Learn About the Profession
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM certification is the best-known certification in the financial planning community. It recognizes that the holder has met rigorous requirements and communicates expertise and credibility.
With 93% of financial planners expressing strong contentment in their career choice, joining this dynamic profession not only offers personal satisfaction but also provides opportunities for meaningful impact and success.
What exactly does a financial planner do?
Financial planners are trained to assess the budgets, cash flow, and risks of individuals and families, and to advise regarding the management of their investment portfolios. Evaluations are made regarding retirement, investments, business planning, estate planning, and tax planning. A written analysis and recommendations are typically provided.
How can becoming a CFP® Professional help my career?
To be qualified as a CFP® professional and eligible to use the trademark, certificants must meet stringent criteria established by the CFP Board of Standards Inc. The standards of Education, Examination, Experience, and Ethics ensure this as a unique and highly credible certification. Professionals who have earned this designation are in high demand in the financial services sector. Visit the CFP Board of Standards to learn more about the CFP® Certification process.
How do I become a CFP® Professional?
The certification process requires you to meet the four E’s: Education, Examination, Experience, and Ethics. Completing the education component by enrolling in a board-registered program is one step in the CFP® certification process. Anyone planning to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination must meet certain qualifications determined by the CFP Board. Options to meet these qualifications include:
Completing the required financial planning coursework through a board-registered program
This option is for those who are new to financial planning or have not completed a college-level financial planning course within the last 5 years. Your next step for this option is to apply to our program for one of our pathways.
Requesting a transcript review to be conducted by the CFP Board
This option may apply to those who have completed financial planning coursework through a degree-granting program such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program within the last 5 years. The CFP Board will review your transcript and determine which topic areas you need to complete through a board registered program. For more information about the Transcript Review process, visit the CFP Board’s website at http://cfp.net.
Checking to see if you qualify for the Accelerated Path option
This option is only for those who hold certain qualifying credentials, advanced degrees, or professional certifications. The CFP Board will determine your eligibility for this option. For more information about the Accelerated Path option, visit the CFP Board’s website at http://cfp.net.
What will I learn in the financial planning core coursework at Texas A&M University?
Students will learn the principles of personal financial planning in the core courses: Financial Planning for Professionals, Investment Planning, Insurance Planning, Estate Planning, Tax Planning, and Retirement Planning. In the Financial Planning Capstone course, students go through the financial planning process and create a comprehensive financial plan for a client. We pride ourselves in providing knowledge that goes beyond the exam and prepares students to be competitive and skilled financial planners.
What pathways are available at Texas A&M University?
Texas A&M University offers two CFP Board-registered pathways that help you fulfill the education requirements for the CFP® Exam. Both options put you on track toward meeting the rigorous education standards of the CFP Board and advancing your career in financial planning.
- Financial Planning Major (undergraduate baccalaureate program)
- Extended Learning Certificate Program (non-degree seeking)
Disclaimers
Courses taken for Extended Learning Credit do not count towards a degree at Texas A&M University and are not transferable to an academic program. These courses are considered continuing education and fulfill the CFP Board’s financial planning education verification requirement to qualify for the CFP® exam. Texas A&M does not award the CFP® marks.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
