CFP - Certified Financial PlannersTM

Most people think that all financial planners are "certified," but this isn’t true. Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of CFP Board can display the CFP certification marks.

The Financial Advisors at Johnstone Financial Advisors are CFP Practicioners. 

CFP Certification Requirements 

Education: CFP professionals must develop their theoretical and practical knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by the CFP Board. Other options for satisfying the education component include submitting a transcript review or previous financial planning-related course work to the CFP Board for review and credit, or showing the attainment of certain professional designations or academic degrees.

Examination: CFP practitioners must pass a comprehensive two-day, 10-hour CFP Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.

Experience: CFP professionals must have three years minimum experience as a financial professional prior to earning the right to use the CFP certification marks.

Ethics: As a final step to certification, CFP practitioners agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, known as the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

Ongoing Certification Requirements

Once certified, CFP practitioners must complete a minimum 30 hours of continuing education every two years to stay current with developments in the financial planning profession and better serve clients. Two of these hours are spent studying or discussing CFP Board’s Code of Ethics or Practice Standards.