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The CFP^® designation is one of the most recognized credentials in financial planning. It shows employers and clients that you have completed comprehensive education, passed a rigorous exam and committed to ongoing professional standards.

For students interested in financial planning or wealth management, earning the CFP^® designation can help you:

• Stand out to employers seeking qualified financial planning professionals
• Build credibility with clients who recognize and trust the CFP^® mark
• Prepare for a career focused on comprehensive, client-centered financial advice
• Strengthen long-term career opportunities in a growing field

CFP^® professionals often report higher earning potential and greater career stability compared with peers who do not hold the designation.

Earning the CFP^® designation includes four main requirements: education, exam, experience and ethics. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ should review the CFP^® Board certification process for the most complete and current information.

• Complete the education requirement
  • Candidates must earn an ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ degree and complete coursework approved by the CFP^® Board. Elon offers the required courses to currently registered students:
    • FIN 3430: Principles of Finance
    • FIN 4190: Financial Planning
    • FIN 4120: Investments
    • ACC 3410: Fundamentals of Income Taxation
    • FIN 4160: Fundamentals of Insurance, now including Estate and Philanthropic Planning
    • FIN 4670: Advanced Wealth Management, Capstone Class

• Pass the CFP^® exam
  • Candidates must pass the CFP^® Board exam, a comprehensive exam that assesses their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in real-world situations. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ can find registration details, exam dates and preparation resources through the CFP^® Board.

• Complete professional experience
  • Candidates must complete professional experience in financial planning. This may include three years of qualifying experience or a two-year apprenticeship with a current CFP^® professional.

• Meet ethics standards
  • Candidates must demonstrate high ethical and professional standards. To maintain the CFP^® designation, professionals also complete ethics continuing education every two years.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ interested in completing the CFP^® coursework at Elon should take two steps:

• Create an account with the CFP^® Board
  • ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ should first . After students complete the required coursework, Elon reports their course completion to the CFP^® Board. The CFP^® Board then matches Elon’s report with each student’s account, which is why students need to have an account before their completion can be processed.

• Join Elon’s CFP^® cohort
  • ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ should also . The Registrar’s Office maintains the cohort list and tracks student progress through the CFP^® coursework.

The cohort database is updated twice each semester: once about a month into the semester and again after registration. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ who join the cohort are also added to the email list for financial planning opportunities and updates at Elon.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ do not have to complete every CFP^® course at Elon. Some students may complete part of the required coursework at Elon and finish the remaining requirements through another CFP^® Board Registered Program.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ who take courses at more than one institution will need to submit a transcript review request to the CFP^® Board. As part of that process, students may need to provide syllabi for the courses they completed. The CFP^® Board will review the materials and determine which requirements have been met and which requirements remain.

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¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ interested in the CFP^® coursework should begin planning early. We recommend taking FIN 3430: Principles of Finance during sophomore year or, at the latest, during the fall semester of junior year.

Starting early helps students stay on track to complete both the Finance major requirements and the CFP^® coursework before graduation.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ must earn a C+ or higher in FIN 3430: Principles of Finance to qualify for the CFP^® program. After completing FIN 3430, students should take FIN 4190: Financial Planning.

The following courses may be taken at the same time as FIN 4190 or after completing it:

• FIN 4120: Investments
• ACC 3410: Fundamentals of Income Taxation
• FIN 4160: Fundamentals of Insurance and Estate Planning, offered fall semesters only

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ should take FIN 4670: Advanced Wealth Management, the capstone course, after completing the other CFP^® courses or while taking one remaining course. Completing the earlier coursework first gives students a stronger foundation for success in the capstone.

Sample course schedules

Yes. The CFP^® coursework is designed to fit well within the Finance major.

Three CFP^® courses also satisfy Finance elective requirements:

• FIN 4190: Financial Planning
• FIN 4160: Fundamentals of Insurance and Estate Planning
• FIN 4670: Advanced Wealth Management

The only additional course beyond the standard Finance major requirements is ACC 3410: Fundamentals of Income Taxation.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ interested in financial planning and wealth management can strengthen their career preparation by completing the .

FIN 4120: Investments covers much of the information included on the SIE exam. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ may also benefit from a prep course to review key concepts and practice exam-style questions.

Elon offers a cohort-based SIE prep course by application each fall.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ should also explore internship and employment opportunities through the as part of their career search.

Elon offers several programs and student organizations for students interested in financial planning, wealth management and related finance careers.

Center for Financial Literacy

The Center for Financial Literacy offers volunteer opportunities, competitions, career events and workshops related to financial planning and wealth management. Through a partnership with Junior Achievement, students can volunteer to teach financial literacy lessons to local elementary students. No prior expertise is required.

The center also helps students explore career pathways through guest speakers, networking events and other professional development opportunities.

Financial Management Association

Elon’s chapter of the is a student organization for students interested in finance. The organization hosts guest speakers, career panels, networking opportunities and other events that help students build connections in the field.

Additional resources

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ looking to learn more about the field or prepare for exams may also explore resources such as: