJacksonville – Institute forFinancial Studies

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CertificationEducation Program

Ms. Melissa ChandlerJacksonville, FL904-633-8114machandl@fccj.org

Florida Gulf Coast University (*)CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification

Education ProgramDr. Robert D. Lovett, CFP®

Ft. Myers, FL239-598-5229rlovett@fgcu.edu

Florida International UniversityCFP® Certification Professional

Education ProgramMr. Vincent S. DanielsMiami, FL305-348-4217danielsv@fiu.edu

International CollegeB.S. in Management, Minor in

Financial PlanningB.S. in Accounting, Minor in Financial

PlanningB.S. Business Administration, Minor in

Financial PlanningCertificate in Financial PlanningMs. Melinda F. Chancy, CFP®

Naples, FL239-755-8224mchancy@internationalcollege.edu

Keiser CollegeCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification

Education ProgramMr. Richard ClareSarasota, FL941-907-3900richardc@keisercollege.com

Rev. 3/05

1 7E D U C AT I O N

Nova Southeastern UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Kelly MurphyFort Lauderdale, FL954-262-8446murphyk@nova.edu

Tallahassee Community College (*)Professional Financial Planning

ProgramMs. Vera WirickTallahassee, FL850-201-6103wirickv@tcc.fl.edu

University of Central Florida (*)Financial Planning Certificate ProgramExecutive Financial Planning Certificate

ProgramMs. Cheryl BlackwellOrlando, FL407-402-7644cblackwe@mail.ucf.edu

University of MiamiM.S.T., Concentration in Personal

Financial PlanningM.P.A., Concentration in Personal

Financial PlanningMs. Willie Risby-HannaCoral Gables, FL305-284-5428tomr@miami.edu

Certificate in Personal FinancialPlanning

Mr. Levar WalkerCoral Gables, FL305-284-5800

University of North FloridaB.B.A., Major Financial ServicesDr. Seth Copeland AndersonJacksonville, FL904-620-1672sanderso@unf.edu

University of South FloridaFinancial Planner Certificate ProgramMs. Martha LakisTampa, FL813-974-8021mglakis@admin.usf.edu

GEORGIAAugusta State UniversityB.B.A., Finance, with a Concentration

in Financial PlanningCFP® Certification Education ProgramDr. Pete BascianoAugusta, GA706-667-4535pbasciano@aug.edu

Georgia State UniversityM.B.A., Major in Personal Financial

PlanningM.S., Personal Financial PlanningGraduate Certificate in Personal

Financial PlanningDr. Conrad CiccotelloAtlanta, GA404-651-1711cciccotello@gsu.edu

Kennesaw State UniversityFinancial Planner ProgramMs. Laurie MorseKennesaw, GA770-423-6963lmorse@kennesaw.edu

Oglethorpe UniversityFinancial Planner ProgramDr. Christopher AmesAtlanta, GA404-364-8318cames@oglethorpe.edu

Savannah State UniversityProfessional Financial Planning

ProgramDr. M.H. SarhanSavannah, GA912-356-2335sarhanm@savstate.edu

University of GeorgiaB.S.F.C.S., Consumer Economics, Area

of Emphasis: Family FinancialManagement

Dr. Lance PalmerAthens, GA706-542-4916lpalmer@fcs.uga.edu

HAWAIIUniversity of Hawaii, ManoaBachelor's Degree in Finance, Financial

Services and Planning TrackCFP® Certification Professional ProgramDr. Rosita ChangHonolulu, HI808-956-7592rosita.chang@hawaii.edu

IDAHOUniversity of IdahoB.S., Finance with a Financial Planning

OptionDr. Terrance GriebMoscow, ID208-885-7140tgrieb@uidaho.edu

ILLINOISDePaul UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Carol Lee Roberts, CFP®

Chicago, IL312-362-6327crobert9@depaul.edu

Eastern Illinois UniversityB.S., Major Finance, Financial Planning

ConcentrationMr. David McGrady, CFP®

Charleston, IL217-581-3026dmcgrady@eiu.edu

Kaplan UniversityAccelerated Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Susan CuscaranoChicago, IL800-621-9621 x4469infofp@KaplanCollege.edu

Marquette University (*)Certificate in Financial PlanningMr. Mark LarsonNaperville, IL630-369-8003ufgedu@yahoo.com

Northwestern UniversityCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certification Education ProgramMs. Dawn LulloChicago, IL312-503-0714d-lullo@northwestern.edu

Saint Xavier UniversityM.B.A., Financial PlanningB.B.A., Financial PlanningProfessional Financial PlanningMr. James J. McCabe, CFP®

Chicago, IL773-298-3600mccabe@sxu.edu

INDIANAPurdue UniversityB.S., Financial Counseling and PlanningDr. Sharon DeVaneyWest Lafayette, IN765-494-8300sdevaney@purdue.edu

Rev. 3/05

E D U C AT I O N1 8

IOWAIowa State University(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.F.C.S. (Master of Family and

Consumer Sciences) with aSpecialization in Family FinancialPlanning

Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Mary WinterAmes, IA515-294-5982mfcsinfo@iastate.edu

Kaplan UniversityCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Keith R. Fevurly, CFP®

Davenport, IA866-523-3473infofp@kaplancollege.edu

KANSASFort Hays State UniversityB.B.A., Major in Finance, Emphasis in

Financial PlanningDr. Tom JohansenHays, KS785-628-5805tjohanse@fhsu.edu

Kansas State UniversityM.S. in Family Studies and Human

Services with a Specialization inFamily Financial Planning (GreatPlains Interactive Education)

Certificate in Family Financial Planning(Great Plains Interactive Education)

Certificate in Personal FinancialPlanning

Ms. Estoria M. Maddux, CFP®

Manhattan, KS785-532-1480ipfp@ksu.edu

B.S., Personal Financial PlanningDr. John Grable, CFP®

Manhattan, KS785-532-1486ipfp@ksu.edu

Wichita State UniversityProfessional Financial Planning

Certificate ProgramDr. Richard LeCompteWichita, KS316-978-6448Rick.LeCompte@Wichita.edu

KENTUCKYBellarmine UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Linda BaileyLouisville, KY502-452-8161lbailey@bellarmine.edu

Morehead State UniversityB.B.A., Finance (Financial Planning

Track)Professional Financial Planning Track

(Certificate)Dr. Ishappa HullurMorehead, KY606-783-2796I.hullur@morehead-st.edu

Murray State UniversityB.S. in Business, Finance, Financial

Planning OptionDr. David W. Durr, CFP®

Murray, KY270-762-6275david.durr@murraystate.edu

Northern Kentucky UniversityB.S. in Finance, Financial Services TrackCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Steven E. Devoto, CFP®

Highland Heights, KY859-572-5651devotos@nku.edu

Western Kentucky UniversityB.S., Finance, Financial Planning

OptionCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. Edward WolfeBowling Green, KY270-745-6193edward.wolfe@wku.edu

MARYLANDFrostburg State UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramDr. Sudhir SinghFrostburg, MD301-687-4394fpcp@frostburg.edu

Salisbury UniversityB.S., Finance, Financial Planning TrackDr. E. Taylor ClaggettSalisbury, MD410-543-6336etclaggett@salisbury.edu

Towson UniversityB.S., Accounting, Financial Planning

TrackDr. Lamont SteedleTowson, MD410-704-3226lsteedle@towson.edu

UMBC Training CentersCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Certification

Professional Education ProgramMs. Linda KentBaltimore, MD443-543-5412lindak@umbctrainingcenters.com

MASSACHUSETTSBay Path CollegeProfessional Financial Planning

Certificate ProgramDr. Kenneth CallowLongmeadow, MA413-565-1332kcallow@baypath.edu

Bentley CollegeMaster of Science in TaxationMaster of Science in Financial PlanningMr. John E. Lynch, Jr.Waltham, MA781-891-2624jlynch@bentley.edu

Boston UniversityBoston University Online Program for

Financial PlannersBoston University Financial Planning

Certificate ProgramMs. Janice SmithBoston, MA617-358-2272cpe@bu.edu

Merrimack CollegeCertificate in Financial Planning

ProgramMs. Barbara MaclachlanNorth Andover, MA978-837-5426barbara.maclachlan@merrimack.edu

Northeastern UniversityMaster of Science in TaxationMs. Annarita DiCensoBoston, MA617-373-4621a.dicenso@neu.edu

Master of Science in FinanceMs. Florence LaForestBoston, MA617-373-5964f.laforest@neu.edu

Salem State CollegeGraduate Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Raminder LutherSalem, MA978-542-7006raminder.luther@salemstate.edu

Rev. 3/05

1 9E D U C AT I O N

Suffolk UniversityB.S.B.A., Financial Planning

ConcentrationCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Ki C. Han, CFP®

Boston, MA617-573-8561khan@suffolk.edu

MICHIGANCentral Michigan UniversityB.S.B.A., Personal Financial PlanningDr. R. Gene Stout, CFP®

Mount Pleasant, MI989-774-3362r.gene.stout@CMICH.edu

Grand Valley State UniversityCertificate in Financial Planning

ProgramDr. Gregg DimkoffGrand Rapids, MI616-331-7428dimkoffg@gvsu.edu

Northern Michigan UniversityB.S., Accounting/Financial PlanningB.S., Personal Financial PlanningCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningDr. Charles Rayhorn, CFP®

Marquette, MI906-227-1839crayhorn@nmu.edu

Oakland UniversityPersonal Financial Planning Certificate

ProgramMs. Sarah Serra PruchaRochester, MI248-370-4513sba-ce@oakland.edu

Walsh CollegeM.S.F., Personal Financial PlanningB.B.A., Personal Financial PlanningPersonal Financial Planning Certificate

ProgramMr. Joseph WeglarzTroy, MI248-349-5454admissions@walshcollege.edu

Western Michigan UniversityB.B.A., Major in Financial PlanningFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMr. Ajay SamantKalamazoo, MI269-387-5722samant@wmich.edu

MINNESOTAMetropolitan State UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Paula BallSt. Paul, MN612-659-7254paula.ball@metrostate.edu

Minnesota State University –Mankato (*)

B.S., Financial Planning TrackDr. Chan LeeMankato, MN507-389-2076chan.lee@mnsu.edu

Financial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Jean ClarkeMankato, MN507-389-3283jean.clarke@mnsu.edu

University of MinnesotaExecutive Certificate in Financial

Planning Mr. Joseph T. BorkMinneapolis, MN612-624-7535jbork@csom.umn.edu

MISSISSIPPIDelta State UniversityB.B.A., Business Administration with

Finance EmphasisDr. Billy Carl Moore, CFP®

Cleveland, MS662-846-4201bmoore@deltastate.edu

Mississippi State UniversityB.B.A., Major in Risk Management,

Insurance and Financial PlanningCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. Edwin DuettMississippi State, MS662-325-2341eduett@cobilan.msstate.edu

University of Southern MississippiB.S. Finance, Personal Financial

Planning EmphasisDr. John M. Clark, CFP®

Hattiesburg, MS601-266-5766clarkj@cba.usm.edu

University of Southern Mississippi –Gulf Coast

Financial Planning ProgramMs. Dayonne McGuireLong Beach, MS228-867-8778dayonne.mcguire@usm.edu

MISSOURICentral Missouri State UniversityMinor for a Bachelor's Degree,

Personal Financial PlanningCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningDr. Jo Lynne Koehn, CFP®

Warrensburg, MO660-543-4631koehn@cmsu1.cmsu.edu

Missouri Southern State UniversityB.S.B.A., Finance and EconomicsCertificate in Financial PlanningProfessional Certificate in Financial

PlanningDr. Richard RawlinsJoplin, MO417-625-9716rawlins-r@mssu.edu

University of Missouri – ColumbiaJ.D./M.S., Dual Degree Program with

School of Law and PersonalFinancial Planning Department

M.S, in Personal Financial PlanningB.S., Major in Personal Financial

PlanningB.S., Agriculture Economics Major/

Personal Financial Planning MinorCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningDr. Deanna L. Sharpe, CFP®

Columbia, MO573-882-9652sharped@missouri.edu

University of Missouri – Kansas CityCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. James Randall Gardner, CFP®

Kansas City, MO816-916-8844rgpfp@aol.com

University of Missouri – St. LouisB.S. in Business Administration,

Emphasis in Finance, TrackSpecialization in Personal FinancialPlanning

Dr. Thomas H. EyssellSt Louis, MO314-516-6273eyssellt@msx.umsl.edu

MONTANAMontana State University(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Financial Planning Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Deborah HaynesBozeman, MT406-994-5013dhaynes@montana.edu

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E D U C AT I O N2 0

NEBRASKAMetropolitan Community CollegeCertificate of Achievement, Personal

Financial PlanningMs. Lori LothringerOmaha, NE402-537-3830llothringer@metropo.mccneb.edu

University of Nebraska(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences

with a Specialization in FamilyFinancial Planning

Certificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Sheran CramerOmaha, NE402-554-2450scramer@unomaha.edu

NEVADAUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Ann TateLas Vegas, NV702-895-3867tate@ccmail.nevada.edu

NEW JERSEYFairleigh Dickinson UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Valerie BarnesMadison, NJ973-443-8990barnes@fdu.edu

New Jersey City UniversityM.S. in Finance, Professional Financial

Planning ConcentrationCertificate in Professional Financial

PlanningMs. Rosilyn H. Overton, CFP®

Jersey City, NJ718-631-4000roverton@njcu.edu

Rutgers UniversityB.S., AccountingB.S., FinanceProfessional Financial Planning

ProgramMr. Michael S. Long, CFP®

Newark, NJ973-353-5471mikessam@aol.com

NEW YORKAlfred State CollegeB.B.A., Technology Management –

Financial Services PlanningMr. Winfred G. Jacob, CFP®

Wellsville, NY800-281-9762Jacobwg@alfredstate.edu

College of Saint RoseB.S. in Business Administration,

Financial Planning ConcentrationFinancial Planning CertificateDr. Severin CarlsonAlbany, NY212-636-6761carlsons@strose.edu

Fordham UniversityPersonal Financial Planning

Specialization (M.B.A., with a DualConcentration in Finance andAccounting/Taxation)

Mr. Paul BochnerNew York, NY212-636-6761bochner@fordham.edu

Lehman College – The City Universityof New York

Certificate Program in PersonalFinancial Planning

Mr. Albert WeinerBronx, NY718-960-8666ceducate@lehman.cuny.edu

Long Island University – CW PostCampus

Certificate in Financial PlanningMr. Kendall JohnsonGreenvale, NY516-299-3873kendall.johnson@liu.edu

Marist CollegeFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Dianne Landau-FlayterFishkill, NY845-897-9648dianne.landau-flayter@marist.edu

Medaille CollegeM.B.A.,Concentration in Financial

PlanningB.S., Financial ServicesCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Evan S. Wardner, CFP®

Buffalo, NY716-884-3281ewardner@medaille.edu

Molloy CollegeFinancial Planning CertificateMr. Louis CinoRockville Center, NY516-678-5000lcino@molloy.edu

Mount Saint Mary CollegeM.B.A.,Concentration in Professional

Financial PlanningFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMr. David RantNewburgh, NY845-569-3124rant@msmc.edu

New York UniversityCertificate in Financial PlanningIntensive Certificate in Financial PlanningMs. Nadene MarescaNew York, NY212-992-3323nadene.maresca@nyu.edu

Pace UniversityCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certification ProfessionalEducation Program

Ms. Susan TeracinoWhite Plains, NY914-422-4336steracino@pace.edu

St. John's UniversityTraditional Program in Financial

PlanningExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Wendy CohenNew York, NY212-277-5161cohenw@stjohns.edu

SUNY – CobleskillB.B.A., Technology Management –

Financial ServicesFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMr. Charles Moran, CFP®

Cobleskill, NY518-255-5457moranca@cobleskill.edu

NORTH CAROLINAAppalachian State UniversityB.S.B.A., Finance and BankingCertificate in Financial PlanningExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningDr. Ivan C. Roten, CFP®

Boone, NC828-262-6943rotenic@appstate.edu

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Campbell UniversityMaster’s of Trust and Investment

ManagementMinor in Financial PlanningB.B.A., Trust and Investment

Management 3/2 MBAB.B.A., Trust and Investment

Management Pre-LawB.B.A., Trust & Investment

Management; Minor in FinancialPlanning

B.B.A., Trust and InvestmentManagement Pre-Law 3/2 MBA

Dr. Jimmy WitherspoonBuies Creek, NC910-893-1387witherspoon@mailcenter.campbell.edu

Duke UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Dee HollandDurham, NC919-668-1836dholland@duke.edu

Guilford CollegeCFP® Certification Education ProgramMs. Beth ParksGreensboro, NC336-316-2266bparks2@guilford.edu

Queens University of CharlotteFinancial Planner ProgramMs. Nancy GoodeCharlotte, NC704-337-2538gooden@queens.edu

University of North Carolina –Charlotte

Financial Planner ProgramMs. Ann A. BrownCharlotte, NC704-330-5214abrown@email.uncc.edu

Western Carolina UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramB.S.B.A., Finance with a Concentration

in Financial PlanningDr. Grace AllenCullowhee, NC828-227-3189alleng@email.wcu.edu

NORTH DAKOTANorth Dakota State University(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Financial PlanningCertificate in Family Financial Planning Dr. Greg SandersFargo, ND701-231-8272greg.sanders@ndsu.nodak.edu

OHIOBowling Green State UniversityB.S.B.A., Specializing in Finance with a

Concentration in FinancialPlanning

Certificate Program in FinancialPlanning

Dr. Francis E. Laatsch, CFP®

Bowling Green, OH419-372-2668flaatsc@cba.bgsu.edu

Cuyahoga Community CollegeCertificate Program in Financial

PlanningMr. Scott BurkeCleveland, OH216-987-5846

D.N. Myers UniversityMaster’s of Financial PlanningB.S., Business AdministrationCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Mike JosephCleveland, OH216-765-8362mjoseph@dnmyers.edu

Franklin UniversityB.S., Finance, Financial Planning

ConcentrationMr. Tony EmanuelColumbus, OH614-341-6331emanuela@franklin.edu

John Carroll UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Katharine H. CampbellUniversity Heights, OH216-397-4190kcampbell@jcu.edu

Ohio State UniversityB.S., Family Resource Management

Financial Planning TrackDr. Jonathan FoxColumbus, OH614-292-4561fox.99@osu.edu

CFP® Certification Education ProgramDr. Bill RivesColumbus, OH614-292-6436rives.4@osu.edu

University of AkronB.S.B.A., FinanceDr. Karen Eilers LaheyAkron, OH330-972-5436klahey@uakron.edu

University of ToledoCertificate Program in Financial

PlanningDr. Linda BowyerToledo, OH419-530-5221linda.bowyer@utoledo.edu

Wright State UniversityB.S., Financial ServicesMr. William Ross Wood, CFP®

Dayton, OH937-775-2902william.wood@wright.edu

Xavier UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Sue BensmanCincinatti, OH513-745-3396bensman@xu.edu

Finance Certificate in FinancialPlanning

Dr. James PawlukiewiczCincinatti, OH513-745-3066pawlukiewicz@xavier.edu

OKLAHOMANortheastern State UniversityB.B.A., Accounting, Concentration in

Financial PlanningB.B.A., Finance, Concentration in

Financial PlanningCFP® Certification Education ProgramMs. Denise L. Deason-ToyneTahlequah, OK918-456-5511 x2912toynedd@nsuok.edu

Oklahoma City UniversityFinancial Planning ProgramMs. Jennifer BradfordOklahoma City, OK405-208-5110cpe@okcu.edu

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Oklahoma State University(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family Financial PlanningDr. Lona RobertsonStillwater, OK405-744-9531osu-ches@okstate.edu

OREGONUniversity of PortlandExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Elise PetersenPortland, OR503-943-8420petersen@up.edu

PENNSYLVANIAThe American College (*)Master of Sciences in Financial ServicesDr. Walt WoerheideBryn Mawr, PA610-526-1398joannep@amercoll.edu

CFP® Certification CurriculumMr. King McGlaughonBryn Mawr, PA610-526-1311kingm@amercoll.edu

Duquesne UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Marianne LeisterPittsburgh, PA412-396-4933leister@duq.edu

Edinboro University – PennsylvaniaB.S., Business Administration/Financial

ServicesDr. Michael HannanEdinboro, PA814-732-2407hannan@edinboro.edu

Mercyhurst CollegeB.A., FinanceCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Robert D. Cullen, CFP®

Erie, PA814-824-2332rcullen@mercyhurst.edu

Moravian CollegeCertificate Program in Personal

Financial PlanningMr. John D. Rossi, III, CFP®

Bethlehem, PA610-861-1380mejdr01@moravian.edu

Penn State Erie – The Behrend CollegeB.S. in Business (several majors) with

Credit Certificate in FinancialPlanning

Mrs. Kay N. Johnson, CFP®

Erie, PAknj2@psu.edu

Pennsylvania College of TechnologyCompetency Credential in Financial

PlanningBaccalaureate Degree, Minor in

Financial PlanningDr. Roy FletcherWilliamsport, PA570-326-3761rfletche@pct.edu

Saint Joseph's UniversityM.S., Financial Services AdministrationDr. Christopher Coyne, CFP®

Philadelphia, PA610-660-1668ccoyne@sju.edu

Slippery Rock UniversityB.S.B.A., B.S., B.A., Various Majors and

MinorsCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningDr. John M. Misner, CFP®

Slippery Rock, PA724-738-2575john.misner@sru.edu

Widener UniversityMaster’s in Business Administration –

Financial Planning TrackM.S., TaxationB.S., Economics/Financial Services TrackCertificate in Financial PlanningMs. Lisa BussomChester, PA610-499-4305lisa.b.bussom@widener.edu

RHODE ISLANDBryant UniversityCertificate Program in Financial

PlanningMs. Jennifer ChasseSmithfield, RI401-232-6501jchasse@bryant.edu

Rhode Island CollegeMasters of Professional AccountancyDr. Charles SnowProvidence, RI401-456-9528csnow@ric.edu

SOUTH CAROLINAClemson UniversityB.S., Financial Management with a

Study Area in Financial PlanningDr. John Alexander, Jr.Clemson, SC864-656-0547alexanj@clemson.edu

College of CharlestonFinancial Planning Education

Certificate ProgramMs. Jessica HartzogNorth Charleston, SC843-953-6684north@cofc.edu

Lander UniversityProfessional Financial Planning

ProgramMr. James BentonGreenwood, SC864-388-8302jbenton@lander.edu

Midlands Technical CollegeCFP® Certification Education ProgramMs. Patsy ToweryColumbia, SC803-732-5256toweryp@mtc.mid.tec.sc.us

University of South CarolinaCFP® Certification Education ProgramMr. Charlie FarrellColumbia, SCrlippert@moore.sc.edu

SOUTH DAKOTAColorado Technical University – Sioux

Falls CampusBachelor of Science in FinanceCertificate in Personal Financial

PlanningMr. Robert ErkonenSioux Falls, SD605-361-0200rerkonen@sf.coloradotech.edu

South Dakota State University(Great Plains Interactive Education)M.S. in Family and Consumer SciencesCertificate in Family Financial PlanningDr. Bernadine EnevoldsenBrookings, SD605-688-4328bernadine_enevoldsen@sdstate.edu

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TENNESSEEBelmont UniversityCertificate in Financial PlanningMs. Angela CarlsonNashville, TN615-460-6458carlsona@mail.belmont.edu

Christian Brothers UniversityCertificate in Financial PlanningMs. Jacque MahrMemphis, TN901-321-3315aaretz@cbu.edu

East Tennessee State UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramDr. Michael McKinneyJohnson City, TN423-439-5391mckinney@etsu.edu

University of Tennessee – KnoxvillePersonal Financial Planning ProgramMs. Mary JergerKnoxville, TN865-974-0150ProfessionalPgms@utk.edu

TEXASAngelo State UniversityB.B.A., Finance Major with Financial

Planning OptionDr. Thomas A. BankstonSan Angelo, TX915-942-2046 x245thomas.bankston@angelo.edu

Baylor UniversityB.B.A., Financial Services and PlanningDr. Tom L. Potts, CFP®

Waco, TX254-710-6139Tom_Potts@Baylor.edu

Murray State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Business, Finance,

Financial Planning OptionDr. David W. Durr, CFP®

Houston, TX270-762-6275david.durr@murraystate.edu

Rice University – School of ContinuingStudies

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ CertificationEducation Program

Ms. Edie CarlsonHouston, TX713-348-4803 x606edie@rice.edu

Southern Methodist UniversityFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Amy Claire HeitzmanDallas, TX214-768-1022cpfp@smu.edu

St. Edward's UniversityGraduate Certificate in Financial

PlanningM.B.A., Concentration in Financial

PlanningDr. Amy BurnettAustin, TX512-448-8658amyburne@admin.stedwards.edu

St. Mary's UniversityMaster of Accounting, Financial

Planning TrackMr. Mark B. Persellin, CFP®

San Antonio, TX210-431-2038mpersellin@stmarytx.edu

M.B.A., Financial PlanningConcentration

Ms. Monica ParzingerSan Antonio, TX210-436-3709mpersellin@stmarytx.edu

Texas A&M University – CommerceB.B.A., Minor in Personal Financial

PlanningCertificate in Financial PlanningDr. Kenneth M. Washer, CFP®

Commerce, TX903-886-5674kenneth_washer@tamu-commerce.edu

Texas Christian UniversityCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM Certification

Education ProgramDr. Joseph B. LipscombFort Worth, TX817-257-7546cfs@tcu.edu

Texas State University – San MarcosB.B.A., Major in FinanceCertificate in Financial Planning

ProgramDr. Holland TolesSan Marcos, TX512-245-3242ht04@txstate.edu

Texas Tech UniversityPh.D., Agricultural Economics/Minor in

Personal Financial PlanningPh.D., Finance/Minor in Personal

Financial PlanningDr. A. William GustafsonLubbock, TX806-742-5050 x236bill.gustafson@ttu.edu

M.S., Personal FinancialPlanning/M.B.A.

M.S., Personal Financial Planning/J.D.M.S., Personal Financial PlanningM.S., Personal Finance/M.S. FinanceB.S., Personal Financial PlanningGraduate Certificate in Personal

Financial PlanningUndergraduate Minor in Personal

Financial PlanningDr. Vickie L. Hampton, CFP®

Lubbock, TX806-742-5050 x227vickie.hampton@ttu.edu

Ph.D., Consumer Economics andEnvironmental Design withSpecialization in Personal FinancialPlanning

Mr. Gordon HamptonLubbock, TX806-742-5050 x240gordon.hampton@ttu.edu

B.S., Agricultural Economics/Minor inPersonal Financial Planning

Dr. Emmett ElamLubbock, TX806-742-0277emmett.elam@ttu.edu

University of DallasM.B.A., Financial Planning ServicesFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMr. Alan Goldfarb, CFP®

Irving, TX972-960-1100alang@gsm.udallas.edu

University of Houston – Main CampusPersonal Financial Planning ProgramMs. Michelle PoullardHouston, TX713-743-4800mpoullard@uh.edu

University of North TexasB.B.A., Finance, Financial Planning

TrackCertificate Program in Personal

Financial Planning, Dallas Dr. Randy GutteryDenton, TX940-369-7277guttery@unt.edu

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Certificate Program in PersonalFinancial Planning

Mr. Ramon Fernandez, CFP®

Houston, TX713-525-2103ramonf@stthorn.edu

University of Texas – AustinFinancial Planning Certificate ProgramMs. Lori FranzAustin, TX512-471-2924l.franz@mail.utexas.edu

University of Texas – San AntonioPersonal Financial Planning Certificate

ProgramMr. Jim JacksonSan Antonio, TX210-458-4092jejackson@utsa.edu

UTAHUtah State UniversityMaster of AccountingM.B.A.Undergraduate Emphasis in Personal

Financial Planning (for accountingmajors)

Minor in Personal Financial Planning,Emphasis in Personal FinancialPlanning

Personal Financial Planning CertificateProgram Online

Dr. E. Vance Grange, CFP®

Logan, UT435-753-9666vance.grange@usu.edu

Westminster CollegeM.B.A.Bachelor’s Degree in Financial ServicesCertificate in Financial Services

(Graduate)Ms. Lauren LoreSalt Lake City, UT801-832-2648llore@westminstercollege.edu

VIRGINIAGeorgetown UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMs. Crista CuetoArlington, VA202-687-7302cac49@georgetown.edu

Old Dominion UniversityProfessional Financial Planning

ProgramMs. Pamela M. CornellNorfolk, VA757-683-4603Pcornell@adu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityB.S., in Business; Major in Finance;

Financial Planning TrackMr. David E. UptonRichmond, VA804-828-1620deupton@vcu.edu

Financial Planning Certificate Program (*)Ms. Jan AllenRichmond, VA804-828-3165corp-ed@vcu.edu

Virginia Tech (Virginia PolytechnicInstitute & State University)

B.S. in Apparel, Housing and ResourceManagement, Family FinancialManagement Option

Dr. Ruth LyttonBlacksburg, VA540-231-6678rlytton@vt.edu

WASHINGTONCity UniversityM.B.A. in Personal Financial PlanningGraduate Certificate in Personal

Financial PlanningMr. Marvin WillBellevue, WA425-709-5456mwill@cityu.edu

Seattle Pacific UniversityCertificate ProgramMr. Nathan PritchardSeattle, WA206-281-2775npritchard@spu.edu

Seattle UniversityExecutive Certificate in Financial

PlanningMr. T. Noble FosterSeattle, WA206-296-5721tfoster@seattleu.edu

WISCONSINUniversity of Wisconsin – MadisonB.S., Consumer Science, Personal

Finance ConcentrationDr. Michael GutterMadison, WI608-262-5498msgutter@wisc.edu

University of Wisconsin – River FallsFinancial Planning CertificateMs. Katrina LarsenRiver Falls, WI715-425-3256katrina.larsen@uwrf.edu

Waukesha County Technical CollegeCertificate in Financial PlanningMr. Roger KerkenbushPewaukee, WI262-691-5228rkerkenbush@wctc.edu

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CFP® Certification Examination

The CFP® Certification Examination is designed to assess your ability to apply financial planning knowledge toreal-life financial planning situations. By passing this exam, you demonstrate to the public that you are at theappropriate level of competency required to practice financial planning.

ELIGIBILITY

You can apply for the CFP® Certification Examination when you have successfully fulfilled the educationrequirement (see page 7).

DEVELOPMENT

To develop exams that reflect the current practice of financial planning, CFP Board conducts regular jobanalyses by reviewing the typical tasks performed by planners and assessing the knowledge and skillsneeded to perform these tasks.

Valid job-related exam topics are developed and exam questions written by task forces that includepracticing financial planners and financial planning educators. The exam questions are subjected to arigorous review by CFP Board’s Board of Examiners and subcommittees of content experts composed ofpracticing planners and educators. Each question is answered – and assessed – by practicing financialplanners. A list of exam topics can be found on page 33.

Samples of retired exam questions may be accessed on CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/become.The sample multiple-choice questions provide you with an understanding of question format, butshould not be used as a practice exam or indicator of exam preparedness.

Typically, new legislation and changes, such as tax law changes, will not be tested on the exam until sixmonths following the date enacted.

Questions and Case Scenarios

All questions on the CFP® Certification Examination are presented in a multiple-choiceformat. There are two primary types of questions. The first type is in the form of a brieffact or scenario. Enough facts are given to allow the tester to answer from one to sixquestions that follow. These questions are worth two points each.

The second type of question is presented following an extensive case scenario. Afterreading each scenario, you will be asked to answer 10 to 20 multiple-choice questions.Typically, there are three case scenarios and three corresponding sets of questions on eachexam. Each case question is worth three points.

Balance of Emphasis

The CFP® Certification Examination will test your ability to integrate knowledge from allof CFP Board’s specified topic areas (see page 33). Questions may focus on discrete topicsor may require knowledge of several topics. Each exam attempts to achieve a distributionof the topics based on the target percentages shown for each category.

Go to www.CFP.net/become to view sample exam questions, find a list of financial planning topicscovered on the exam and view upcoming exam deadlines.

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Cognitive Level

The cognitive levels that are tested on the CFP® Certification Examination are:

• Knowledge• Comprehension/Application• Analysis/Synthesis• Evaluation

The CFP® Certification Examination measures your critical thinking and problem-solvingability, with less emphasis on the first cognitive level.

LOGISTICS

Test Dates

The CFP® Certification Examination is scheduled to last 10 hours and is held three times ayear, generally on the third Friday and Saturday of March, July and November. The examconsists of one four-hour session on Friday afternoon, and two three-hour sessions onSaturday. See the exam application at the back of this booklet or visitwww.CFP.net/become for test dates and locations.

Application Submittal

Applications for the CFP® Certification Examination may be downloaded atwww.CFP.net/become, or you may use the form at the back of this booklet. Once com-pleted, submit the application to:

CFP BoardExam Application Department1670 Broadway, Suite 600Denver, CO 80202-4809F: 303-860-7388

Your application may be submitted via fax with payment charged to a MasterCard,American Express or Visa account (please provide the expiration date). Since CFP Board isnot responsible for incomplete or illegible fax transmittals, we suggest that faxes be fol-lowed by hardcopy within five working days, together with evidence of the successful faxtransmittal. After creating an account, you may verify that CFP Board has received yourexam application at www.CFP.net/login.

Your completed application must be received by the printed deadline. (Note: Deadlinedate refers to the date of receipt by CFP Board, not the date of postmark. Applicationsmust be complete at the time of receipt to avoid missing the registration deadline. Theapplication deadline for each exam is approximately seven weeks before the exam date.Consult the exam application or CFP Board’s Web site for exact dates.)

Go to www.CFP.net/become to download the exam application. Login at www.CFP.net/login to verifythat your exam application has been accepted.

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Only complete exam applications will be processed. The following constitutes a “com-plete” application:

• Application (in full) signed and dated• Exam fee (in full)• Appropriate qualifying documentation (e.g., transcript, certificate, diploma or license)

Your exam application will be reviewed by CFP Board; however, your exam will be admin-istered by Thomson Prometric, a subsidiary of Educational Testing Services (ETS) inPrinceton, New Jersey. Questions about the actual administration of the exam, such asschedule, admission tickets or score reports, should be directed to:

Thomson Prometric664 Rosedale RoadPrinceton, NJ 08540-2218P: 609-720-6811F: 609-720-6550

Alternate Test Dates and Special Accommodations

If you cannot test on Fridays and/or Saturdays because of religious beliefs, CFP Board willmake alternate testing arrangements. A written request for such accommodations mustbe attached to the exam application, along with a letter from your religious leader.

CFP Board will make reasonable accommodations for anyone who, because of a disability,will need special accommodations to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. A physi-cian’s letter outlining the special accommodations needed must be attached to the examapplication.

International Test Sites

CFP Board will establish international test sites for the CFP® Certification Examination ona case-by-case basis for a site fee of $1,200 in addition to the regular exam fee.

Fee

The fee for the CFP® Certification Examination is $595, and must be paid in full by theapplication deadline. Provisions for refunds and conditions of forfeiture of fees aredescribed in the “Withdrawal” section on page 28.

Veteran Affairs

The fee for the CFP® Certification Examination is eligible for Veteran Affairs (VA) reim-bursement through the License and Certification Approval System (LACAS) under UnitedStates Code Title 38, Chapter 3689. Go to www.gibill.va.gov/education (Licensing andCertification section) for more information.

Scheduling Confirmation

Approximately one to two weeks after CFP Board has received your exam application,you will be sent confirmation of your exam registration. Once you have created anaccount, you can also confirm your exam status with CFP Board at www.CFP.net/login.

Set up a free account at www.CFP.net/login to get immediate updates on important exam information.

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You will be sent an admission ticket two to three weeks before the exam date. The exacttime and location of the exam are printed on the ticket. You must bring the ticket withyou to the exam on both days. In general, you must report to the testing facility by 12:30p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. A government issued photo ID, matching thename under which you registered, must be presented at the exam center.

Withdrawal

If you are unable to take the exam once you have registered, you may, in accordance with thedeadlines listed below, choose one of the following options:

1. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board, pay a $50 rescheduling fee and register totake the exam at a later date.

2. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board and request a refund of the refund-able portion of your exam fee.

3. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board and maintain a credit (exam fee minus$50) with CFP Board.

You may re-register to take the exam or obtain a refund of the refundable portion ofyour exam fee from any time after the withdrawal until 24 months from the date of theexam for which you last registered. However, if you fail to re-register for an exam orobtain a refund within this 24-month period, the entire exam fee will be forfeited.

The refundable portion of your exam fee is the amount of the exam fee, less a $50 can-cellation fee.

Requests for withdrawal or re-registering received after the Notification of Withdrawal dateslisted above will not be honored and the entire exam fee will be forfeited.

Failure to Appear

If you fail to appear for the exam, you will forfeit the entire exam fee. Certain allowancesare made for medical or other emergencies.

Medical or Other Emergencies

CFP Board will consider waiving the withdrawal penalties or fee forfeiture in case of amedical emergency. Your request for such a waiver must be made in writing and sup-ported by documentation from a physician. Your request must be received within threeweeks after the exam. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Exam Dates

July 15-16, 2005November 18-19, 2005March 17-18, 2006

Application Deadline

June 1, 2005October 5, 2005February 1, 2006

Notification of WithdrawalReceived byJune 7, 2005October 11, 2005February 7, 2006

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What to Bring to the Exam

You should bring the following items to the exam site:

• Admission ticket• Government issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, matching name under

which you registered• #2 pencils (or other comparable soft graphite pencils)• One or more battery-powered, hand-held financial function calculator(s)*

No food or drink (including water) is permitted in the exam room. Individuals who requireaccess to food or drink during any of the testing sessions, for documented medical reasons,should seek special accommodations under the “Alternate Test Dates and SpecialAccommodations” section on page 27.

The exam booklets will contain other needed information, such as income tax rate tablesfor individuals, corporations and estates and trusts; income tax standard deductions,phaseout thresholds for itemized deductions and personal exemptions; the estate and gifttax table and a table of applicable credit amounts; investment formulas; and scratchpaper. The investment formulas provided in each test booklet are listed on page 40.

Misconduct

You will be expected to conduct yourself in an ethical manner before, during and afterthe CFP® Certification Examination. Actions such as, but not limited to, using any prohib-ited aids in connection with the exam, attempting to give or receive assistance, orotherwise communicate in any form with another person about the exam during theexam administration, will result in investigation by an independent entity and/or CFPBoard. In some cases, CFP Board may take disciplinary action, if appropriate. If you arefound to have demonstrated exam misconduct, your exam may not be scored, the examfee may be forfeited and you may be barred from taking any CFP Board exam for threeyears from the date of the incident.

Before taking the exam you will sign a statement prohibiting you from sharing examquestions with any entity other than CFP Board. Revealing questions may result in discipli-nary action including, but not limited to, monetary restitution, being permanently barredfrom taking any CFP Board exam or prosecution under copyright law. If a review courseprovider or academic program asks you to reveal specific questions – as opposed to a gen-eral impression of the exam and strengths/deficiencies in that provider’s program – pleasereport the incident to CFP Board.

SCORING

Answers to the exam questions must be recorded on the answer sheet. No credit is given for answersnoted in the exam booklet. Select only one answer for each question. Multiple responses to a singlequestion will be scored as incorrect. Your score is based on the number of correctly answered questions.

*You will need a financial calculator with an internal rate of return (IRR) function for problems with unequal periodic cash

flows. Calculators with alphabetic keys will not be permitted.

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Exam Results

Within six weeks after the exam date, you will be sent your exam results via first-classmail. Exam results will not be sent by express mail. As soon as the results are final, theywill be made available on CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/login (you will need tolog in to access your personal information). An e-mail will be sent to all testers to notifythem when the final results have been posted.

Neither CFP Board nor Thomson Prometric will disclose exam results over the phone or byfax. All exam books are the property of CFP Board and will not be returned to you. Tendays after exam reports have been mailed, duplicate exam reports may be requested. Thisrequest should be made to:

Exam Administration Office Thomson Prometric664 Rosedale RoadPrinceton, NJ 08540-2218 P: 609-720-6811F: 609-720-6550

Pass Score

The CFP® Certification Examination is a pass or fail exam. The primary goal of a certifica-tion exam is to separate those who have met the certification standard (passing) fromthose who have not (failing). Certification exams are generally constructed to provide thebest precision at the passing point. They are not designed to rank-order testers.Therefore, rank-ordering scores in a fashion that would suggest the degree to which anindividual failed (or passed) would be an inappropriate use of test results.

The method used to score your exam (a modified Angoff method) is in accordance withvoluntary certification examination standards. Establishing the pass score is based upona “criterion-referenced” rather than “norm-referenced” methodology. The norm-refer-enced methodology, which is common in the academic world, uses a bell curve toestablish the “average” score needed to pass the exam. Whether you pass or fail anorm-referenced exam depends on your relative standing in comparison to the othertest takers.

In contrast, the criterion-referenced methodology does not rely on a bell curve. Yourperformance will not be ranked in comparison to others taking the test. Instead, yourperformance is scored against an established level of competency. Also, although everyeffort is made to calibrate test difficulty level in advance, there always will be slightdifferences in the overall ease or difficulty of one exam as compared with another. So,before the minimum passing score is set for this exam it will be statistically equated withpast exams. This means that you will not be advantaged if this exam is easier than pastexams, nor will you be disadvantaged if it is more difficult.

If you fail the exam, you will receive feedback on the topics on which your test perform-ance was below the minimum competency level. Scores, percentages or grades are notprovided on this exam.

Be sure to keep your e-mail address up to date with CFP Board. As soon as exam results are final, youwill be sent an e-mail to visit www.CFP.net/login to view your exam status.

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RE-EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

If you fail the CFP® Certification Examination and elect to retest, you are required to retake the entireexam. There is no limit on the number of times you may retake the exam. You will have to pay thecurrent exam fee for each retake.

REVIEW AND APPEALS

For security reasons, exam material is not available for review. Neither the staff of Thomson Prometricnor of CFP Board will discuss specific exam questions. You may submit your comments about examquestions in writing to:

CFP Board’s Board of Examiners1670 Broadway, Suite 600Denver, CO 80202-4809

The Board of Examiners will review comments relating to the exam but will not make written responsesto comments.

If you feel your answer sheet was scored incorrectly, you may request a hand scoring for a $40 fee.Submit a request to CFP Board by calling 800-487-1497 within 30 calendar days of the release of theexam results. Requests made after the 30 days will not be honored. In the event there is a discrepancybetween the hand-scored and machine-scored results, hand-scored results will prevail.

Appeals of exam policies are handled by CFP Board’s Board of Examiners, which meets three times ayear. Specific requests for appeals must be made in writing and addressed to the Board of Examiners incare of CFP Board. Appeals will be reviewed by the Board of Examiners at its regularly scheduledmeetings.

EXAM REVIEW COURSE PROVIDERS

The exam review course providers listed on the next page have met certain criteria established by CFPBoard. CFP Board does not assess the quality, nor does it endorse or recommend any one of the coursesor its materials. Review course providers’ performance ratios are not available from CFP Board.

When seeking review courses or study materials for the CFP® Certification Examination, consider askingthe following questions of the provider:

• Do key personnel have the backgrounds required to develop and maintain the course? Isa CFP® certificant involved in the development and maintenance of the course material?

• How do I sign up, receive materials, ask questions or access faculty? Does the providerhave written complaint policies/procedures?

• Does the provider offer a live review course, and is there one scheduled in my area? • What is the cost of the course and materials; dates of availability; cost of updates, if any? • Does the provider possess the organizational and financial resources to carry out its

program on a continuing basis?

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LIST OF REVIEW COURSE PROVIDERS

A Professional Training ServicesCompany – DePaul UniversityMr. Joel M. Weiner, CFP®

Palatine, IL 847-705-3838www.pts-training.com (self-study and/or live review course)

Anne Arundel Community CollegeMs. Penny DolanArnold, MD410-777-2911(live review course)

BISYS Educational ResourcesMr. James F. Dalton, CFP®

Atlanta, GA 800-211-4346www.bisyseducation.com

College for Financial Planning (*)Mr. Michael B. Cates, CFP®

Greenwood Village, CO 303-220-4832www.fp.edu(self-study and/or live review course)

Cuyahoga Community CollegeMr. Scott BurkeCleveland, OH 216-987-5846

Dearborn Financial Services/KaplanUniversity (*)Mr. Eric HollowatyChicago, IL800-621-9621 x4575(live review course)

FinancialEducators4U.comMr. James HasselbackTallahassee, FLwww.financialeducators4u.com

Financial Planning Education CenterMs. Mary L. Cardello, CFP®

Chapel Hill, NC919-942-1114www.fpec.org

Financial Planning TeachingAssociation (FPTA)Mr. Thomas J. Rose, CFP®

Glen Ellyn, IL630-858-3782; 866-881-3500www.fptaltd.com(live review course)

Financial Services Institute, Inc. (FSI) (*)Mr. Steven Syrmopoulos, CFP®

Tempe, AZ480-921-8816www.fsi-online.net(self-study and/or live review course)

Florida Community College atJacksonville – Institute for FinancialStudiesMs. Melissa ChandlerJacksonville, FL904-633-8114(live review course)

Florida Gulf Coast UniversityDr. Robert D. Lovett, CFP®

Fort Myers, FL954-796-3067www.fgcu.edu (live review course)

Insurance Achievement, Inc.Ms. Bettie BrumfieldBaton Rouge, LA 800-258-2432www.insuranceachievement.com(self-study materials)

Kaplan University (*)Mr. Keith R. Fevurly, CFP®

Davenport, IA866-523-3473infofp@kaplancollege.edu www.kaplancollege.edu(self-study and/or live review course)

Keir Educational Resources (*)Ms. Shannon BryantMiddletown, OH800-795-5347 x107www.keirsuccess.com(online self-study and live review materials)

Kenneth Zahn Inc. (*)Mr. Kenneth J. Zahn, CFP®

St. Petersburg, FL 813-282-1941www.KenZahn.com(live review course)

Metropolitan State College of DenverMs. Maria Ruybal CarrilloDenver, CO 303-556-6998(live review course)

New York Center for Financial StudiesMs. Barbara Mulder212-221-3500 x308bmulder@taifp.com (live review course)

New York UniversityMr. Kyle CunninghamNew York, NY 212-790-1323(live review course)

Rattiner’s Financial Planning ReviewCourse for the CFP® CertificationExaminationMr. Jeffrey H. Rattiner, CFP®

Centennial, CO720-529-1888www.financialplanningfasttrack.com(live review course)

Rice University – School of ContinuingStudiesMs. Edie CarlsonHouston, TX713-348-4803 x606www.scs.rice.edu(live review course)

For the most up-to-date list of exam review course providers, visit CFP Board’s Web site atwww.CFP.net/become.

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3 3E X A M I N AT I O N

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OFFINANCIAL PLANNING (13%)1. Financial planning process

A. Purpose, benefits and componentsB. Steps

1) Establishing client-planner relationships

2) Gathering client data anddetermining goals andexpectations

3) Determining the client’sfinancial status by analyzingand evaluating generalfinancial status, special needs,insurance and risk manage-ment, investments, taxation,employee benefits, retirement,and/or estate planning

4) Developing and presenting thefinancial plan

5) Implementing the financial plan6) Monitoring the financial plan

C. Responsibilities1) Financial planner2) Client3) Other advisors

2. CFP Board’s Code of Ethics andProfessional Responsibility andDisciplinary Rules and ProceduresA. Code of Ethics and Professional

Responsibility1) Preamble and applicability2) Composition and scope3) Compliance4) Terminology5) Principles

a) Principle 1 – Integrityb) Principle 2 – Objectivityc) Principle 3 – Competenced) Principle 4 – Fairnesse) Principle 5 – Confidentialityf) Principle 6 – Professionalismg) Principle 7 – Diligence

6) RulesB. Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

3. CFP Board’s Financial Planning PracticeStandardsA. Purpose and applicabilityB. Content of each series (use most

current Practice Standards, asposted on CFP Board’s Web site atwww.CFP.net)

C. Enforcing through DisciplinaryRules and Procedures

4. Personal financial statements A. Balance sheet (statement of

financial position)B. Cash flow statementC. Pro Forma statements

5. Budgeting A. Discretionary vs. non-discretionaryB. Financing strategiesC. Saving strategies

6. Emergency fund planningA. Adequacy of reservesB. Liquidity vs. marketabilityC. Liquidity substitutes

7. Credit and debt managementA. RatiosB. Consumer debtC. Home equity loan and home

equity line of creditD. Secured vs. unsecured debtE. BankruptcyF. Consumer protection laws

8. Buying vs. leasingA. CalculationB. Adjustable and fixed-rate loansC. Effect on financial statements

9. Function, purpose and regulation offinancial institutionsA. BanksB. Credit unionsC. Brokerage companiesD. Insurance companiesE. Mutual fund companiesF. Other

10. Client attitudes and behavioral characteristicsA. CulturalB. FamilyC. EmotionalD. Life cycle and ageE. Level of knowledge, experience

and expertiseF. Risk tolerance

11. Educational fundingA. Needs analysisB. Tax credits and deductionsC. Qualified state tuition plans

(§529 plans)D. Education IRAsE. Savings bonds or CDsF. Government grants and loansG. Other sourcesH. Ownership of assetsI. Tax ramifications

12. Financial planning for specialcircumstancesA. DivorceB. DisabilitiesC. Terminal illnessD. Non-traditional familiesE. Job change and job loss, including

severance packagesF. Dependents with special needs

13. Economic conceptsA. Supply and demandB. Fiscal policyC. Monetary policyD. Economic indicatorsE. Business cyclesF. Inflation, deflation and

disinflationG. Yield curve

14. Time value of money concepts and calculationsA. Present valueB. Future valueC. Ordinary annuity and annuity due

TOPIC LIST FOR CFP® CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

The following topics, based on the 1999 Job Analysis Study, are the basis for the CFP® CertificationExaminations. Each exam question will be linked to one of the following topics, in the approximate per-centages indicated following the general headings. Questions may be at the evaluation level, which isthe highest cognitive level in Bloom’s taxonomy, or at any lower level. Questions often will be asked inthe context of the financial planning process.

In addition to being used for the CFP® Certification Examination, this list indicates topic coveragerequirements to fulfill the pre-certification educational requirement, and the topics that will be grantedcontinuing education credit by CFP Board.

(References to sections (§) in this list refer to sections of the Internal Revenue Code.)

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D. Net Present Value (NPV)E. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)F. Irregular cash flowsG. Inflation adjusted earning ratesH. Serial payments

15. Characteristics and consequences oftypes of entitiesA. Sole proprietorshipB. Partnership

1) General2) Limited3) Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)4) Family Limited Partnership (FLP)

C. Limited Liability Company (LLC)D. Corporation

1) S corporation2) C corporation3) Professional Corporation (PC)

E. AssociationF. TrustG. Selection of business formH. Acquisition and disposition

16. Characteristics and consequences ofproperty titlingA. Common law vs. community propertyB. Sole ownershipC. Joint tenancy with right of

survivorship (JTWROS)D. Tenancy by the entiretiesE. Tenancy in commonF. Trust ownershipG. Uniform Transfers to Minors Act

(UTMA) and Uniform Gifts toMinors Act (UGMA)

17. Financial services industry regulationrequirementsA. Registration and licensingB. ReportingC. ComplianceD. State securities and insurance laws

18. Business LawA. ContractsB. Torts C. AgencyD. Negotiable instrumentsE. Professional liabilityF. Fiduciary liabilityG. Arbitration and mediation

19. Quantitative analysisA. Probability analysisB. Modeling and simulationC. Sensitivity analysis

20. Monetary settlement planningA. Structured settlementsB. Legal settlementsC. Lottery winnings and monetary

windfallsD. Lump sum retirement

distributionsE. Insurance proceedsF. Other

INSURANCE PLANNING ANDRISK MANAGEMENT (10%)21. Principles of insurance

A. Definitions and application1) Risk2) Peril3) Hazard4) Law of large numbers5) Adverse selection

B. Response to risk1) Retain2) Transfer3) Control4) Reduce5) Avoid

C. Mortality vs. morbidity

22. Analysis and evaluation of risk exposuresA. Personal

1) Death2) Disability3) Poor health4) Unemployment5) Outliving one’s capital

B. Property1) Real2) Personal3) Auto

C. Liability1) Negligence2) Libel 3) Slander4) Malpractice

D. Business-related risksE. Calculation of benefits

23. Legal aspects of insuranceA. IndemnityB. Insurable interestC. Contract requirementsD. Contract characteristics

24. Property and casualty insurance(individual and business)A. Real propertyB. Automobile and recreational

vehiclesC. BusinessD. Business activityE. Personal propertyF. Umbrella liability

25. General business liabilityA. Professional liabilityB. Errors and omissionsC. Directors and officersD. Product liability

26. Health insurance (individual)A. Hospital-surgicalB. Major medicalC. Traditional indemnityD. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

E. Health Maintenance Organization(HMO)

F. Medicare supplemental insuranceG. Other

27. Disability income insurance (individual)A. Occupational definitions and

application1) Total2) Partial3) Residual

B. Benefit periodC. Elimination periodD. Benefit amountE. Riders F. Taxation of benefits

28. Long-term care insurance (individual and joint)A. Basic provisionsB. EligibilityC. Benefit amount and periodD. Elimination periodE. Inflation protectionF. Nursing home and in-home careG. Comparing and selecting policiesH. Tax implications and qualificationI. Appropriateness of coverage

29. Life insuranceA. FundamentalsB. TypesC. Contractual provisionsD. Dividend optionsE. Non-forfeiture and other optionsF. Settlement optionsG. Policy replacementH. Tax issues and strategiesI. Policy ownership issues and

strategies, including split-dollar

30. Viatical settlementsA. Legal principlesB. RequirementsC. Tax implicationsD. PlanningE. Ethical concepts and planning

31. Insurance needs analysis and rationaleA. Life insurance amount required

1) Liquidity and survivor incomeneeds

2) Human life value3) Capital retention

B. Disability insuranceC. Long-term care insuranceD. Health insuranceE. Property insuranceF. Liability insurance

32. Taxation of life, disability and long-term care insuranceA. IncomeB. GiftC. Estate

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3 5E X A M I N AT I O N

D. Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)

E. Ownership issuesF. Beneficiary issuesG. Withdrawals

33. Insurance policy selectionA. Purpose of coverageB. Length of time requiredC. Risk toleranceD. Cash flow constraints

34. Insurance company selection and duediligenceA. Financials B. RatiosC. RatingsD. Mutual vs. stockE. ReinsuranceF. InvestmentsG. UnderwritingH. Federal and state law

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSPLANNING (8%)35. Employee benefit plans

A. Group life insurance1) Types and basic provisions

a) Group termb) Group permanentc) Dependent coverage

2) Income tax implications3) Employee benefit analysis and

applicationB. Group disability insurance

1) Basic provisions and limitationsa) Definitions of disabilityb) Own occupation limitsc) Integration with Social

Security, workers’ compen-sation or other income

d) Income tax implications2) Employee benefit analysis and

applicationC. Group medical insurance

1) Types and basic provisionsa) Indemnityb) Preferred Provider

Organization (PPO)c) Health Maintenance

Organization (HMO)d) Dental and vision plans

2) Income tax implications3) Employee benefit analysis and

application4) COBRA provisions

D. Cafeteria plans and flexible spend-ing accounts1) Basic provisions and eligible

benefits2) Income tax implications3) Employee benefit analysis and

applicationE. Other employee benefits

1) Fringe benefits2) Voluntary Employees

Beneficiary Association (VEBA)3) Salary continuation plans4) Prepaid legal services5) Group long-term care

insurance6) Other

36. Employee stock optionsA. Basic provisions

1) Company restrictions2) Transferability3) Retirement4) Vesting schedule5) Expiration6) Availability to non-employees

(directors, board members, etc.)7) Cashless exercise

B. Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)1) Income tax implications

(regular, AMT, basis)a) Upon grantb) Upon exercisec) Upon sale

2) Holding period requirements3) Disqualifying dispositions4) Planning opportunities and

strategiesC. Non-qualified stock options

1) Income tax implications(regular, AMT, basis)a) Upon grantb) Upon exercisec) Upon sale

2) Gifting opportunitiesa) Unvested/vestedb) Exercised/unexercisedc) Gift tax valuationd) Payment of gift tax

3) Planning opportunities andstrategies

4) Employee benefits analysis andapplication

D. Planning strategies for employeeswith both incentive stock optionsand non-qualified stock options

E. Election to include in gross income inthe year of transfer (§83(b) election)

37. Stock plansA. Employee Stock Purchase Plans

(ESPPs)1) Basic provisions2) Income tax implications3) Special tax benefits4) Employee benefit analysis and

applicationB. Phantom stock and other

employee stock plans1) Basic provisions2) Income tax implications3) Special tax benefits4) Employee benefit analysis and

application

38. Non-qualified deferred compensationA. Basic provisions and differences

from qualified plansB. Types of plans and applications

1) Supplemental ExecutiveRetirement Plans (SERPs)

2) Rabbi trusts3) Secular trusts4) Hybrids

C. Tax implications1) Constructive receipt2) Substantial risk of forfeiture

D. Funding methodsE. Strategies

39. Employer/employee insurance arrange-mentsA. Business continuation (buy/sell) plansB. Business overhead disability planC. Executive/owner benefits (§162)D. Split-dollarE. Key employee insuranceF. Transfer of ownership and tax issues

INVESTMENT PLANNING (19%)40. Types and use of investment vehicles

A. Certificates of deposit and cashequivalents

B. U.S. Government and agency securities1) Bills, notes and bonds2) Inflation-adjusted securities3) Treasury strips

C. Municipal bonds1) General obligation2) Revenue

D. Corporate bonds1) Investment grade2) High-yield3) Convertible4) Callable

E. Promissory notesF. Insurance-based investments

1) Guaranteed InvestmentContracts (GICs)

2) Annuitiesa) Fixedb) Variable

G. Stock1) Common2) Preferred3) Warrants and rights

H. Derivatives1) Options2) Futures

I. Exchange traded fundsJ. Index securitiesK. Investment companies

1) Unit investment trusts2) Open-end mutual funds3) Closed-end investment

companiesL. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

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M. Real estate (investor-managed)N. Private placements/venture capitalO. Limited partnershipsP. Asset-backed securitiesQ. Natural resourcesR. Tangible assetsS. American Depository Receipts (ADR)

41. Types of investment riskA. InflationB. Interest rateC. MarketD. BusinessE. LiquidityF. ReinvestmentG. Political (sovereign)H. Exchange rate

42. Measures of investment risk

A. Coefficient of determination (R2)B. Variability of returnsC. Standard deviationD. Beta E. CovarianceF. Semi-variance

43. Measures of investment returnsA. Annualized returnB. Real (inflation-adjusted) returnC. Total returnD. Risk-adjusted returnE. After-tax returnF. Holding period returnG. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)H. Yield-to-maturityI. Yield-to-callJ. After-tax yieldK. Realized compound yield

44. Time-influenced security valuation conceptsA. Net present valueB. Future valueC. Bond duration and convexityD. Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

45. Bond and stock valuation methodsA. Capitalized earningsB. Dividend growth modelsC. Ratio analysis

1) Price/earnings2) Price/free cash flow3) Price/sales4) Price/Earnings/Growth (PEG)

D. Intrinsic valueE. Book value

46. Portfolio management and measurement conceptsA. Modern portfolio theoryB. Performance measures

1) Sharpe ratio2) Treynor ratio3) Jensen ratio

C. Investment policy statements

D. Appropriate benchmarksE. Time- vs. dollar-weighted rate

of returnF. Probability analysis, including

Monte Carlo

47. Formula investingA. Dollar-cost averagingB. Dividend reinvestmentC. Bond ladders and barbellsD. Other

48. Investment strategiesA. Market timingB. Passive investing (indexing)C. Fundamental analysisD. Buy and holdE. Portfolio immunizationF. Swaps and collarsG. Technical analysisH. Efficient market anomaliesI. Other

49. Asset allocation and portfolio diversificationA. Strategic asset allocation

1) Application of client lifecycle analysis

2) Client risk tolerance measure-ment and application

3) Asset class definition andcorrelation

B. Tactical asset allocation (re-balancing strategies)

C. Passive vs. active portfolio manage-ment

D. Individual stock selectionE. Strategies for dealing with concen-

trated portfolios

50. Efficient Market Theory (EMT)A. Strong formB. Semi-strong formC. Weak formD. Anomalies

51. Asset pricing modelsA. Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)B. Multi-factor Asset Pricing

Model (APM)C. Option pricing model

(Black-Scholes)D. Binomial option pricing E. Other

52. Leverage of investment assetsA. Margin requirementB. Margin calls

53. Hedging and option strategiesA. OptionsB. Puts and callsC. Short sales

54. Tax efficient investingA. Mutual funds

1) Turnover

2) Short-term/long-term/unrealized capital gains

B. Stocks1) Tax management2) Wash sale rule

C. Bonds1) Taxable Equivalent Yield (TEY)2) Premium/discount

considerations3) SEC yield

55. Investment strategies in tax-advantaged accountsA. Capital gain vs. ordinary incomeB. Tax advantagesC. Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA)D. Appropriate assets for tax-advan-

taged vs. taxable accounts

56. Taxation of investment vehiclesA. Mutual funds

1) Basis determination2) Taxation

B. Stocks1) Dividends2) Basis determination3) Capital gains/losses

(long vs. short)4) Liquidations5) Stock splits/dividends6) Warrants and rights7) Other

C. Bonds1) U.S. Government2) Agency3) Municipal4) Zero-coupon5) Treasury Inflation-Protection

Securities (TIPS)D. U.S. savings bondsE. AnnuitiesF. Limited partnershipG. Unit investment trustH. Other

INCOME TAX PLANNING (17%)57. Income tax law fundamentals

A. Sources of authority1) Primary2) Secondary

B. Research sources

58. Tax complianceA. Filing requirementsB. Authority to represent clients

before the IRS (Circular 230)C. AuditsD. Penalties

59. Income tax fundamentals and calculationsA. Filing statusB. Gross incomeC. Adjusted gross incomeD. Itemized deductions

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1) Types2) Limitations

E. Personal and dependency exemptions

F. Taxable incomeG. Tax liabilityH. Tax creditsI. Payment of taxJ. Estimated payments and

withholding requirementsK. Kiddie taxL. Imputed income

60. Tax accounting methodsA. Cash methodB. Accrual methodC. Hybrid methodD. Long-term contractsE. Installment salesF. Accounting periodsG. Method changes (entity)

61. Tax characteristics of entitiesA. Taxation at entity levelB. Flow-through of income and losses

to shareholdersC. Special taxes at entity level for

flow-through entities1) Built-in gains tax2) LIFO recapture3) Excess net passive income tax4) Personal holding company tax5) Other

D. Use of lossesE. Taxation at dissolution

62. Income taxation of trusts and estatesA. General issues

1) Filing requirements2) Deadlines3) Choice of taxable year4) Tax treatment of distributions

to beneficiaries5) Rate structure

B. Grantor trustsC. Simple trustsD. Complex trustsE. Trust income

1) Trust accounting income2) Trust taxable income3) Distributable Net Income (DNI)

F. Estate income tax

63. BasisA. Original basisB. Adjusted basisC. Original issue discountD. Carryover basisE. Step-up in basisF. Impact of community property and

common law on basis

64. Cost-recovery conceptsA. Modified Accelerated Cost

Recovery System (MACRS)

1) Cost basis2) Half-year convention3) Mid-quarter convention

B. RepairsC. Special elections (§179)D. Amortization

65. Tax consequences of like-kindexchangesA. Reporting requirementsB. Qualifying transactionsC. Multiple propertiesD. LiabilitiesE. BootF. Related party transactions

66. Tax consequences of gain or loss onsale of assetsA. Holding periodB. Sale of residence

1) Reporting2) Exclusion

C. Capital assets (§1221)D. Depreciation recapture

1) Personal or real property usedin trade or business (§1231)

2) Rules for personal property(§1245)

3) Rules for real property (§1250)E. Related partiesF. Wash salesG. Bargain salesH. §1244 stock (small business stock

election)

67. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)A. Individual and corporate AMT

1) Mechanics2) Preferences and adjustments3) Exclusion items vs. deferral

items4) Credit (creation, usage and

limitations)B. Small business exemption

68. Tax management techniquesA. Tax creditsB. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

planning1) Incentive Stock Options (ISOs)2) Charitable gifts3) Stock redemption agreements

C. Accelerated deductionsD. Deferral of incomeE. Estimated taxes and withholdingsF. Net operating losses

69. Passive activity and at-risk rulesA. DefinitionsB. Computations C. Treatment of disallowed lossesD. Disposition of passive activitiesE. Real estate exceptions

70. Tax implications of changing circumstances

A. Marriage1) Filing status2) Children3) Common law and

community propertyB. Divorce

1) Alimony2) Child support3) Qualified Domestic Relations

Order (QDRO)C. Death (final income tax return)

71. Charitable contributions and deductionsA. Qualified entities

1) Public charities2) Private charities

B. Deduction limitationsC. Carryover periodsD. Appreciated property and the AMTE. Partial interest gifts to charityF. Non-deductible contributionsG. AppraisalsH. Substantiation requirementsI. Charitable contributions by

business entities

RETIREMENT PLANNING (18%)72. Retirement needs analysis

A. Assumptions for retirement planning1) Inflation2) Retirement period and

life expectancy3) Lifestyle4) Total return

B. Financial needs1) Living costs2) Charitable and beneficiary

gifting objectives3) Medical costs, including long-

term care needs analysis4) Other (trust and foundation

funding, education funding, etc.)C. Income sources

1) Total return assumptions2) Probabilistic analysis

assumptionsD. Alternatives to compensate for

projected cash-flow shortfalls

73. Social Security [Old Age, Survivor, andDisability Insurance (OASDI)]A. Eligibility and benefit

1) Retirement2) Disability3) Survivor4) Family limitations

B. How benefits are calculatedC. Working after retirementD. Taxation of Social Security

74. MedicareA. EligibilityB. Coverage provided by Parts A and B

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1) Benefits covered by Medicare2) Benefits not covered under

MedicareC. Cost of coverage

75. Types of retirement plansA. Characteristics

1) Qualified plans2) Non-qualified plans3) Government plans (§457 plans)

B. Types of qualified plans1) Defined contribution

a) Money purchaseb) Profit-sharing

(age-weighted, 401(k),ESOP, etc.)

c) Target benefit2) Defined benefit

a) Traditionalb) Cash balance

76. Qualified plan rules and optionsA. Feasibility of installation of a

qualified plan1) Client objectives2) Constraints

B. Qualified plan coverage andeligibility requirements1) Age and service requirements2) Coverage requirements3) Minimum participation4) Highly compensated5) Controlled group

C. Qualified plan vesting schedule1) Types2) Top-heavy plans

D. Integration with Social Security/disparity limits1) Defined benefit plans2) Defined contribution plans

E. Factors affecting qualified plancontributions or benefits1) Tax considerations2) Nature of defined contribution3) Nature of defined benefit4) Comparison of defined contri-

bution and defined benefit5) Definition of compensation6) Multiple plans7) Special rules for self-employed

(non-corporations)F. Top-heavy plans

1) Definitions2) Vesting3) Effects on contributions

or benefitsG. Loans from qualified plans

77. Other tax-advantaged retirement plansA. Types

1) Traditional IRA2) Roth IRA, including

conversion analysis3) SEP4) SIMPLE

5) §403(b) plans6) §457 plans

B. Basic provisions1) Eligibility2) Contribution limits3) Deductibility4) Distribution options

78. Regulatory considerationsA. Employee Retirement Income

Security Act (ERISA)B. Department of Labor (DOL)

regulationsC. Fiduciary obligationsD. Prohibited transactionsE. Reporting requirements

79. Plan selection for businesses (keyfactors affecting selection)A. Owner’s personal objectives

1) Tax considerations2) Capital needs at retirement3) Capital needs at death

B. Business’ objectives1) Tax considerations2) Cash flow situation and outlook3) Employee demographics4) Comparison of defined

contribution and definedbenefit plan alternatives

80. Investment considerations for retirement plansA. SuitabilityB. Time horizonC. Fiduciary considerationsD. Prohibited transactionsE. Unrelated Business Taxable Income

(UBTI)F. Life insurance

81. Distribution rules, alternatives and taxationA. Premature distributions

1) Penalties2) Substantially equal payments

(§72(t))B. Election of distribution options

1) Lump sum distributions2) Annuity options3) Rollover4) Direct transfer

C. Required minimum distributions1) Rules2) Calculations3) Penalties

D. Beneficiary considerationsE. Qualified Domestic Relations Order

(QDRO)F. Taxation of distributions

1) Waiver2) Cost basis recovery

ESTATE PLANNING (15%)82. Methods of property transfer

at deathA. The probate process

1) Testate succession2) Intestate succession3) Advantages and

disadvantages of probate4) Assets subject to probate5) Techniques of avoiding probate6) Ancillary probate

B. Operation of law (title)C. Transfers through trustsD. Transfers by contract

83. Estate planning documentsA. Wills

1) Legal requirements2) Types of wills3) Avoiding will contests

B. Powers of attorney1) For health care2) For property3) Durable feature4) Special or limited powers5) General powers

C. Advance medical directives (e.g., living wills)

D. TrustsE. Marital agreementsF. Business agreementsG. Other

84. Gifting strategiesA. Suitability of gifting as a

planning strategyB. Techniques for gift-givingC. Appropriate gift propertyD. Strategies for closely-held

business ownersE. Gifts of present and future

interestsF. Tax implications

1) Income2) Gift3) Estate4) Generation-Skipping Transfer

Tax (GSTT)

85. Gift taxation and complianceA. Filing requirementsB. Calculation

1) Annual exclusion and applicable credit

2) Split gifts3) Prior taxable gifts4) Education and medical

exclusions5) Marital and charitable

deductions6) Tax liability

86. Incapacity planningA. Definition of incapacity/

disability

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B. Care of client’s dependents C. Care of person and propertyD. Disability insuranceE. Long-term care insuranceF. Medicaid planningG. Viatical settlementsH. Business disability coverageI. Social Security disability benefits

87. Estate tax calculation and complianceA. The gross estate

1) Inclusions2) Exclusions

B. DeductionsC. Adjusted Gross Estate (AGE)D. Deductions from the adjusted

gross estateE. Taxable estateF. Adjusted taxable gifts ruleG. Tentative tax baseH. Tentative tax calculationI. Credits

1) Gift tax payable2) Unified credit3) Prior transfer credit4) State death tax

88. Satisfying liquidity needsA. Sale of assetsB. Life insuranceC. Other

89. Powers of appointmentA. Use and purposeB. General and special (limited) powers

1) 5+5 power2) Crummey provisions3) Distributions for health, educa-

tion, maintenance and support4) Other

C. Tax implications

90. Types, features and taxation of trustsA. Classification

1) Simple and complex2) Revocable and irrevocable

B. Rule against perpetuitiesC. Selected provisions

1) Spendthrift clauses2) Perpetuity clauses3) Other

D. Taxation of trusts and estates(income, gift and estate)

91. Qualified interest trustsA. Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts

(GRATs)B. Grantor Retained Unitrusts (GRUTs)C. Qualified Personal Residence Trusts

(QPRTs or House-GRITs)D. Tangible personal property trustsE. Limitations on the valuation of

remainder interests of qualifiedinterest trusts (§2702)

92. Charitable givingA. Considerations for contributions

and transfersB. Requirements for a gift to qualify

for a charitable deductionC. Charitable remainder trusts

1) Unitrusts (CRUT)2) Annuity trusts (CRAT)

D. Charitable lead trusts1) Unitrusts (CLUT)2) Annuity trusts (CLAT)

E. Pooled income fundsF. Private foundationsG. Other types of charitable giftsH. Income tax charitable deduction

limitations

93. Use of life insurance in estate planningA. Advantages and disadvantagesB. Ownership, beneficiary

designation and settlementoptions

C. Life insurance trustsD. Gift and estate taxationE. Income taxation

94. Valuation issuesA. Estate freezes

1) Corporate and partnershiprecapitalizations (§2701)

2) Transfers in trustB. Valuation issues with family

partnerships and LLCs1) Minority discounts2) Marketability discounts3) Blockage discounts4) Key person discounts

C. Valuation techniques and thefederal gross estate

95. Marital deductionA. CharacteristicsB. Terminable interest rule and

exceptionsC. QTIP planning and the prior

transfer creditD. Special planning for non-citizen

spousesE. Marital deduction and by-pass

planning

96. Deferral and minimization of estatetaxesA. Deductions and creditsB. Lifetime planning techniquesC. Postmortem planning techniques

1) Qualified disclaimers2) Alternative valuation date3) Relief provisions for business

owners’ and farmers’/ranchers’ estatesa) Deferral of estate tax

(§6166)b) Corporate stock

redemptions (§303)c) Special use valuation

(§2032A)

d) Qualified family-ownedbusiness exclusion (§2057)

D. Optimal QTIP planning

97. Intra-family and other businesstransfer techniquesA. CharacteristicsB. Techniques

1) Buy-sell agreements2) Installment notes3) Self-canceling installment notes4) Private annuities5) Transfers in trust

C. Federal income, gift, estate andGeneration-Skipping Transfer Tax(GSTT) implications

98. Disposition of estateA. Tax and non-tax consequences

of various estate plans (outrightdistributions, transfers in trust, etc.)

B. Estate planning for non-traditional relationships1) Children of another

relationship2) Cohabitation3) Adoptions4) Same-sex relationships5) Communal relationships

99. Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT)A. Identify transfers subject to the

GSTT1) Direct skips2) Taxable distributions3) Taxable terminations

B. Impact of the GSTT on lifetimetransfers1) Outright transfers of cash or

property2) Transfers in trust

C. Exemptions and exclusions for theGSTT1) Outright gifts qualifying for

the gift tax annual exclusion2) The GSTT exemption3) Qualified transfer payments

(educational and medical)

100. Fiduciary responsibilitiesA. Duties of fiduciariesB. Selection of fiduciaries

101. Income in Respect of a Decedent (IRD)A. IRD assetsB. IRD income tax deduction

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PROVIDED FORMULAS

The following formulas are provided with the exam booklets when taking the CFP® CertificationExamination:

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4 1E X P E R I E N C E

Work Experience

Because the CFP® certification indicates to the public your ability to provide financial planning unsuper-vised, CFP Board requires you to have some experience in the personal financial planning process.However, CFP Board recognizes the variety of situations and circumstances in which people participatein the financial planning process and has developed a work experience requirement to account for this.If you have questions about your work experience being accepted by CFP Board, contact CFP Board’sregistrar at:

CFP Board Registrar1670 Broadway, Suite 600Denver, CO 80202-4809P: 800-487-1497F: 303-860-7388E: initialcert@CFP-Board.org

DEFINITION OF WORK EXPERIENCE

CFP Board’s work experience requirement is defined as “the supervision1, direct support2, teaching3 orpersonal delivery of all or part of the personal financial planning process to a client4.”Qualifying experi-ence must fit within one or more of the six primary elements of the personal financial planning processdescribed as follows:

1. Establishing and Defining the Relationship with the Client

This includes explaining the issues and concepts related to the personal financial plan-ning process. You must specify the services you or your firm will provide and clarify theclient’s and your responsibilities.

2. Gathering Client Data Including Goals

Data gathering includes interviewing or questioning the client about various aspects ofhis or her financial resources, obligations and expectations. During this process, you willneed to determine your client’s goals, needs and priorities; assess your client’s valuesand attitudes; and determine the client’s time horizons and risk tolerance. In addition,you will collect applicable client records and documents.

3. Analyzing and Evaluating the Client’s Financial Status

This process involves analyzing and evaluating client data such as current cash flowneeds, risk management, investments, taxes, retirement, employee benefits, estate plan-ning and/or special needs.

1All levels of supervision are acceptable if the chain of supervision eventually leads back to the planner.2Must be directly responsible for information that is provided to the planner/client and have reasonable accountability for

the client.3Credit for teaching is limited to the instruction of CFP Board’s financial planning topic list in a CFP Board-Registered

Program. Teaching finance-related classes (for college credit) full-time at a university that does not have a CFP Board-

Registered Program can be used to satisfy up to two years of experience credit, but the third year of experience must be

personal financial planning experience or teaching full-time at a CFP Board-Registered Program.4“Client” denotes a person who engages a practitioner and for whom professional services are rendered. Pro-bono

experience is accepted as long as (1) there is a client and (2) you are acting as a financial planning professional who is capa-

ble and qualified to offer objective, integrated and comprehensive financial advice to, or for the benefit of, individuals to

help them achieve their financial objectives using the financial planning process.

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4. Developing and Presenting Financial Planning Recommendations and/or Alternatives

Financial planning recommendations should meet the goals and objectives of the client,and reflect his or her values, situation and risk tolerance. This process includes present-ing and reviewing the recommendations with the client, working with the client toensure that the plan meets his or her goals and expectations, and revising the recom-mendations as necessary.

5. Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendations

This is the process of helping the client put the financial planning recommendationsinto action. This could include coordinating with other professionals, such as account-ants, attorneys, real estate agents, investment advisers, stock brokers and insuranceagents.

6. Monitoring the Financial Planning Recommendations

Areas to be monitored or reviewed include the soundness of the recommendations andthe client’s progress. This process also involves discussing with the client any changes inhis or her personal circumstances, evaluating changing tax laws, and making recommen-dations based on new or changing conditions.

WORK EXPERIENCE STANDARDS

Your work experience must comply with the following standards:

• Three years full-time, or the equivalent part-time (2,000 hours part-time equals one yearfull-time), if you have an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. college oruniversity.*

• Five years full-time, or the equivalent part-time, if you do not have an undergraduatedegree from an accredited U.S. college or university. Note: Beginning in 2007, a bache-lor’s degree will be required before completing the certification process. Individualswithout a college degree and no qualifying experience would have needed to havestarted gaining financial planning experience before 2002 in order to meet the five-year experience requirement for those without a degree. All individuals who have notcompleted the five-year experience requirement by December 31, 2006, will be requiredto have a college degree.

• Six months of experience must have been gained within 12 months of submitting theRésumé Form. (See page 43, “Verification of Experience,” for information on theRésumé Form.)

• Experience may be gained up to 10 years before or up to five years after the exam date.If your work experience is not completed within this time frame, your candidacy forCFP® certification may be terminated. A one-time, two-year extension may be grantedon a case-by-case basis. Requests for an extension should be sent to CFP Board’s regis-trar at the address on page 41.

PRE-CERTIFICATION CONTINUING EDUCATION

If you do not complete the CFP certification process within 12 months of passing the CFP® CertificationExamination, you must begin to accrue continuing education credits at a rate of 15 credits per year.

*International degrees may be substituted for a U.S. undergraduate degree if they receive equivalency from a third-party

organization such as Worldwide Educational Services (WES). WES can be reached at 800-937-3895 or www.WES.org.

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4 3E X P E R I E N C E

INTERNSHIPS/RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Financial planning-related internships completed at a CFP Board-Registered Program are eligible forcredit toward the work experience requirement at the rate of one month of work experience for eachcollege credit. Residency programs completed through the Financial Planning Association (FPA) areeligible for credit toward the work experience requirement at the rate of three months of workexperience credit per residency program. Credit will be granted for internships and/or residencyprograms completed within 10 years before and five years after the successful completion of theCFP® Certification Examination.

VERIFICATION OF EXPERIENCE

Once you pass the CFP® Certification Examination, you will receive a Résumé Form on which to summa-rize your related work experience. The form must be signed by your current supervisor. If you areself-employed, the following individuals can attest to your experience:

• CFP® certificants• Licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)• Licensed attorneys

After the form is returned to CFP Board, the information listed is subject to random audit. Erroneousinformation could jeopardize your authorization to use the CFP marks.

While the CFP certification requirements may be changed from time to time, you will be expected tomeet the requirements that are in place at the time of your most recent application for the CFP®

Certification Examination. Therefore, CFP Board cannot confirm the suitability of your work experiencebefore you pass the exam.

4 3

Visit www.CFP.net/become/work_prece.asp for a Q&A section on the pre-certification CE require-ment. Go to www.CFP.net/login to view and keep track of your work experience requirement.

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WORK EXPERIENCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q 1. HOW IS PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT CREDITED TOWARD THE REQUIREMENT?

A The number of part-time hours will be converted into a full-time equivalent and applied to theoverall balance of the requirement. (2,000 part-time hours equates to one year of full-time experi-ence.)

Q 2. IF I WORK FULL-TIME IN A FINANCIAL PLANNING RELATED POSITION AND ALSOWORK PART-TIME, CAN I ACCELERATE THE COMPLETION OF MY EXPERIENCEREQUIREMENT?

A No. Concurrent part- and full-time financial planning employment will not accelerate completion ofthe requirement.

Q 3. IF I WORK MORE THAN 2,000 HOURS PER YEAR, CAN I ACCELERATE THECOMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENT?

A No. Additional credit for full-time employment will not be granted for hours in excess of 40 hoursper week.

Q 4. HOW IS A PORTION OF A JOB CREDITED TOWARDS THE REQUIREMENT?

A Portions of a job may be credited towards this requirement on an hourly basis just like part-timeemployment. As an example, the majority of your job (30 hours per week) is spent working as ahome office representative processing paperwork. However, ten hours a week are spent consultingwith individual clients. The ten hours a week can be accrued and credited towards the requirement.

Q 5. WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE? CAN I STILL SIT FOR THECFP® CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION?

A Yes. The experience requirement does not have to be satisfied prior to the exam. Individuals haveup to five years from the time they pass the exam to complete the experience requirement if neces-sary.

Q 6. IF I AM MAKING A CAREER CHANGE, HOW DO I GO ABOUT OBTAININGAPPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE?

A Qualifying experience may be earned through many different types of practices and firms.Candidates for CFP® certification often choose to establish a private practice, either by themselvesor in conjunction with other planners. Some planners work for banks, credit unions, insurance com-panies, accounting or law firms, credit counseling organizations and brokerage firms. Or, they maychoose a career in academia, teaching personal financial planning to other interested students.

Q 7. WHAT CAN I CALL MYSELF ONCE I HAVE PASSED THE CFP® CERTIFICATIONEXAMINATION BUT AM STILL COMPLETING MY EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT?

A Only those individuals who have fully satisfied CFP Board’s requirements are authorized to use theCFP certification marks. Until that time, you can only use the CFP marks to refer to the certificationprocess. For example, you may say that you are a “candidate for CFP® certification” or “workingtoward obtaining CFP® certification.” Use of the term “CFP® candidate” is an improper use of themark and is prohibited.

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Ethics

The final component of the initial CFP® certification process is the ethics requirement. CFP certificationrequires you to agree to adhere to CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility andFinancial Planning Practice Standards, and to acknowledge CFP Board’s right to enforce them throughits Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. By signing the CFP® Certification Application, individuals agree tobe bound by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. This demonstrates to the public thatyou have agreed to provide personal financial planning in the client’s best interest and to act in accor-dance with the highest ethical and professional standards for the practice of financial planning.

Before being authorized to use the CFP certification marks, and each time you renew your certification,you must disclose whether you have ever been involved in any criminal, civil, self-regulatory organiza-tion or governmental agency inquiry, investigation or proceeding. You must also acknowledge the rightof CFP Board to enforce its Code of Ethics and Practice Standards through its Disciplinary Rules andProcedures.

Please be aware that, if you disclose matters on your CFP® Certification Application, or if CFP Board dis-covers that you have been involved in matters that may give rise to a violation of the Code of Ethics orPractice Standards, your certification may be delayed pending CFP Board’s review of the matters.Additionally, if the matters involve serious misconduct, CFP Board reserves the right to permanentlydeny you the right to obtain the CFP certification. All such ethics reviews will be conducted in accor-dance with CFP Board’s Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Note: For individuals who do not plan toobtain a bachelor’s degree, please see page 7 for more details about how the 2007 bachelor’s degreerequirement affects the fulfillment of the ethics component.

VERIFICATION OF DATA

CFP Board may verify your employment record, qualifications and disciplinary history through theNASD®’s Central Registration Depository (CRD). All disciplinary information obtained will be reviewed byCFP Board. The length of the review process varies depending on the circumstances being investigated,and may take anywhere from several weeks to one year. In general, you will not be authorized to usethe CFP marks during CFP Board’s review process.

If you have questions about the effect of any of your past or pending disciplinary actions, or yourauthorization to use the CFP marks, contact CFP Board at 800-487-1497 or initialcert@CFP-Board.org.Because of changing codes or regulations and the fact that every situation contains unique variables,CFP Board cannot provide you with an advance judgment of your situation. However, historical casestudies of disciplinary actions taken by CFP Board against those it has certified are available from CFPBoard.

Go to www.CFP.net/certificants to review CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibilityand Financial Planning Practice Standards.

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Authorization to Use the CFP Marks

The marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and are owned by CFP Board in the U.S. and are pro-tected by trademark law. Only those individuals who have fully satisfied CFP Board’s requirements areauthorized to use the CFP certification marks. CFP Board carefully monitors all usage of the marks toensure their integrity and unauthorized use of the marks is viewed as a serious matter. For example, itis incorrect to use the term “CFP® candidate.” Up until the point of achieving CFP certification, individu-als who have applied for the CFP® Certification Examination can say they are “working towardsobtaining CFP® certification” or that they are a “candidate for CFP® certification.” Remember, if you usethe CFP marks prematurely, or in some other prohibited manner, you could jeopardize your ultimateright to use them.

DECLARATION PACKET

When you have completed the education, examination and work experience requirements, you willreceive a declaration packet from CFP Board. This packet includes a CFP® Certification Applicationwhich includes a notice of your initial certification and application fees. The completed form and feesmust be returned to CFP Board within six months of issue. The fees must be paid and the applicationcompleted, signed and reviewed by CFP Board before any certification can be issued. Note: For individu-als who do not plan to obtain a bachelor’s degree, please see page 7 for more details about how the2007 bachelor’s degree requirement affects the final stages of the CFP certification process.

INITIAL FEE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) REPORTING

An initial certification cycle will be defined for each individual after completing the education,examination and work experience requirements. CFP Board establishes this initial certification cycleusing the date of initial CFP certification to the end of your birth month in an odd or even year, basedon your birth date. The initial certification fee and the amount of CE credits due at the end of thisinitial cycle will be prorated based on $360 and 30 hours, respectively, every two years. An applicationfee of $100 and this initial certification fee (ranging from $90-$450) are invoiced in the declarationpacket.

After this prorated cycle is completed, you will begin reporting CE and completing the renewal require-ments on a cyclical two-year renewal cycle. (See the “Certification Renewal” section on page 5.)

INTERNATIONAL RECIPROCITY

Transferring an International Certification to the U.S.

If you are a resident of one of the countries represented on the International Council andare currently authorized to use the CFP marks in that country, you can apply for CFP® cer-tification in the United States by (1) providing proof of current certification status in yourcountry, (2) passing the first four-hour session of CFP Board’s CFP® CertificationExamination, (3) fulfilling the work experience requirement, (4) agreeing to abide by CFPBoard’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning PracticeStandards, and (5) paying the appropriate fees.

Once CFP Board grants you the right to use the CFP marks in the U.S., you will be subjectto U.S. renewal requirements.

®

Once certified, check www.CFP.net/search to find your name listed. CE reporting deadlines and otherrenewal information is available by logging into the Web site at www.CFP.net/login.

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4 7E T H I C S

Using International Marks in the U.S.

If you are authorized to use the CFP marks by one of the countries represented on theInternational Council, but have not applied for CFP® certification in the U.S., you can usethe CFP marks in the U.S. provided you fully disclose the country in which you are certi-fied. The following examples show how you might disclose the necessary information onany material that displays the CFP marks:

John Jones, CFP™ (Canada only)Jones Financial Services123 Any StreetBig City, CO 80202

Using U.S. Certification Outside of the U.S.

If you intend to practice financial planning outside of the U.S. in any country where youhave no certification or limited certification from the local International Council affiliate,you must (1) notify CFP Board of your intention to move to or practice in a new country,(2) remain current in all CFP Board certification obligations, including CE, (3) becomefamiliar with and comply with all laws regulating the practice of financial planning in thenew country, (4) provide all clients with a standardized disclosure form that outlinespotential knowledge deficiencies in the new country (aspects related to local laws and cir-cumstances not covered by CFP Board’s topic list or exam content), (5) provide all clientswith contact details of CFP Board and the local CFP Board affiliate if there is one in thecountry, (6) prominently indicate on all printed materials that you are certified in the U.S.only, and (7) only give financial planning advice to nationals of the U.S., or to the nation-als of new country on matters relating to the U.S. Your U.S. CFP certification only certifiesthat you have met competency and ethical requirements to provide comprehensive finan-cial planning advice in the U.S.

GRIEVANCE POLICY

All grievances related to CFP® certification, with the exception of exam grievances which are handled byCFP Board’s Board of Examiners (see page 31), should be sent to CFP Board’s Grievance Committee atthe address below. CFP Board’s grievance process is a staff-administered process chaired by the chiefexecutive officer.

CFP Board Grievance Committee 1670 Broadway, Suite 600Denver, CO 80202-4809

OR

John Jones, CFP(tm)*Jones Financial Services123 Any StreetBig City, CO 80202 (*indicates certified in Canada only)

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Applying for Transcript Review

TO APPLY FOR A TRANSCRIPT REVIEW WITH CFP BOARD:

1. Complete the application for transcript review found on the following page. List yourcourses on the first page of the form. Then, using the course number, indicate courseson the checklist that correspond to a specific content area. One course may cover sev-eral content areas. If you have already completed the educational requirement, you donot need to fill out this form to apply for the exam.

2. Attach course descriptions from the catalog or the course syllabus if the title does notclearly identify course content.

3. Attach your transcript to the application form (photocopies are acceptable). The tran-script must accompany the application, or the application will be deemed incompleteand will not be reviewed. Incomplete applications will be returned.

4. Mail the application and completed checklist, transcript and other supporting documenta-tion, and a $100 non-refundable transcript review fee (MasterCard, American Express orVisa payments accepted) to the following address:

Transcript ReviewCFP Board1670 Broadway, Suite 600Denver, CO 80202-4809

APPLICATION REVIEW

Your transcript review application will be processed within 30 working days of its receipt by CFP Board.If CFP Board determines that you have fulfilled the educational requirement, you will be sent writtennotification. You will also be sent an application for the CFP® Certification Examination. If your applicationis received fewer than 30 working days before an exam application deadline, you will have to sit for alater exam.

ADDRESSING TOPIC DEFICIENCIES

If CFP Board determines that you have not fulfilled the education component, you will be sent writtennotice of your areas of deficiency. You may complete deficient topics at a CFP Board-RegisteredProgram. Please be aware that each college or university has the right to impose its own transfer ofcredit policy.

After you have addressed any topic deficiencies at a CFP Board-Registered Program:1. Complete the CFP® Certification Examination application.2. Attach a copy of the letter from CFP Board noting the topics in which you were

deficient.3. Attach a transcript from the CFP Board-Registered Program or a signed note from the

Program Director verifying that you have completed the needed topics.4. Submit the application and documentation to CFP Board.

If you complete the missing topics at a U.S. accredited college or university that does not have a CFPBoard-Registered Program, submit a new transcript review application, along with a review fee of $100.Include the letter you received from CFP Board noting the missing topics and the new transcript show-ing that you have addressed the deficiencies. There is no guarantee that the new courses will meet thetopic coverage. CFP Board will not pre-determine the status of any course.

1670 Broadway, Suite 600, Denver, Colorado 80202-4809P: 800-487-1497 F: 303-860-7388 (no cover please)E: mail@CFP-Board.org W: www.CFP.net

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Application for Transcript ReviewIf you have completed the educational requirement, you do not need to complete this form to apply for the CFP® Certification Examination.

SECTION I: Personal Data

Name: � Mr. � Mrs. � Ms. � Miss

____________________________________________________________First name Middle initial Last name Suffix

Business name: _________________________________________

Business address: _______________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Business telephone:______________________________________

Business fax: ___________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________

Home address: _________________________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Home telephone:________________________________________

Preferred address (check only one): � Business � Home

Social Security #: ______________________________________

Birth date: ___________________________________________________ Month Day Year

SECTION II: Transcript Review QualificationsHave you had your transcript(s) reviewed previously by CFP Board? � yes � no

Transcripts from the following accredited schools are attached for review:

Name of school attended Years Degree awarded and major awarded Date degree awarded

Financial planning-related courses from the transcripts to be considered. Courses to be considered for transcript review must be at the upper-division college level or higher (typically course numbers 300 or greater):

Course title Course number Dates Credit hours

Credentials* to be considered (attach copies of credentials):� ASA � CEBS � EA � FSA *State licenses and continuing education courses are not considered educational courses and do not qualify for credit on this application.

SECTION V: Transcript Review Fee - $100 (a $25 service fee will apply to all returned checks)

� Check (make check payable to CFP Board, do not staple check to application) Amount enclosed: ___________ Check number:____________

� Credit Card (check only one) � MasterCard � Visa � American Express Credit card #: _________________________________________

Name (as it appears on credit card): ___________________________________________ Expiration date: __________________________

I hereby affirm that I am over the age of eighteen and I authorize the investigation of all statements made by me to CFP Board including, but not limited to, those statements contained in this form. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts is cause for denial or revocation of the right to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and certification marks, and that I may not use the marks until I receive officialnotification of my certification by CFP Board. CFP Board may obtain my educational records in order to verify the truthfulness and accuracy of my educational background and I hereby expressly authorize educational institutions (and authorized agents of such institutions) to release my educational records to CFP Board. I understand that educational records will include, without limitation, any record, file, document or other material which contains information directly related to me, which is maintained by the educational agency or institution or by a person acting for such agency or institution. To the extent any of the followinginformation is not considered to be an educational record I further authorize educational institutions to release: my last name, the last four digits of my Social Security number and the date of my degree completion. In consideration for CFP Board’s acceptance of this application I agree that neither CFP Board nor its directors, officers, employees and others acting on its behalf shall be liable to me for any actions taken or omitted to be taken in any official capacity or in the scope of employment, and I hereby release CFP Board and the other persons identified above from any liability for such actions or omissions.

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________

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Using the course number from your transcripts, indicate which topics have been covered by placing the course number next to thecorresponding topic you believe was covered in that course. Refer to CFP Board’s complete Financial Planning Topic List for more details.

TOPIC COURSE # TOPIC COURSE #GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FINANCIAL PLANNING

51. Asset pricing models

1. Financial planning process 52. Leverage of investment assets 2. CFP Board ’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

53. Hedging and option strategies

3. CFP Board ’s Financial Planning Practice Standards 54. Tax efficient investing4. Personal financial statements 55. Investment strategies in tax-advantaged accounts 5. Budgeting 56. Taxation of investment vehicles 6. Emergency fund planning INCOME TAX PLANNING 7. Credit and debt management 57. Income tax law fundamentals8. Buying vs. leasing 58. Tax compliance 9. Function, purpose and regulation of financial institutions

59. Income tax fundamentals and calculations

10. Client attitudes and behavioral characteristics 60. Tax accounting methods 11. Educational funding 61. Tax characteristics of entities12. Financial planning for special circumstances 62. Income taxation of trusts and estates13. Economic concepts 63. Basis14. Time value of money concepts and calculations 64. Cost-recovery concepts15. Characteristics and consequences of types of entities 65. Tax consequences of like-kind exchanges 16. Characteristics and consequences of property titling 66. Tax consequences of gain or loss on sale of assets 17. Financial services industry regulation requirements 67. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) 18. Business law 68. Tax management techniques 19. Quantitative analysis 69. Passive activity and at-risk rules 20. Monetary settlement planning 70. Tax implications of changing circumstancesINSURANCE PLANNING AND RISKMANAGEMENT

71. Charitable contributions and deductions

21. Principles of insurance RETIREMENT PLANNING 22. Analysis and evaluation of risk exposure s 72. Retirement needs analysis 23. Legal aspects of insurance 73. Social Security [Old Age, Survivor and Disability

Insurance (OASDI)] 24. Property and casualty insurance (individual and

business) 74. Medicare

25. General business liability 75. Types of retirement plans 26. Health insurance (individual) 76. Qualified plan rules and options 27. Disability income insurance (individual) 77. Other tax-advantaged retirement plans 28. Long-term care insurance (individual and joint) 78. Regulatory considerations 29. Life insurance 79. Plan selection for businesses (key factors affecting

selection) 30. Viatical settlements 80. Investment considerations for retirement plans 31. Insurance needs analysis and rationale 81. Distribution rules, alternatives and taxation 32. Taxation of life, disability and long-term care

insurance ESTATE PLANNING

33. Insurance policy selection 82. Methods of property transfer at death 34. Insurance company selection and due diligence 83. Estate planning documents EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PLANNING 84. Gifting strategies35. Employee benefit plans 85. Gift taxation and compliance36. Employee stock options 86. Incapacity planning37. Stock plans 87. Estate tax calculation and compliance 38. Non-qualified deferred compensation 88. Satisfying liquidity needs 39. Employer/employee insurance arrangements 89. Powers of appointmentINVESTMENT PLANNING 90. Types, features and taxation of trusts 40. Types and use of investment vehicles 91. Qualified interest trusts 41. Types of investment risk 92. Charitable giving42. Measures of investment risk 93. Use of life insurance in estate planning 43. Measures of investment returns 94. Valuation issues 44. Time-influenced security valuation concepts 95. Marital deduction 45. Bond and stock valuation methods 96. Deferral and minimization of estate taxes 46. Portfolio management and measurement concepts 97. Intra-family and other business transfer techniques 47. Formula investing 98. Disposition of estate 48. Investment strategies 99. Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) 49. Asset allocation and portfolio diversification 100. Fiduciary Responsibilities 50. Efficient Market Theory (EMT) 101. Income in Respect of a Decedent (IRD)

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CFP® Certification Examination Application InstructionsThe completed application must be received in CFP Board’s office on or before the deadline date. Late applications will not beaccepted under any circumstance and will be returned.

Applications may be submitted by fax at 303-860-7388. Please do not send cover sheets. It is strongly recommended that faxes befollowed by hardcopy and evidence of the fax (transmittal confirmation or activity report generated by fax machine) addressed toand received by CFP Board within five working days. CFP Board will not take responsibility for incomplete fax transmittals. Faxedapplications with payment indicated by check will not be processed. The following constitutes a complete application:

• Application signed and dated• Examination fee in full• Appropriate qualifying eligibility documentation (i.e., copy of the transcript, copy of designation/degree, or letter of authorization)

Exam registration confirmation can be obtained in the following ways:• Approximately one to two weeks following the receipt and acceptance of your CFP® Certification Examination application, CFP Board

will send you written confirmation of your registration.• Applicants who provide an e-mail address on their CFP® Certification Examination application will be sent an e-mail confirmation of

registration within 24 hours of receipt and acceptance of their application.• Registration confirmation can be accessed on CFP Board’s Web site at www.CFP.net/login.• Individuals may call toll-free 800-487-1497 to confirm registration.

Approximately two to three weeks before the exam you will be sent an admission ticket for the CFP® Certification Examinationsessions showing the time that each session will begin and the CFP® Certification Examination location. You must bring the admissionticket to the testing facility on both days. You will not be admitted to the sessions without this ticket.

Neither CFP Board nor Thompson Prometric will be able to confirm the exact site location of the CFP® Certification Examinationwithin a city until approximately 30 days prior to the date of the CFP® Certification Examination.

SECTION I: Personal Data

Please fill out all of the information in Section I. Use your legal name as on your government issued photo ID. Please include yourbirthdate (month, day, year) as this data will be used to process and renew your CFP® certification once you have met all certificationrequirements. It is essential that you provide us with your Social Security number for purposes of background screenings.

SECTION II: Exam Qualification

Only individuals who have met CFP Board’s educational requirement as described in “The Education Requirement” section of thisbooklet are eligible to apply for the CFP® Certification Examination. Check only one of the boxes available in Section II of the examapplication.

Retake: If you have been accepted to take a previous CFP® Certification Examination, check this box and do not submit any other documentation. Indicate the month and year of the first exam for which you were accepted. Enclose your fee, indicate your testingsite in Section IV, sign the application form and send it to our office by the appropriate deadline.

CFP Board-Registered Program: If you have successfully completed a CFP Board-Registered Program, please indicate the name of theinstitution, name of the program and the date of completion in the appropriate spaces on the application.

You must attach a photocopy of the qualifying transcript, diploma, score report or a copy of a letter signed by the Program Directorto the application form. Do not send this qualifying documentation separately. If documents are not attached, your application willbe considered incomplete and will be returned to you. This may result in missing the application deadline.

Challenge Status: Only those individuals who hold one of the pre-approved designations may qualify under the challenge status.Challenge status individuals must include a photocopy of the qualifying designation/credential/degree with the exam application. Ifthe documentation is not attached, your application will be considered incomplete and will be returned to you. This may result inmissing the application deadline.

CEBS: Individuals who hold the CEBS credential may complete two additional courses to satisfy CFP Board’s education requirement.You must include a copy of the CEBS designation and either a transcript or score report showing completion of the PersonalFinancial Planning I and II courses with the exam application. If the documentation is not attached, your application will beconsidered incomplete and will be returned to you. This may result in missing the application deadline.

Transcript Review: Only those individuals who have received a letter from CFP Board indicating that they have successfully com-pleted CFP Board’s educational requirement via a Transcript Review process qualify to sit for the CFP® Certification Examinationunder this category. Attach the letter of authorization from CFP Board to the application.

International Reciprocity: Individuals who hold a CFP® certification granted by one of the affiliate organizations of the FinancialPlanning Standards Board may apply for international reciprocity by passing the first four-hour session of CFP Board’s CFP®

Certification Examination, fulfilling the work experience requirement, abiding by CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and ProfessionalResponsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards, and paying the appropriate fee. Please indicate the name of the affiliatecountry and the certification number in the appropriate spaces on the application. Reciprocity individuals must attach a copy oftheir CFP certification to the application.

Rev. 3/05

E X A M A P P L I C AT I O N I N S T R U C T I O N S5 2

SECTION III: Exam Date

Check only one date. Blank spaces or multiple checkmarks will result in your being registered for the next available exam cycle. Thedeadlines for submitting an application are as follows:

Exam Dates Application Receipt Deadline*July 15-16, 2005 June 1, 2005November 18-19, 2005 October 5, 2005March 17-18, 2006 February 1, 2006

*Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Mountain time on the listed date.

SECTION IV: Exam Site Codes

Transfer the four-character site code from this sheet to the site section on the application. The CFP® Certification Examination is adminis-tered only in the cities listed below. International sites can be established on a case-by-case basis for an additional $1,300 test site fee.

SECTION V: Exam Fee

The exam fee ($595) must accompany the application. Sign and date the application. Checks should be made payable to CFP Board.Returned checks will be assessed a $25 return check fee and payment may be required via certified funds. Please do not staple yourcheck to the application. If you choose to fax your application you must pay the exam fee by credit card. Applications faxed withpayment indicated by check will not be processed.

WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES:

If you are unable to take the exam once you have registered, you may, in accordance with the deadlines listed below, choose one

of the following options:

1. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board, pay a $50 rescheduling fee and register to take the exam at a later date.

2. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board and request a refund of the refundable portion of your exam fee.

3. Withdraw from the exam by notifying CFP Board and maintain a credit (exam fee minus $50) with CFP Board. You may

re-register to take the exam or obtain a refund of the refundable portion of your exam fee from any time after the with-

drawal until 24 months from the date of the exam for which you last registered. However, if you fail to re-register for an

exam or obtain a refund within this 24-month period, the entire exam fee will be forfeited.

The refundable portion of your exam fee is the amount of the exam fee, less a $50 cancellation fee.

Exam Dates: Application Deadline: Notification of Withdrawal Must be Received by:

July 15-16, 2005 June 1, 2005 June 7, 2005

November 18-19, 2005 October 5, 2005 October 11, 2005

March 17-18, 2006 February 1, 2006 February 7, 2006

Requests for withdrawal or rescheduling received after the Notification of Withdrawal dates listed above will not be honored and

the entire exam fee will be forfeited.

PRIVACY POLICY:

In certain instances, CFP Board may release lists of applicants for the CFP® Certification Examination to Review Course providers who

agree to CFP Board’s usage requirements. Upon request, CFP Board will not release an individual’s name to this outside party.

AK50 Anchorage, AKAL50 Birmingham, ALAZ50 Phoenix, AZCA50 Oakland, CACA51 Irvine, CACA52 San Diego, CACA53 Los Angeles area,

CACA54 San Jose area, CACO50 Denver, COCT50 New Haven, CT

DC50 Wash. DC areaFL50 Ft. Lauderdale, FLFL51 Tampa, FL FL52 Jacksonville, FLFL53 Orlando, FLGA50 Atlanta, GAHI50 Honolulu, HIIL50 Chicago Heights,

ILIL51 Lisle area, ILIN50 Indianapolis, IN

LA50 New Orleans, LAMA50 Boston, MAMD50 Baltimore, MDMI50 Detroit, MIMN50 Minn/St. Paul, MNMO50 St. Louis, MOMO51 Kansas City, MONC50 Charlotte, NCNC51 Raleigh, NCNH50 Manchester, NHNJ50 Clark, NJ

NJ51 Princeton, NJNY50 New York, NYNY51 Buffalo, NYNY52 Albany, NYNY53 Long Island, NYOH50 Cincinnati, OHOH51 Cleveland, OHOR50 Portland, ORPA50 Philadelphia, PAPA51 Pittsburgh, PATN50 Nashville, TN

TN51 Memphis, TNTX50 Houston, TXTX51 Dallas, TXTX52 San Antonio, TXUT50 Salt Lake City, UTVA50 Richmond, VAWA50 Seattle, WAWI50 Milwaukee, WI_______________________International (city, country)

Rev. 3/05

CFP® Certification Examination Application SECTION I: Personal Data

Name: � Mr. � Mrs. � Ms. � Miss

____________________________________________________________First name Middle initial Last name Suffix

Business name:________________________________________________

Business address: ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Business telephone: ____________________________________________

Business fax: __________________________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________________

Home address: ________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Home telephone:_______________________________________________

Preferred address (check only one): � Business � Home

Social Security #: ______________________________________________

Birth date: ____________________________________________________ Month Day Year

SECTION II: CFP® Certification Examination Qualification (check only one)

� RETAKE: I have applied and been accepted for a previous CFP® Certification Examination on ____________________. No further documentation needs tobe attached. Month/Year

� CFP BOARD-REGISTERED PROGRAM: I successfully completed a CFP Board-Registered Program. A copy of the qualifying transcript, diploma, score reports or letter is attached.

_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________ _____________________ Name of school Program name Date completed

� CHALLENGE STATUS: I am challenging the CFP® Certification Examination because I hold one of the following designations. A copy of qualifying transcript is attached. � CFA® � ChFC � CLU � Ph.D.-business/economics/D.B.A. � Licensed CPA* ______________________ _________________

State license number State licensed in � Licensed attorney* ______________________ _________________

State license number State licensed in *Inactive licenses will be accepted with a letter of good standing.

� CEBS plus additional required courses: PFP-1 and PFP-2. A photocopy of the designation and transcript, score report or letter is attached.

� TRANSCRIPT REVIEW: I have completed CFP Board’s transcript review process. CFP Board letter of authorization is attached.

� INTERNATIONAL RECIPROCITY: I currently hold CFP certification from an international affiliate organization. A copy is attached.

_________________________ _________________________ International affiliate country Certification no.

SECTION III: CFP® Certification Examination Date (check only one)Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Mountain time.

Exam Date Application Deadline Withdrawal Deadline � July 15-16, 2005 June 1, 2005 June 7, 2005 � November 18-19, 2005 October 5, 2005 October 11, 2005 � March 17-18, 2006 February 1, 2006 February 7, 2006

SECTION IV: CFP® Certification Examination Site (see instructions for four-character exam site code)Exam site code: ___________________________________ City, state: ______________________________________________________________________Request for special arrangements:� I cannot take an exam on the specified dates for religious reasons; a letter from my religious leader is attached. � I will need special arrangements for a physical disability described in the attached letter from my physician.

SECTION V: CFP® Certification Examination Fee - $595 (a $25 service fee will apply to all returned checks)

� Check (make check payable to CFP Board, do not staple check to application) Amount enclosed: _______________ Check number: ____________________

� Credit Card (check only one) � MasterCard � Visa � American Express Credit card #: _______________________________________________________

Name (as it appears on credit card): _________________________________________________________ Expiration date: __________________________

I hereby affirm that I am over the age of eighteen and I authorize the investigation of all statements made by me to CFP Board including, but not limited to, those statements contained in this form. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts is cause for denial or revocation of the right to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and certification marks, and that I may not use the marks until I receive officialnotification of my certification by CFP Board. CFP Board may obtain my educational records in order to verify the truthfulness and accuracy of my educational background and I hereby expressly authorize educational institutions (and authorized agents of such institutions) to release my educational records to CFP Board. I understand that educational records will include, without limitation, any record, file, document or other material which contains information directly related to me, which is maintained by the educational agency or institution or by a person acting for such agency or institution. To the extent any of the followinginformation is not considered to be an educational record I further authorize educational institutions to release: my last name, the last four digits of my Social Security number and the date of my degree completion. In consideration for CFP Board’s acceptance of this application I agree that neither CFP Board nor its directors, officers, employees and others acting on its behalf shall be liable to me for any actions taken or omitted to be taken in any official capacity or in the scope of employment, and I hereby release CFP Board and the other persons identified above from any liability for such actions or omissions.

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Date: _______________________________���I authorize CFP Board to release my pass/fail status to my Registered Program. ���I do not wish my name to be released to review course providers.

1670 Broadway, Suite 600, Denver, Colorado 80202-4809P: 800-487-1497 F: 303-860-7388 (no cover please)E: mail@CFP-Board.org W: www.CFP.net

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER

BOARD OF STANDARDS, INC.

1670 Broadway, Suite 600, Denver, Colorado 80202-4809

P: 800-487-1497

F: 303-860-7388

E: initialcert@CFP-Board.org

W: www.CFP.net/become