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Qualifying for Accelerated Path requires having one of the approved credentials below and completing the Capstone course. Follow this two-part process to verify your eligibility:

  • Part 1: Create Your CFP Board Account
  • Part 2: Submit Your Credential Documentation
  • Part 3 Take the Capstone Course

1. Create Your CFP Board Account

Start your Path by creating your account on CFP.net to track your progress towards CFP® Certification.

2. Submit Your Credential Documentation

Documentation showing your qualified credential and completion of the Capstone course must be sent education@cfpboard.org no later than the Education Verification Deadline for your selected exam.

Specific details describing acceptable documentation for each qualifying credential is provided below:

Credential Documentation

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

  • Copy of your CPA license (must not be expired) or
  • Recent printout (no more than 90 days old) from a state board of accountancy website noting your active CPA license status with unexpired expiration date or
  • Copy of your inactive CPA license showing unexpired expiration date and a letter from state board of accountancy noting inactive status in good standing (not available from all states) or
  • Recent printout (no more than 90 days old) from a state board of accountancy website noting your inactive status with unexpired expiration date and a letter from state board of accountancy noting inactive status in good standing (not available from all states)

Important Note: CFP Board will not accept CPA certificates, AICPA membership cards and expired, exempt or revoked licenses.

If you are fulfilling the coursework requirement under Accelerated Path on the basis of an inactive CPA license, you will need to provide a letter from the applicable licensing board stating that you were in good standing with that authority before you became inactive.

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

  • Copy of your CFA® certificate or
  • Verification letter from CFA Institute or
  • Printout of charter holder directory from CFA Institute’s website, www.CFAinstitute.org

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

  • Copy of the certificate or
  • Copy of the congratulatory letter from The American College or
  • Printout of Designation Check® from The American College's website, www.designationcheck.com/advisor-search

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

  • Copy of your license (must not be expired) or
  • Recent (no more than 90 days old) letter of verification from appropriate licensing body noting you are admitted to practice or
  • Recent printout (no more than 90 days old) from an appropriate licensing body’s website showing active status and unexpired expiration date or
  • Letter from an appropriate licensing body noting your license is inactive but in good standing

Important Note: If you are fulfilling the coursework requirement under Accelerated Path on the basis of an inactive law license, you will need to provide a letter from the applicable licensing board stating that you were in good standing with that authority before you became inactive.

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

  • Official transcript from a regionally-accredited college or university showing conferral of doctoral degree in Financial Planning, Finance, Business Administration, or Economics. Learn how to submit your official transcript here.

Transcript, score report or letter of completion from the CFP Board Registered Program where you completed the Capstone course

and

Written documentation verifying that you hold a current CFP certification issued by one of the affiliate organizations of Financial Planning Standards Board, Ltd.

3. Take The Capstone Course

The Accelerated Path requires completing the Capstone course (a financial plan development course) through a CFP Board Registered Program.

The course enhances a candidate's practical skills in delivering professional financial planning services and includes a final project of developing and presenting a comprehensive financial plan.

Once you have completed the Capstone course, you will need to self-report completion by sending a transcript or grade report to CFP Board.

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If you have already met the experience requirement for CFP® certification, there is also the Capstone Alternative option available to you.

More ON the Capstone Course and Capstone Alternative

Find a Capstone Course Provider