CFP - Certified Financial Planner - For Exams in 2026

About this course

2026 Certified Financial PlannerCFP is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement saving.Owned and awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., the designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board's initial exams, then continue ongoing annual education programs to sustain their skills and certification.CFPs are there to help individuals manage their finances. This can include a variety of needs, such as investment planning, retirement planning, insurance, and education planning. The most important aspect of a CFP® is to be a fiduciary of your assets, meaning that they will make decisions with your best interests in mind.CFPs are all-encompassing, particularly when compared to investment advisors. CFPs will usually start the process by evaluating your current finances, including any cash, assets, investments, or properties, to come up with an estimate of your income and net worth. They also take a look at your liabilities, such as mortgages and student debt.CFP Exam OutlineThe CFP exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 6 hours (split into two 3-hour sections).The exam is split into eight content domains, and each question will either be a standalone question or a scenario-based question.1. Professional Conduct and Regulation (8%)The questions in this domain cover the following topics:The function, general structure, and purpose of financial institutionsFiduciary standard and applicationCFP Board’s Procedural RulesConsumer protection lawsCFP Board’s Code of Ethics and standards of ConductFinancial services requirements and regulations2. General Principles of Financial Planning (15%)The questions in this domain cover