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The coursework requirement for CFP® certification includes completion of a 45-hour financial plan development Capstone course through a CFP Board Registered Program.

In the Capstone Alternative course there are no required contact hours - candidates move directly to the final project of developing and presenting a financial plan.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of topic areas. Those who will be successful in the Capstone Alternative course have extensive experience in developing comprehensive financial plans independent of financial planning software packages and are familiar with the following:

Apply for the capstone Alternative
Find out if you qualify for the Capstone Alternative option by submitting the eligibility request form.

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  • Education Planning
  • Risk Management and Insurance Planning
  • Investment Planning
  • Tax Planning
  • Retirement Savings and Income Planning
  • Estate Planning

When the final project has been successfully completed, the candidate will have satisfied the coursework requirement for exam eligibility.

Enroll in the Capstone Alternative Course
Once you have received your Certificate of Eligibility from CFP Board, you may enroll in the Capstone Alternative through one of the following CFP Board Registered Programs:

College for Financial Planning
The American College

Questions? Contact education@cfpboard.org.