How to Become an Independent Certified Financial Planner

Financial planners assist clients with developing investment portfolios and wealth creation plans. Those who seek to become certified increase their level of consumer confidence and marketability. The certification designation is only awarded to those who complete the proper education, testing and continuing education required by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Examiners.

1. Learn the requirements for becoming a certified financial planner in your state.


2. Obtain a bachelor's degree or higher in any field, and three years experience prior to signing up for a certification program.


3. Register and complete a program certified by the Board of Examiners. There are more than 300 programs offered nationwide at colleges and online.


4. Take and pass the required exam, which provides multiple-choice scenarios to test the candidate's in-depth knowledge of financial planning. It is administered three times a year, in March, July and November.


5. Obtain the required amount of experience. The certification board requires all candidates have a minimum of three years in financial planning. This can include servicing clients or teaching financial planning concepts.


6. Pass the required background check. This is a major requirement for those considering becoming certified. Candidates must demonstrate personal financial responsibility. They must not have filed bankruptcy within the five years prior to taking the exam. Those who have may petition the board for consideration on a case-by-case basis.


7. Once all the above requirements have been successfully met, candidates who pay the required certification fee to the board have earned the right to use the designation as Certified Financial Planner, or CFP, following their name.