Information on qualifications
Commit yourself to the financial services profession
Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualifications
Institute of Financial Services (IFS) qualifications
Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) qualifications
Transferring your CFP license to the UK
Transferring your CFP license overseas
Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) qualifications
The Certified Financial Planner license is an internationally recognised qualification for financial planners. It is the highest standard available and holders are actively monitored and re-licensed annually.
There are just over 600 Certified Financial Planner licensees in the UK.
All Certified Financial Planner professionals (CFPCM) in the UK are licensed by the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) and the International CFP Board. All CFPCM licensees must therefore adhere to the Board's ‘Code of Ethics’ and must demonstrate their ability and understanding following the standards of the four Es. These are; Education, Examination, Experience and Ethics.
Why become a CFP Licensee?
The CFP® and Certified Financial Planner CM certification marks are internationally recognised symbols of a commitment to the adoption of certain standards of education, continuing professional development and ethical behaviour. A CFP Licensee is a professionally qualified Financial Planner who has successfully fulfilled a rigorous set of additional requirements to qualify for the International CFP licence.
As a CFP Licensee, you will find yourself at the top of your profession in a position that will enable you to offer a very valuable and profitable service to your clients.
Can anyone become a CFP Licensee?
To become a CFP Licensee, candidates must have a total of 3 year's relevant experience in Financial Planning, plus a successful pass in the CFP Licensee assessment. They must also demonstrate 30 hours relevant CPD per annum and sign up to the Institute's code of ethics and practice standards
Entry requirements
Candidates must hold specific professional qualifications to be eligible to use the CFP designation. These include:
- One of the following: LLB, ACA, ACCA, CA, MSI (dip)
- Or specific examination passes in: AFPC, APFS, DipPFS, PIC, FLIA (dip), ACIB
- Or ATII, AIA plus another specific examination pass
How do I become a CFP Licensee?
Having successfully met the standards when having your case study assessed, you will be asked to complete a declaration form before being issued with your licence.
What happens when I pass?
Designatory letters and certification marks - As a qualified CFP Licensee, you are permitted to use the designatory letters CFP, plus the CFP certification marks. You will also appear in the CFP Registry which is both on-line and in paper form. This is marketed to the media and consumers who are looking for professional planners.
Annual renewal - the CFP Licence must be applied for each year and renewal is conditional upon ethical and educational requirements having been met. A declaration is required each year along with the annual licence fee. The annual licence runs from 1 April to 31 March each year.
Further information
For further information about becoming a CFP Licensee, please contact:
Karis Whitfield
CFP Co-ordinator
Institute of Financial Planning
T: 0117 945 2470
E: karis@financialplanning.org.uk
Or refer to the Institute of Financial Planning website
www.financialplanning.org
