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CFP Board Announces Record Participation in CFP® Certification Exam

The CFP Board recently shared exciting news regarding the results of the November 2024 CFP® Certification Exam, which was conducted from November 6 to 13. This year's exam saw 3,755 candidates taking the test, of which about 6% participated remotely. With a total of 10,437 candidates sitting for the exam in 2024, this marks the highest number recorded in a single year, underscoring a growing trend in the importance of financial planning certifications.

Kevin R. Keller, CEO of the CFP Board, commented on this significant milestone stating, "Record-breaking CFP® exam participation highlights the growing demand for CFP® certification as the standard in financial planning. This milestone reflects wide recognition of the value of competent, ethical financial advice. We celebrate the commitment of all those who sat for the exam and welcome these future CFP® professionals into our dedicated community."

Exam Insights

The results revealed a pass rate of 62% for the November exam, which resonates positively with the candidates’ efforts. In a survey conducted post-exam, 38% of candidates indicated they were pursuing the CFP® certification to showcase their expertise in their respective jobs, while 34% aimed to differentiate themselves as fiduciaries. Notably, one-third of exam takers reported receiving some level of financial support from their employers during their certification journey.

In terms of demographics, 69% of candidates were under the age of 40, with 39% being under 30 years old. The states contributing the most candidates included California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, and Colorado, collectively accounting for 1,957 candidates.

Future Opportunities

As we look to the future, the CFP® exam is conducted thrice annually, with upcoming testing sessions scheduled for March, July, and November. For those interested, registration for the March 2025 CFP® Certification Exam is already open, with the administration planned from March 18-25, 2025. The registration deadline is set to be March 4, 2025, with the Education Verification deadline earlier on February 25, 2025. It is advised that aspiring candidates register at least 60 days in advance to ensure optimal slots and site availability.

Candidates looking to begin their certification path can visit CFP.net to create an account and access resources tailored to all stages of the certification process.

About CFP Board

The CFP Board serves as the authoritative body for personal financial planning in the United States. It consists of two affiliates focused on the advancement of the financial planning profession in the public's interest. The CFP Board of Standards maintains and enforces standards for financial planning and administers the revered CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, recognized widely as a benchmark for excellence in financial guidance. Currently, the certification is held by over 100,000 individuals across the country. The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning is dedicated to addressing issues of diversity and workforce development, also involved in research that enriches the knowledge base of the financial planning sector.

This remarkable year highlights not just individuals' commitment to financial planning but also the increasing recognition of its vital role in achieving sustainable financial health among the public. As the CFP Board embraces the future, it anticipates more professionals stepping into this important field, marking a positive trend in financial planning competency across the United States.