Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

Seven Tips for Taking the CFP® Exam

Choosing the right degree program is your best preparation.

The demand for certified financial planners is on the rise and should only continue to increase. As people switch jobs and gain multiple retirement accounts, as baby boomers retire and reallocate their assets, and as young families struggle with student debt and mortgages, they will want the expertise of someone who knows their way around finances.

According to the CFP® Board, people recognize the need for professional advice when it comes to managing their money and they feel more confident in that advice when it comes from a certified finance professional.1 Becoming a CFP® designates someone as an expert who is worthy of trust, but to become one, you much first pass the challenging CFP® certification exam.

''

Investopedia offers seven bits of advice on how to pass the 7-hour test:2

Tips for passing the CFP® exam

  1. Don't just memorize concepts. The CFP® certification exam requires students to apply their knowledge.
  2. Understand how the CFP® Board determines an answer to be “correct.”
  3. Get the best grade you can because there is no set pass/fail line.
  4. Answer every question because it improves your odds.
  5. Know taxes because that is the most difficult section.
  6. Take a review course, particularly if you’ve been taking the courses for years.
  7. Spend some more time preparing for it. No one regrets over-preparing for the exam.

Walden University can help you prepare for the CFP® certification exam. Earn an MS in Finance with a certified professional planner emphasis and get real help and experience relevant to the exam. You will be able to explore a variety of types of financial planning as well as take a simulated CFP® certification exam.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering more than 30 master’s programs online, including an MS in Finance. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.CFP.net/become-a-CFP-professional/a-career-in-demand/five-things-you-probably-didn-t-know-about-the-financial-planning-profession
2Source: www.investopedia.com/articles/professionaleducation/07/CFP_exam.asp

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-492-5336. For telephonic communications, message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. To opt out of communications via text messaging reply STOP or HELP for help or call 866-492-5336. For more information, visit Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.