Bachelor's Degree Requirement
A bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline from an accredited college or university is required for CFP® certification.
Satisfy the Bachelor's degree requirement
In addition to completing the coursework required for CFP® exam eligibility, a bachelor's degree (or higher) in any discipline from an accredited college or university is required to satisfy the education requirement. While not required to sit for the exam, fulfilling the degree requirement early by submitting your official transcript to CFP Board is an easy way to bring yourself one step closer to CFP® certification.
Instructions for Submitting Your Transcript
You have five years from the date you pass the CFP® exam to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement by submitting your official transcript to CFP Board. If you have already completed your degree, have your school send your official transcript today so that you are one step closer to certification.
Official Transcripts
Effective March 31, 2020, CFP Board will no longer accept paper transcript submissions. In order to be considered official, your electronic transcript must be released directly to CFP Board from the school where your degree was completed. Scanned copies, faxes or documents that have been released to the student will not be accepted as official. Learn more about submitting an official transcript.
Institutional Accreditation
An "accredited college or university" is one that has been institutionally accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was awarded . To confirm your school's accreditation, please visit the Department of Education's website.
International Degrees
International degrees may be applied to the bachelor's degree requirement if they receive equivalency from a third-party evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Applicants should request a general/document-by-document evaluation and submit results showing equivalency of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution to [email protected].
SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENSION
If you have not reported completion of a bachelor's degree or higher within five years of passing the exam, you may submit a Policy Exception Request for a one-time extension of up to three years. The Policy Exception Request must be received at least 60 days in advance of the five-year deadline. Please allow 7-10 business days for a response to the request.
Start your journey to CFP® Certification
- Track your progress with the CFP® Certification Tracker
- Post your resume at the Career Center
- Connect with a mentor who can guide you
- Register and prepare for the exam
- Find career and financial support
- Connect with other candidates at our online forum