MenuCFP® Certification Program
The standard of excellence
For more than 30 years, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification has been the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® Professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements and commit to the highest ethical standards that require them to put their clients’ interests first.
To gain your CFP designation you will need to complete the CFP Certification program. If you have an approved post graduate financial degree, you will be approved to enter directly to the certification unit.
If you do not have an approved financial planning degree, you may need to complete supporting units to ensure you are across the breadth of knowledge we require of CFP members.
What does CFP Certification offer?
The CFP designation continues to offer a way for you to differentiate yourself in the profession. Being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Professional indicates that you are highly valued, possess a greater understanding of the financial world and are committed to your clients. Benefit from cross border recognition in 27 territories around the world, flexible study and greater earning potential!
We run two semesters a year and you can apply at any time...
Bianca Musico CFP® Professional of the Year 2024
| Program Dates | Semester 1 2025 | Semester 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Semester starts | 12 February | 22 October |
| Assignment webinar | 27 February | TBC |
| Assignment tutorials (x3) | W.C. 3 March | TBC |
| Experience/observation due | 14 May | TBC |
| Assignment due | 2 April | 10 December |
| Exam drop webinar | 15 April | TBC |
| Exam day | 7 May | 21 January 2026 |
| Results released | 11 June | 18 February 2026 |
| Program Dates | Semester 2 2025 | Semester 1 2026 | Semester 2 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester starts | 22 October | TBC | TBC |
| Assignment webinar | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Assignment tutorials (x3) | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Experience/observation due | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Assignment due | 10 December | TBC | TBC |
| Exam drop webinar | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Exam day | 21 January 2026 | TBC | TBC |
| Results released | 18 February 2026 | TBC | TBC |
| Proficiency Units | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Professionalism and Ethics | $1200 |
| Unit 2: Strategy and Risk Management | $1500 |
| Unit 3: Estate Planning and Retirement | $1500 |
| Unit 4: Investment Strategies | $1500 |
| BUNDLE: Units 1-4 (save $1200) | $4500 |
| BUNDLE: Units 2-4 (save $945) | $3555 |
| CFP Certification Unit | Fee |
|---|---|
| CFP Certification Unit | $1980 |
| RESUBMISSION: Assignment (borderline fail) | $450 |
| RESUBMISSION: Assignment | $1100 |
| RESUBMISSON: Exam | $1100 |
| RESUBMISSION: Assignment and Exam | $1300 |
Program Information
About the CFP Program
An in-depth overview of structure, pathway options and information about the program.
CFP Program Handbook
Find everything you need to know about the CFP Certification Program.
Forms & Resources
Useful forms for those enrolling into the CFP Certification Program.
CFP On-demand
Our CFP Technical Education Program is now online, and you don’t have to be in the CFP Program to learn with us.
Pathways to CFP Certification
Integrated Masters Pathway
The FAAA has partnered with four education providers which will allow financial planners to combine a Masters of Financial Planning with the CFP Program.
Overseas Qualifications
Information for CFP professionals who are certified in another country and wish to practise as a CFP professional in Australia.
Have more questions?
If you’d prefer to start by asking us more questions about CFP Certification Program, we’d be delighted to help. Contact us on with the links below.
Gwen Fletcher Award
Awarded to the highest-achieving candidate in the CFP® Certification Program each semester, the award honours the memory of the late ‘First Lady of Financial Planning’ and her lifelong endeavours to champion professionalism within financial planning.
David Ormsby
Gwen Fletcher Award Winner
Semester 1 2025
CFP® Certification Program
CFP® Certification Program
If you're ready to take the next step in your financial advice career and seek a challenge that truly sets you apart, consider pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification.
Recognised as the gold standard in financial planning, the CFP designation is both challenging and highly rewarding – earned only by the most dedicated advisers in the profession. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise, enhance your credibility and open new doors in your professional journey. Apply today and become Australian consumers’ first choice.
What is CFP Certification?
CFP certification has been the standard of excellence for financial advisers in Australia for more than 30 years. Over 230,000 professionals in 28 countries and territories have met rigorous competency, ethics and practice standards and CFP certification requirements, qualifying them to develop financial planning strategies that assist clients in achieving their financial and life goals.
In Australia the FAAA is the only association who is licensed to deliver the CFP program. The FAAA partners with the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), who own the CFP marks outside of the United States.
The CFP certification is a prestigious professional designation that signifies competence in the financial planning field. Unlike qualifications, which are awarded for completing a course of study, designations like the CFP certification are earned through practical experience and ongoing learning.
The FAAA awards this designation to those who meet the requirements. To maintain your CFP certification, you need to keep your FAAA membership active and fulfill ongoing requirements. If your membership lapses, you will lose your CFP certification status, and after five years, you will need to recertify to regain it.
Global recognition
Recognised in 28 countries and territories across the world
Standard of excellence
Acknowledged as the gold standard for over 30 years
Stand out from the crowd
Join a community of 230,000 designees worldwide
Access discounts
Save on industry leading events, education & services
Learn more
- Receive member rates for local FAAA events as well as our signature National Roadshow and Congress
- Save 50% on our annual Masterclass series
- Save 50-60% on job postings on the FAAA Career Centre
- Access up to 28% off postgraduate course fees from a range of education providers.
Exclusive benefits
Access CFP only events, groups & advertising campaigns
Learn more
- Benefit from high public awareness of the CFP trademark, our Better off campaign and annual Value of Advice research
- Connect with peers via an exclusive CFP online community to network and share best practice
- Attend CFP Professional Connect events that deliver cutting-edge insights
Enhanced exposure
Opportunities to be quoted in media & exclusive awards
Learn more
- Benefit from a priority filter in the FAAA’s Find a Planner tool
- Enter the annual FAAA award category exclusively for CFP professionals
- Join the FAAA media black book and get the opportunity to be quoted in the media
Am I eligible to become a CFP Professional?
Your eligibility to enrol in the CFP certification unit varies depending on your experience and qualifications.
When can I study the Proficiency Units?
If you need to complete one or more of our Proficiency Units, they can be completed at any time up to one year post purchase.
When can I enrol for the CFP Certification Unit?
Each year we run two semesters – if you are eligible, you can apply at any time via the FAAA Portal.
What is the format of the CFP Certification Unit?
The unit can be completed over 1 or 2 semesters and has three assessment components; assignment, exam and experience.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on your eligibility and the requirement to complete one of more of our Proficiency Units.
How will I be recognised as a CFP Professional?
You will be eligible to use the CFP brand mark in your digital and print publications and reap the rewards of other exclusive benefits.
Integrated Masters Pathway
We have partnered with providers allowing you to combine a Master of Financial Planning Degree with the CFP certification.
Can I bring my CFP Certification to Australia?
If you are already certified we are happy to support you in becoming a CFP professional in Australia.
FAQs
Do I need to be an FAAA member to enrol?
Yes, you can apply to become a member here.
Am I able to get any recognition of prior learning?
Yes, but it depends on the post graduate qualification you have completed. For example; a Treasury approved Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning or a Masters of Financial Planning, will provide you recognition of prior learning of the four preparatory units and allow you direct entry to the certification unit.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You must finalise the CFP Certification program within 4 years from the semester you first enrolled into. If you commence the CFP Certification program and experience difficulties, reach out to the education team to discuss your options.
Can I spread the assessments over more than 1 semester?
Yes, you have options – you can complete the assignment in one semester and the exam in the following semester. We find that financial advisers who have 5 years experience can manage the assignment and the exam in the one semester.
What happens if I fail an assessment?
If you fail the assignment or the exam you will need to repeat the assessment in question. Fees apply, see above.
The assignment or exam do not need to be completed in the semester immediately following and can be completed at a later date (limits apply).
If you fail the exam after three attempts you will be unable to continue in the program.
What's the difference between the certification unit and CFP-C?
There is no difference between the CFP certification unit, CFP-C and the Capstone Unit, they are just different terms.
Is CFP certification a qualification?
No the CFP certification is a designation that signifies competence in the financial planning field. Unlike qualifications, which are awarded for completing a course of study, designations like the CFP certification are earned through practical experience and ongoing learning.
What happened to CFP 1-4?
CFP 1-4 has been renamed Proficiency Units 1-4.
FAQs
Do I need to be an FAAA member to enrol?
Yes, you can apply to become a member here.
Can I spread the assessments over more than 1 semester?
Yes, you have options – you can complete the assignment in one semester and the exam in the following semester. We find that financial advisers who have 5 years experience can manage the assignment and the exam in the one semester.
What's the difference between the certification unit and CFP-C?
There is no difference between the CFP certification unit, CFP-C and the Capstone Unit, they are just different terms.
What happened to CFP 1-4?
CFP 1-4 has been renamed Proficiency Units 1-4.
What happens if I fail an assessment?
If you fail the assignment or the exam you will need to repeat the assessment in question. Fees apply, see above.
The assignment or exam do not need to be completed in the semester immediately following and can be completed at a later date (limits apply).
If you fail the exam after three attempts you will be unable to continue in the program.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You must finalise the CFP Certification program within 4 years from the semester you first enrolled into. If you commence the CFP Certification program and experience difficulties, reach out to the education team to discuss your options.
Am I able to get any recognition of prior learning?
Yes, but it depends on the post graduate qualification you have completed. For example; a Treasury approved Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning or a Masters of Financial Planning, will provide you recognition of prior learning of the four preparatory units and allow you direct entry to the certification unit.
Any further questions?
If you have a query or need further guidance please do not hesitate to reach out to the FAAA team
