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Certification Tips

What You Need to Know About the CFP® Exam

Passing the CFP® Certification Examination is a critical step in the process of earning the CFP® certification. Below is a compilation of selected frequently asked questions regarding the exam.

How do I register for the CFP® Exam?

For everything you need to know about the process of registering, preparing, and sitting for the CFP®  Exam, refer to CFP Board’s CFP® Exam Candidate Handbook.

Can I take the computer-based CFP® Exam on my computer at home or at work?

No. CFP Board’s computer-based exams are only offered at Prometric testing centers. This provides every candidate with a professional, secure, and consistent testing environment.

The exam is administered on one day during two 3-hour testing sessions, separated by a scheduled 40-minute break. A 7-hour appointment is scheduled to allow time for check-in, and security procedures.

Candidates select their test day (Tuesday-Saturday) and test site location from among Prometric’s network of testing sites. The CFP® Exam is administered in more than 265 dedicated professional testing locations across the U.S.

For more information on exam dates and application procedures, click here.

What information will I receive with my exam results?

Candidates receive preliminary pass/fail exam results upon completion of the exam at the testing site. Candidates who do not pass receive a diagnostic report of their exam performance across the Principal Topics, with indications of relative strengths and weaknesses.

Official exam results will be provided approximately 3 weeks following the close of the testing window to confirm official results.

If I fail the exam, can I take it again?

Yes, but not during the same testing window and at an additional cost. You must wait until the next testing window to retest. CFP Board’s exam retake limits also apply.

For a complete list of FAQs, refer to the CFP Board website.