What is the CFP exam?

The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam is a comprehensive, 170-question multiple-choice test administered by the CFP Board. It is split into two 3-hour sessions (with a 40-minute break between them) for a total testing time of 6 hours. The exam assesses your ability to apply financial planning knowledge to real-world client scenarios across 8 principal knowledge domains.

How much does the CFP exam cost?

The CFP exam fee is $925 as of 2025-2026. Beyond the exam itself, candidates should budget for CFP Board-registered education coursework ($1,000-$5,000+), review courses ($400-$2,000), and study materials. After passing, the initial certification fee is $475 and annual renewal is $475. Free study resources like OpenExamPrep can significantly reduce your overall preparation costs.

What is the CFP exam pass rate?

The CFP exam pass rate has historically been around 65-67% for first-time test takers. The overall pass rate (including repeaters) tends to be slightly lower, around 60-64%. The CFP Board publishes pass rates after each exam window, and results have remained fairly consistent over recent years.

How long should I study for the CFP exam?

The CFP Board recommends 250-300 hours of study spread over 3-6 months. Most successful candidates study 15-20 hours per week for about 4 months. The amount of time you need depends on your prior experience in financial planning and how recently you completed your CFP education coursework.

What are the CFP exam eligibility requirements?

To sit for the CFP exam, you must complete CFP Board-registered education coursework (or hold a qualifying credential like CPA, CFA, or ChFC), hold a bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution, and agree to the CFP Board's ethical standards. The 6,000-hour experience requirement can be completed before or after passing the exam, but must be met before certification is granted.

What is the CFP education requirement?

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and complete a CFP Board-registered education program covering financial planning topics. The education program includes coursework in insurance, investment, tax, retirement, and estate planning, plus a capstone course. Holders of certain credentials (CPA, CFA, ChFC, CLU, or PhD in business/economics) may qualify for a partial waiver.

What is the CFP experience requirement?

The CFP Board requires 6,000 hours of professional experience in the financial planning process through the standard pathway, or 4,000 hours through the apprenticeship pathway under the supervision of a CFP professional. The experience can be completed up to 3 years before or within the first year after passing the exam. Experience must involve the delivery of financial planning services to clients.

Can you take the CFP exam without a bachelor's degree?

No. Since 2007, a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution has been required for CFP certification. The degree does not need to be in finance or a related field, but it must be completed before or within 5 years of passing the exam. There are no exceptions to this requirement, though you may sit for the exam while still completing your degree.

What does the CFP exam cover?

The CFP exam covers 8 principal knowledge domains: Professional Conduct and Regulation (8%), General Financial Planning Principles (15%), Education Planning (3%), Risk Management and Insurance Planning (11%), Investment Planning (17%), Tax Planning (14%), Retirement Savings and Income Planning (18%), and Estate Planning (14%). Questions test your ability to apply integrated financial planning concepts to client scenarios.

What is the CFP exam format and question types?

The CFP exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, of which 160 are scored and 10 are pretest (unscored) items. Questions come in two formats: stand-alone multiple-choice questions and item sets (case studies) where 2-5 questions relate to a single client scenario. The item sets test your ability to analyze complex, real-world financial planning situations and typically make up about 40-50% of the exam.

Is the CFP exam harder than the CPA, CFA, or EA exam?

The CFP exam is generally considered less difficult than the CFA (which has three levels and sub-20% pass rates at Level I) but comparable to or slightly easier than the CPA. Compared to the EA exam, the CFP is broader in scope but the EA goes deeper into tax law. The CFP's 65-67% pass rate is higher than the CFA (~40-45%) but similar to the CPA (~50-60% per section). Each exam tests different competencies, so difficulty also depends on your background.

How many times can you take the CFP exam?

You can take the CFP exam up to 5 times. If you fail on your fifth attempt, you must wait 2 years before becoming eligible to test again. There is no limit on total lifetime attempts, but the 5-attempt cycle resets after the 2-year waiting period. Each retake requires paying the full $925 exam fee.

When is the CFP exam offered?

The CFP exam is offered during three testing windows each year: March, July, and November. Each window spans approximately 8-10 days. You can select your preferred date and testing center when you register. Registration typically opens about 3-4 months before each exam window, and early registration is recommended as popular testing centers fill up quickly.

How is the CFP exam scored?

The CFP exam uses criterion-referenced scoring, meaning your performance is measured against a predetermined standard of competency rather than against other test takers. There is no fixed percentage passing score; instead, a panel of CFP professionals sets the minimum competency level. Results are reported as pass or fail only, with no numerical score provided. You receive results approximately 4-6 weeks after your exam window closes.

CFP vs CFA: which is better for financial planning?

For comprehensive financial planning and working directly with individual clients, the CFP is the gold standard. The CFA is better suited for investment management, portfolio analysis, and institutional finance roles. Many financial advisors hold both designations, but if your goal is to provide holistic financial planning (retirement, tax, estate, insurance), the CFP is the more relevant and widely recognized credential.

What is the average CFP salary and career outlook?

CFP professionals earn a median salary of approximately $95,000-$120,000 per year, with experienced planners at larger firms or in major metro areas earning $150,000-$250,000+. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13-15% through 2032, much faster than average. The CFP Board reports over 100,000 active certificants in the U.S. as of 2025, and demand for qualified planners continues to rise.

What can you do with a CFP certification?

CFP certification opens doors to careers as a financial planner, wealth manager, retirement planning specialist, tax planning advisor, estate planning consultant, or investment advisor. You can work at RIAs (registered investment advisors), wirehouses, banks, insurance companies, or start your own independent practice. Many CFP professionals specialize in niche areas like divorce planning, small business owners, or high-net-worth clients.

What are the CFP continuing education requirements?

CFP professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2-year reporting period, including 2 hours of CFP Board-approved ethics CE. The remaining 28 hours can cover any of the principal knowledge domains. CE can be earned through courses, conferences, self-study programs, or teaching at CFP Board-registered programs. Failure to complete CE requirements can result in suspension of your certification.

Is free CFP exam prep as good as paid courses?

Free CFP study resources like OpenExamPrep cover the same 8 principal knowledge domains tested on the exam and can be highly effective, especially when combined with AI-powered study tools. Paid review courses ($400-$2,000) may offer structured study plans, live instruction, and additional practice exams. Many candidates use a combination of free resources for content review and supplement with paid practice exams. Our free platform includes AI assistance for personalized explanations on any topic.

What should I expect on CFP exam day?

Arrive at the Prometric testing center at least 30 minutes early with valid government-issued photo ID. You'll receive a basic financial calculator (HP 10bII+ or TI-BAII Plus) provided by the testing center; personal calculators are not allowed. The exam is split into two 3-hour sessions with a scheduled 40-minute break. You cannot bring personal items, food, or drinks into the testing room. Focus on time management: aim for roughly 1 minute per stand-alone question and slightly more for item set questions.

What's included for free?

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Why is the content free?

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Is the content up to date?

Yes! Our content is aligned with the latest exam outlines and updated regularly. Last update: January 2026.

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Free CFP Exam Prep

Certified Financial Planner

Pass your CFP exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, and AI-powered learning.

Quick Facts

Chapters

155

Sections

Our Cost

Updated January 2026

CFP

Study Guide Practice Flashcards Client Conversations Mastery

109 terms 5 blogs 5 comparisons

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Your Study Path

CFP Professional License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try

Complete CFP Education Requirement

Finish a CFP Board-registered education program covering all 8 principal knowledge topics. Many programs are available online and take 12-18 months.

hours

Retirement Planning & Investment PlanningYou are here

Master the two largest exam domains: retirement savings, Social Security, distributions, portfolio theory, asset allocation, and securities analysis (35% combined).

100

hours

Tax, Estate & Insurance Planning

Study income tax planning, deductions, entity taxation, trusts, transfer taxes, and life/health/disability/property insurance (37% combined).

hours

Practice Exams & Case Studies

Take full-length 170-question timed practice exams. Focus on integrated case studies that test multiple knowledge areas simultaneously.

hours

Estimated total study time

250 hours

That's about 25 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the CFP Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age

No minimum age requirement

Education

Bachelor's degree required (any field — can complete within 5 years of passing the exam)

Experience

6,000 hours of professional financial planning experience (or 4,000 hours in an apprenticeship)

Additional Requirements

•Must complete a CFP Board-registered education program covering all principal knowledge topics
•Bachelor's degree can be completed within 5 years after passing the exam
•Must pass a background check and agree to CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct
•Maximum of 5 lifetime exam attempts; 3 attempts per 24-month period, then 1-year sit-out

CFP Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

3-6 months of dedicated study after completing education

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Prometric (test center or ProProctor remote proctoring)

Remote Testing Available

Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Maximum 5 lifetime attempts. Up to 3 attempts within a 24-month period, then a 1-year mandatory sit-out before the next attempt. Full exam fee required each time.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$925 (standard registration; $825 early bird, $1,025 late)

Total Estimated Cost$925 (exam only; education program costs $3,000-$10,000 separately)

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What You'll Study

8 chapters covering everything you need to pass

A. Professional Conduct and Regulation

12 sections

B. General Principles of Financial Planning

19 sections

C. Risk Management and Insurance Planning

15 sections

D. Investment Planning

19 sections

E. Tax Planning

15 sections

F. Retirement Savings and Income Planning

22 sections

G. Estate Planning

31 sections

H. Psychology of Financial Planning

22 sections

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CFP Exam Details

Certified Financial Planner

Administered by CFP Board

Official Source

Scaled score (varies)

Passing Score

170

Questions

Hours

$925

Exam Fee

Study time: 250-300 hours

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree, education requirement, experience requirement

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official CFP Board content outline

Professional Conduct & Regulation12%

Ethics, fiduciary duty, practice standards

General Financial Planning Principles15%

Financial statements, TVM, education planning

Risk Management & Insurance11%

Life, health, disability, property insurance

Investment Planning17%

Securities, portfolio theory, asset allocation

Tax Planning14%

Income tax, deductions, entity taxation

Retirement Savings & Income Planning18%

Qualified plans, Social Security, distributions

Estate Planning12%

Trusts, transfer taxes, estate administration

Psychology of Financial Planning7%

Behavioral finance, client communication

What's Included

8 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

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What's Next After the CFP?

After passing the CFP, you can pursue these career paths

EA

Add tax expertise

Life & Health Insurance

Sell insurance products

Series 65

Investment adviser registration

CFP Exam FAQ

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CFP Board Exam Page CFP Exam Topics CFP Handbook CFP Exam Statistics

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Certified Financial Planner

1A. Professional Conduct and Regulation

2B. General Principles of Financial Planning

3C. Risk Management and Insurance Planning

4D. Investment Planning

5E. Tax Planning

6F. Retirement Savings and Income Planning

7G. Estate Planning

8H. Psychology of Financial Planning

Free CFP Exam Prep

Quick Facts

CFP

CFP Professional License: Complete Roadmap

Complete CFP Education Requirement

Retirement Planning & Investment PlanningYou are here

Tax, Estate & Insurance Planning

Practice Exams & Case Studies

Can You Take the CFP Exam?

CFP Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

Exam Provider

Retake Policy

Total Cost Breakdown

Free CFP Prep That Actually Works

500+ Practice Questions

AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

Updated for 2026

$0 Forever

What You'll Study

A. Professional Conduct and Regulation

B. General Principles of Financial Planning

C. Risk Management and Insurance Planning

D. Investment Planning

E. Tax Planning

F. Retirement Savings and Income Planning

G. Estate Planning

H. Psychology of Financial Planning

CFP Exam Details

Certified Financial Planner

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

8 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the CFP?

EA

Life & Health Insurance

Series 65

CFP Exam FAQ

What is the CFP exam?

How much does the CFP exam cost?

What is the CFP exam pass rate?

How long should I study for the CFP exam?

What are the CFP exam eligibility requirements?

What is the CFP education requirement?

What is the CFP experience requirement?

Can you take the CFP exam without a bachelor's degree?

What does the CFP exam cover?

What is the CFP exam format and question types?

Is the CFP exam harder than the CPA, CFA, or EA exam?

How many times can you take the CFP exam?

When is the CFP exam offered?

How is the CFP exam scored?

CFP vs CFA: which is better for financial planning?

What is the average CFP salary and career outlook?

What can you do with a CFP certification?

What are the CFP continuing education requirements?

Is free CFP exam prep as good as paid courses?

What should I expect on CFP exam day?

What's included for free?

Why is the content free?

Is the content up to date?

Compare the CFP

Official CFP Board Resources

More Free Resources

Ready to Start Your Free CFP Prep?