Passing the CFP® exam demonstrates that advisors have attained the knowledge and competency necessary to provide comprehensive personal financial planning advice. The CFP® exam is a 170-question, multiple-choice test that consists of two 3-hour sessions over one day.

The experience requirement prepares advisors to provide personal financial planning to the public without supervision. Advisors need to complete 6,000 hours of professional experience related to the financial planning process.

The ethics requirement is the final step on the path to CFP® certification. It indicates that the advisor agrees to adhere to high ethical and professional standards for the practice of financial planning, and to act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to clients, always putting their best interests first.