Updated Terms and Conditions of Certification and Trademark License, Effective March 4, 2024

CFP Board has updated the Terms and Conditions of Certification and Trademark License (“Terms”), effective March 4, 2024.

Read the full text of the revised Terms and Review a redlined and annotated copy of the revised Terms.

The Terms set forth the contractual agreement between CFP Board and each individual CFP® professional. CFP Board periodically updates the Terms, and these latest revisions to the Terms include changes to improve clarity, technical changes and other updates.

The updates include the following:

• A new defined phrase “Effective Date” states that the agreement begins on the date CFP Board certifies that the individual has satisfied CFP Board’s requirements.
• Additional description of the documents that constitute the defined phrase “CFP Board’s Standards and Policies.”
• A confirmation that certificants are bound by future versions of CFP Board’s Standards and Policies.
• Clarification that one cannot authorize CFP Board to review information about one’s background and then claim that information is confidential by right, law or regulation.
• Details addressed in other CFP Board documents confirming CFP Board’s enforcement authority to impose private or public discipline for conduct that occurs in connection with the Pathway to CFP® Certification Agreement (“Pathway Agreement”) and an application for certification or petition for reinstatement.
• An updated description of the arbitration process with headings for easy reference.
• Language confirming that because the enforcement process already requires the exchange of documents and information, arbitrators will only order additional discovery based on a showing of substantial need.
• Clarification that CFP Board may seek a declaratory judgment from arbitrators authorizing publication of public discipline without appealing the decision to the Appeals Commission.
• Confirmation that certificants are subject to discipline for violations of the Pathway Agreement, including for conduct that occurred prior to the Effective Date of the Terms.

CFP Board encourages all CFP® professionals and candidates for CFP® certification to familiarize themselves with the revised Terms.

Questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Leo G. Rydzewski, General Counsel, at 800-487-1497 or compliance@cfpboard.org.