Certified Financial Planner (TM) - CFP (TM)

The CFP™ legal team has provided their official definition, along with trademarks: CFP™, Certified Financial Planner™,and marks are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investopedia Says:

Those wanting to become a CFP™ professional must take extensive exams in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, retirement, among others. Attaining the CFP™ designation takes experience and a lot of hard work, and CFP™ professionals must also complete continuing education programs each year to maintain their certification status. It is always good idea to ask about his/her educational background and references before allowing a CFP™ designee (or any other financial professional) to manage your money. Don't be afraid to say "no thanks" if you feel that the person doesn't have sufficient experience.

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Professional designation requiring a high level of skill and competence in the analysis of client financial conditions and the development of client-oriented personal financial plans. Candidates must pass a series of national examinations administered by the College for Financial Planning, Denver, Colorado (www.fp.edu). The CFP program consists of six separate parts, each of which is a three-hour written examination. The program includes the following parts: (1) introduction to financial planning; (2) risk management; (3) investments; (4) tax planning and management; (5) retirement planning and employee benefits; and (6) estate planning. Candidates must also meet other educational and work experience requirements of the college in order to obtain the right to use the college's designation of Certified Financial Planner (CFP). See also Financial Planner.