CFP Board Announces November 2023 CFP® Certification Exam Results (2024)

FAQs

What is the pass rate for the November CFP exam? ›

The pass rate for the November exam was 64%.

Receiving Your CFP® Exam Results

Preliminary results are provided to you immediately after taking the exam. Official results are provided to candidates by email approximately 4 weeks following the close of the testing window.

The CFP^® exam is challenging...the overall pass rate for the March 2023 exam was just 65 percent. If you failed the exam, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of passing the next time.

The pass rate for the March 2024 exam was 68%. “This unprecedented turnout for the March 2024 CFP® exam reflects the recognition of CFP® certification as the standard for competent, ethical financial planning,” said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE.

However, historically, the passing rate for the CFP exam has been around 62-67%, which means that the average score for those who pass the exam is likely to be in the range of 65-70%. It's worth noting that the CFP exam is known for being challenging, so achieving a passing score is a significant accomplishment.

After completing the exam, you will receive your preliminary pass/fail result from Prometric through email. You will then exit the exam room and report to the proctor. Final test results, once verified by CFP Board, are provided to candidates approximately four weeks after the close of the testing window.

Also, you may attempt the exam a maximum of 3 times within a 24-month period. If you attempt the exam on 3 successive administrations, a 1-year sit-out period (3 exam cycles) is required before you can register for another attempt.

However, if you have fully completed your education requirement within the previous five years, you may refer to yourself as a “Candidate for CFP® certification” on your resume.

Take some time off work to dedicate to studying 7-8 hours.

What is the hardest part of the CFP? ›

Certified financial planner (CFP) is a certification granted to professionals who have met specific requirements, such as passing the CFP exam. Most examinees who have taken the certified financial planner (CFP) board exam agree that the case studies are the most difficult and important portion of the test.

The CFP® Certification Examination is equally as challenging as the CFA® exams, the CPA® exam, and bar exam. Every year, thousands of candidates go through this rigorous certification testing, but not everyone makes it to the finish line.

The pass rate for the CPA Exam was 54% overall. Comparatively, CFP is easier than CPA. The historical pass rate has been above 60%, which indicates that the tests are of a difficulty level that is considered to be moderate.

The easy answer is that the CFA exam is much more difficult than the CFP. Not only is the CFA a more intensive exam, the time and study preparations are much more extensive and cover a much wider depth and breadth of material.

More than 10,000 firms across the U.S. are employers of CFP® professionals. They know that CFP® certification inspires confidence and satisfaction with consumers. In fact, 84% of consumers who work with a CFP® professional say they are extremely or very satisfied — and 71% are more confident about their finances.

The CFP® Certification Examination is equally as challenging as the CFA® exams, the CPA® exam, and bar exam. Every year, thousands of candidates go through this rigorous certification testing, but not everyone makes it to the finish line. However, you can pass the exam.

Candidates will find that creating a structured study schedule is critical for successfully preparing to take the exam. The general recommendation is to devote at least 10 hours per week, with a total of 150-250 hours (which means approximately 4-6 months of preparation), to study for the CFP exam.

You may attempt the CFP® exam a lifetime maximum of 5 times. (If you attempted the exam 4 or more times prior to January 1, 2012, you will be permitted a maximum of 2 additional attempts.)

Most sources I checked with said that a 70–80%+ score on the CFP Board Practice Exam indicates that you are ready for the real thing.