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What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional?
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, or CFP® professional is an adviser who meets the gold standard in financial advice. Recognised globally, CFP professionals undergo rigorous education, training and certification to provide expert financial planning services that help clients achieve their long-term financial goals. CFP professionals are committed to technical excellence, ethical standards and ongoing professional development, ensuring the advice they provide aligns with the highest international benchmarks.
Why should I recommend a CFP professional to my client?
Your clients trust you to help them make informed financial decisions. By recommending a CFP professional, you are ensuring they receive expert, technically sound advice.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 9 out of 10 clients of CFP professionals feel financially secure 1
- 4 in 5 clients of CFP professionals say they are Better off 1
- 77% of accountants who refer their clients to a financial planner, refer them to a CFP professional 2
When you refer a CFP professional, you connect your clients with someone who meets the highest industry standards.
1. 2024 Value of Advice Research.
2. Modern Insights Co, 2025
What qualifications and education are required to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional?
CFP certification is the most respected financial planning designation worldwide, requiring a combination of education, experience and ethics. To become a CFP professional, an individual must go further than the minimum legislative requirements to practise as an adviser.
The requirements to practise as an adviser are:
- Complete a degree in financial planning approved by legislation.
- Pass the Financial Adviser Exam.
- Undertake a Professional Year to gain hands-on experience.
- Meet ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Those who go onto to become CFP Professionals must also undertake further study via an approved graduate diploma, Masters degree or the FAAA CFP preparatory units and pass the CFP Certification program which includes further study, assignment, experience assessment and an additional exam.
This comprehensive process ensures that CFP professionals possess the technical expertise, ethical integrity and real-world experience to provide trusted financial advice.
Accountant vs a financial adviser - what’s the difference?
An Accountant typically works with clients to optimise their current financial position by focusing on matters of financial compliance, reporting, auditing and taxation.
A financial planner helps clients achieve their future financial goals through strategic planning, insurance and investment advice and the execution of these plans.
Together, an accountant and financial planner can provide clients with a holistic experience, addressing both their current financial needs and future financial goals.
| FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES | ACCOUNTING SERVICES |
|---|---|
| Investment portfolio & asset allocation | Tax advice, planning & filing |
| Estate planning | Audit & assurance services |
| Goal setting and retirement planning | Bookkeeping |
| Insurance planning | Business management & consultation |
| Debt management | Forensic accounting |
How do I find the right CFP professional for my client?
Finding the right CFP professional for your client is simple with our Find a CFP tool that allows you to match your client with the right financial adviser for their needs.
Help your clients be Better off
When you recommend a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, you are ensuring that your clients receive trusted, expert advice that secures their financial future.
FAQs
- For any further queries please get in touch at contact@faaa.au
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Find a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional
CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CFP logo mark are certification marks owned outside the U.S. by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) is the marks licensing authority for the CFP marks in Australia, through agreement with FPSB.
