Is CFP Certification Right for You?
Americans are working hard to pull their finances together and plan for the future, and the financial planning profession is growing to address this need. However, only a select group have met the rigorous requirements necessary to call themselves Certified Financial Planner, also known as CFP, professionals.
University of Maryland Global Campus offers a course of study to help prepare you for this unique certification so you can advise individuals on how to address their financial issues and plan for and achieve their financial goals. CFP professionals specialize in everything financial, from budgeting and managing taxes and insurance coverage to planning for retirement and saving for education.
CFP certification communicates your expertise and credibility. A career in financial planning offers great opportunities for employment growth, satisfying work, and high pay. It is a perfect fit for those seeking a rewarding career in finance or a second career after service or retirement from the military or government.
Preparation for CFP Certification
If you want to qualify to sit for the CFP exam, you must fulfill all requirements laid out by the CFP Board. You must have a bachelor’s degree, have worked as a financial planner, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Take an approved course of study authorized by the CFP Board, such as the six UMGC CFP courses outlined below.
- Challenge the CFP Board requirements because you already have the requisite experience as a financial planner and therefore only need to complete the capstone course, FINC 490, to sit for the CFP certification exam.
If you are currently a UMGC student, you can take CFP Board–approved courses that meet the criteria needed to fulfill the educational component required to sit for the CFP exam. But you do not have to currently be enrolled at UMGC to take these classes. Our course of study is available to any individual that is interested in earning the CFP certification. Please note that completing CFP courses at UMGC does not guarantee that you will pass the CFP exam.