Certification Guide
CFP
Certified Financial Planner
Personal financial planning credential covering taxation, insurance, investments, estate planning, and retirement planning.
What it is, in detail
Administered globally by FPSB and in India by FPSB India. The gold standard for personal financial planners and wealth managers who focus on holistic client planning rather than product sales.
Quick facts
- Eligibility
- Bachelor's degree (any stream). Two pathways — Regular (5 modules) or Challenge (for CAs, CFAs, MBAs).
- Duration
- 6–24 months depending on pathway and pace.
- Approximate Cost
- ₹40,000–₹70,000 total including exam and membership.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Passing: 60%+ per module. No negative marking.
Syllabus outline
5 modules (Regular pathway)
- Investment Planning Specialist
- Retirement & Tax Planning Specialist
- Risk & Estate Planning Specialist
- Investment Planning Specialist
- Integrated Financial Planning (capstone)
Step-by-step roadmap
- 1
Enroll with FPSB India
Choose Regular or Challenge pathway.
- 2
Complete 4 specialist modules
Each has an online exam.
- 3
Capstone: Integrated Financial Planning
Case-study-driven final exam.
- 4
3 years of relevant experience
Financial planning or wealth advisory.
- 5
Adhere to FPSB code of ethics
Renew via annual CPD.
Careers this unlocks
- Financial planner
- Wealth adviser
- Bank RM (private banking)
- Insurance adviser
- Independent RIA