CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Course: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Akansha BishtContent Writer
The CFP full form is Certified Financial Planner, a globally recognized and respected certification for aspirants who meet the fixed standards of education, examination, experience and ethics in the Financial Planning practice. This recognition is awarded by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India and is the highest level of certification worldwide, with 2,23,770+ CFPs globally.
To get awarded with the certification, the CFP course eligibility requirements include having a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university within 5 years of passing the CFP exam, along with relevant work experience of a minimum of 1 year (of supervision) or 3 years (under supervision), and clearing all the 3 exams levels.
Indian School of Business Management and Administration, IMS ProSchool, ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning - ICFL, Financial Planning Academy, and ICOFP are among the top colleges offering CFP training to aspirants for the CFP exams. Their average course fee ranges between INR 21,000 to INR 4.5 Lakh.
CFPs are financial experts who assist people and organizations create financial plans. Certified Financial Planners are always in high demand in the BFSI sectors across the globe. They work for every aspect of finance including Investments, Retirements, Insurance, Taxes, and so on. CFP is considered as the top qualification in Financial Planning & Wealth Management.
The average salary of a Certified Financial Planner is INR 14 LPA in India. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more CFP course details.
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The FPSB India defines financial planning as a “process of developing strategies to help people manage their financial affairs to meet life goals.” It includes analyzing the client’s financial status, developing a financial plan for clients, and implementing it for their benefit. Interested candidates can take a look at the table below highlighting some key points of the Certified Financial Planner course:
| Parameters | Course Details |
|---|---|
| CFP Full Form | Certified Financial Planner |
| CFP Exam Pattern | Multiple-choice questions |
| CFP Course Eligibility | Regular Pathway Eligibility: the candidate must have passed Class 12 and should have cleared the five exams covering all six modules. Fast Track Pathway Eligibility: the candidate must have cleared CA/Intermediate level, CFA, ICWA, PhD among others. |
| CFP Course Fees | INR 21,000 to INR 4.5 Lakh. |
| CFP Top Colleges | Indian School of Business Management and Administration, IMS ProSchool, ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning - ICFL, Financial Planning Academy, and ICOFP |
| CFP Syllabus | Financial Planning, Financial Management, Tax Planning, Investment Planning, Risk Management, Insurance Planning, etc. |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Links useful for the CFP in India:
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Q: What is the CFP exam all about?
Q: What is the scope of CFP?
CFP course teaches students how to create a solid and recurring financial planning foundation. It also enables each customer to offer a pure financial planning solution regularly. Besides, it helps readily to prove decisions, lowering your risk of non-compliance. It will boost client confidence and assist them in reaching their life objectives.
A certified CFP student can work marvels and bring about a positive impact in the financial industry on attractive job profiles like those of a Financial Controller, Management Trainee, Project Manager, and Accounting Officer. A CFP professional can get a starting salary of INR 14 LPA.
- CFP Course Eligibility
- CFP Exam
- CFP Syllabus
- Best CFP Colleges in India
- Popular Private CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Colleges in India
- CFP Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
- CFP Course FAQs
- Popular CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Specializations
CFP Course Eligibility
FPSB India, the leading financial planning body in India and the Indian subsidiary of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India is the sole entity in the country that are authorized education provider offering CFP education courses, authorizes a CFP certification exam administrator in India, and award CFP certification to those who complete CFP education, CFP exam and other CFP certification requirements.
One can earn the CFP certification under two modes – Regular Pathway and Fast Track Pathway. Candidates can find the CFP course eligibility criteria for both modes below:
Regular Pathway Eligibility
The table below contains some important eligibility requirements for aspirants seeking CFP certification through regular pathways.
| For Enrollment | For Certification |
|---|---|
| Age: Minimum 18 Years | Qualification: Graduation |
| Nationality: Must be an Indian Resident | Exam: Pass exams 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Financial Planning Assessment |
| Qualification: Class 12 or equivalent | Work Experience: Minimum 1 year (as a supervisor) or Minimum 3 years (under supervision) |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
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Fast Track Pathway Eligibility
To be eligible to undertake the course through Fast Track Pathway the candidates should have approved qualifications/professional certifications:
- Chartered Financial Analyst, from CFA Institute (USA).
- Certified Public Accountant, from AICPA (USA), CMA, ACCA.
- Chartered Accountant, from ICAI, CA(Inter) with 3-year Articleship+B.Com.
- Fellow Member of the Insurance Institute of India (Life/General).
- CAIIB + Graduation in any discipline.
- Postgraduate degree in Economics, Commerce, and Finance/Financial Planning from a UGC-approved University.
- MBA (all streams) and PGDM (all streams) from an AICTE-approved institution/Ministry of Education-approved institution/such other Indian or Foreign institution or business school.
Q: What is the validity of a CFP certificate?
The validity of a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certificate is 3 years, after that, it requires a renewal to maintain its status. The renewal process involves completing continuing education credits to stay updated with industry standards. If any individual fails to maintain the renewal requirements, their certificate can be suspended or revoked.
Q: How many times can one appear for each level of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam?
The aspirant can take the CFP test a maximum of 3 times a year, starting from the date of their first attempt. If the aspirant fails for the 3rd time, he/she will have to wait for the next 12 months from the time of their 3rd attempt. Also, the aspirant has to submit the exam fee every time they retake the attempt.
CFP Exam
Three Modules are covered in the CFP course: Investment Planning, Retirement and Tax Planning, and Risk and Estate Planning. The 4th and final Module is the Integrate Module, i.e., the Combination of 3 Specialist Modules Plus Financial Assessment Plan.
For each level, the FPSB India awards an International Certification to candidates. Here's the structure of CFP exam levels:
| CFP Level | Certification Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CFP Level 1 - Investment Planning Specialist | Investment Planning Specialist | International Certification for Investment Professionals specialising in Securities Markets & Portfolio Management
|
| CFP Level 2 - Retirement & Tax Planning Specialist | Retirement & Tax Planning Specialist | International Certification for Retirement Planning & Individual Tax Planning
|
| CFP Level 3 - Risk Management & Estate Planning Specialist | Risk & Estate Planning Specialist | International Certification for Risk Management & Estate Planning
|
| FPSB Integrated Financial Planning | Certified Financial Planner | Global Standard of Excellence in Financial Planning & Wealth Management
|
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
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CFP's Exam Structure
The aspirant's expertise is assessed through Modules 1 to 3 of the FPSB Specialist Certification including several areas of Financial Planning. Aspirants can choose the sequence in which they wish to attempt the exams. However, they can only qualify for the final test, after passing the first 4 exams.
The set of question papers consists of 170 multiple-choice questions, with no negative marking. FPSB India conducts a Specialist certification test in the 3rd week of every month and a final module every alternate month.
CFP Fees
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program fee in India from the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India includes:
| Description |
Fee |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | INR 18,000 for one year |
| Renewal fee | INR 11,500 if paid before the due date, or ₹18,000 if paid after the due date |
| Course material fee | INR 6,500 for each of the first three Specialist levels |
| Exam fee | INR 6,750 for each Specialist level exam |
| Course material fee for Integrated Financial Planning | INR 13,000 |
| Financial Plan Assessment fee | INR 10,500 per submission |
| CFP Certification/Specialist Certification fee | INR 10,500 for one year |
| CFP Certification/Specialist Certification Renewal fee | INR 10,500 for one year |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
CFP Fees: Fast Track Pathway
The fee structure for CFP certification may vary depending on the pathways. Here's the Fast Track Pathway CFP fees:
| Description |
Fee |
|---|---|
| Document Verification |
INR 5000 |
| Registration + Full Course Material (IPS/RTPS/REPS/IFP) |
INR 34,000 |
| Financial Plan Assessment + CFP Exam |
INR 23,500 |
| Financial Plan Assessment (Standalone) |
INR 10,500 |
| CFP Exam (Standalone) |
INR 13,000 |
| CFP Certification |
INR 10,500 |
| Annual Renewal Fee CFP Certification |
INR 10,500 |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
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Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Application Process (Phase 1) |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Exam Dates |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Course-Wise Answer Keys |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Phase II Application |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 Document Submission for Admission |
| To Be Notified | URAT PG 2025 First Merit List |
| Jan ' 25 - Jul ' 25 | SPSAT 2025 application form date TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Aug ' 24 | LUACMAT 2024 Counselling |
| 10 Jul ' 24 | LUACMAT Exam Date |
| 04 Mar ' 24 - 03 Jul ' 24 | LUACMAT Registration |
Q: What is the passing score for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam?
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam passing marks are not publicly disclosed by the exam Board. The scores also vary depending on the exams and candidates. Earlier, the criteria have always been between 62 - 67%, which means the aspirants must achieve a score of at least 65 - 70%.
CFP Syllabus
The syllabus of FPSB India's financial planning program includes eight topics that cover all aspects, right from the fundamentals of the program to the application of skills in the real world. Take a look at the table below for an overview of the CFP syllabus 2025:
| CFP certification programme components |
Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Planning Principles, Process and Skills |
Financial planning process |
| Financial planning practice and ethics |
|
| Professional Skills |
|
| Regulatory, economic and political environments that affect personal financial planning |
|
| Law and compliance |
|
| Time value of money |
|
| Client characteristics |
|
| Client risk profile |
|
| Client engagement and communications |
|
| Critical thinking |
|
| Financial Management |
Principles of financial management |
| Personal and small business balance sheet (net worth statement) |
|
| Use and non-use assets |
|
| Cash flow statement |
|
| Budget preparation and management |
|
| Savings analysis and strategy |
|
| Emergency fund |
|
| Credit and debt management |
|
| Financial ratio analysis |
|
| Specific purpose planning |
|
| Tax Principles and Optimisation |
Taxation principles |
| Tax planning objectives |
|
| Tax planning principles |
|
| Tax planning law and policy |
|
| Tax analysis and calculations |
|
| Tax planning strategies |
|
| Tax planning for asset location |
|
| Investment Planning / Asset Management |
Investment principles |
| Investment objectives, constraints, capacity and suitability |
|
| Investment time horizon |
|
| Behavioral finance |
|
| Asset classes |
|
| Investment theory |
|
| Performance measurement |
|
| Asset allocation and performance |
|
| Investment products – evaluation, selection and monitoring |
|
| Risk Management and Insurance Planning |
Risk management principles |
| Insurance planning objectives |
|
| Analysis and evaluation of risk exposures |
|
| Risk strategies |
|
| Risk management products |
|
| Insurance law and claims process |
|
| Product, company and adviser selection and due diligence |
|
| Retirement Planning |
Retirement principles |
| Retirement objectives |
|
| Retirement needs analysis and forecasts |
|
| Potential sources of retirement income |
|
| Retirement income and withdrawal projections and strategies |
|
| Retirement planning and funding products |
|
| Estate Planning and Wealth transfer |
Estate planning principles |
| Estate planning objectives |
|
| Legal related issues |
|
| Asset ownership and its implications |
|
| Estate planning documents |
|
| Succession planning |
|
| Special family situation |
|
| The projected financial situation at death |
|
| Estate planning strategies |
|
| Philanthropy and charitable giving |
|
| Management in the event of incapacity (i.e., living estate planning) |
|
| Integrated Financial Planning |
Client engagement, communication, and financial planning process |
| Collection and data |
|
| Attitudes, goals and objectives |
|
| Issues and problems |
|
| Analysis |
|
| Strategies |
|
| Synthesis and recommendations |
|
| Implementation |
|
| Periodic review |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Recommended Links for CFP certification:
Q: How can I apply for CFP certification?
Candidates need to follow the steps below to apply for CFP certification.
- Candidate can apply for the initial CFP certification only after successfully clearing Exam 5 and having the required work experience.
- Having met the criteria, duly fill out the CFP certification application form and upload the required documents as mentioned in the application form.
- FPSB will verify the uploaded documents. Once the documents are in order, a payment link will be sent to the candidate on their registered email ID for payment of fees.
- Once the candidate makes the payment and it is verified by FPSB, candidates will receive a digital copy of the CFP certificate on their registered email ID.
Best CFP Colleges in India
There are around 26 CFP colleges in India offering comprehensive training, exclusively intended for CFP including classes, books, assignments, projects, and more. Here's the list of some top CFP college options in India:
| Best CFP Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Financial Planning Academy | INR 1.3 Lakh |
| ICICIdirect Centre For Financial Learning | NA |
| ICOFP Mumbai | INR 37,500 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Bangalore | INR 20,900 |
| IMS ProSchool, Pune | INR 25,000 - 50,000 |
| IMS Proschool, Bangalore | INR 25,000 - 50,000 |
| IMS Proschool, Chennai | INR 25,000 - 35,000 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Ahmedabad | INR 20,900 |
| Institute of Professional Education and Research, Bhubaneswar | INR 25,000 |
| Orange School of Business | INR 4.5 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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Q: Which is the best distance college for CFP course in India?
Financial Planning Academy, Indian School of Business Management and Administration and IMS ProSchools are the best distance college options for CFP preparations in India. Here are some of their top branches you can opt for:
| CFP Distance Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Bangalore | INR 20,900 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Ahmedabad | INR 20,900 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Mumbai | INR 20,900 |
| Financial Planning Academy | INR 1.3 Lakh |
| IMS ProSchool Pune | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Bangalore | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Chennai | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Kochi | INR 25,000 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Q: Which is the best institute in Mumbai to pursue CFP course?
Here are some of the best CFP college options in Mumbai, India:
| CFP Colleges in Mumbai | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| IMS Proschool, Navi Mumbai | INR 25,000 - 50,000 |
| IMS Proschool, Andheri West | INR 50,000 |
| ICFL Mumbai | - |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration, Mira Road | INR 20,900 |
| Financial Planning Academy | INR 1.3 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Popular Private CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Colleges in India
CFP Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
CFP is one of the most difficult and most sought-after certifications in the BFSI sectors. It not only increases the employability quotient in the Finance market but also helps students build a rewarding career. Once a student becomes a Certified Financial Planner, the doors to highly-rewarding job opportunities in the Banking, Finance, and Insurance industries open.
Know all about the BFSI Career Scope
CFP Popular Job Profiles
Among countless employment options in the Finance world, here are some of the popular job profiles among CFPs in India:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Their job is to advise companies on financial concerns related to investments, expenses, performance, plans, etc. | INR 6.1 LPA |
| Wealth Management Advisor | They help clients create financial plans based on their investments, taxes, and other savings and expenses. | INR 4.3 LPA |
| Investment Manager | Their job is to invest capital on behalf of their clients. Their other work areas include banking, tax services, budgeting, etc. | INR 6.2 LPA |
| Portfolio Manager | They are investment professionals who advise and manage their clients' investment portfolios including SIPs, Shares, Stakes, etc. | INR 12.7 LPA |
| Risk Manager | Their job is to evaluate and minimize potential risks to their organization's operations related to capital. | INR 12.5 LPA |
Note: The salary information is taken from Ambitionbox.com.
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CFP Top Recruiters
Students can find employment in Law firms, Banking and Insurance sectors after completing the course in financial planning. Some of the top recruiters are:
| CFP Top Recruiters | ||
|---|---|---|
| ICICI Banks | HDFC Bank | Standard Chartered Bank |
| Bajaj Finance Limited | Morgan Stanley | Aditya Birla Capital Limited |
| State Bank of India (SBI) | American Express | Goldman Sachs |
| Barclays | GIC Housing Finance | L&T Finance Holdings Limited (LTFH) |
Note: The information is taken from various external sources and may vary.
Links useful for the CFP in India:
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Q: What are the job roles of a Certified Financial Planner?
The job role of a Certified Financial Planner includes essentially four tasks.
- Identifying the client: Interviewing individuals or companies to understand their financial goals, the purpose of investment and related concerns.
- Assessing the client's financial status: Analyzing the client's area of income, flow of income, assets, debts and problem areas. Foreseeing the future to the basis of historical and present status.
- Making a financial plan for the client: After analyzing the status of the client's financial goals and status, the CFP makes an investment plan for the client.
- Implementing the plan and reviewing it periodically: If the plan is approved by the client, the CFP implements the plan and reviews it periodically to ensure that the client receives maximum benefit.
Q: What is the scope of a Certified Financial Planner in the corporate sector?
The corporate sector hires or outsources Certified Financial Planners services to facilitate good financial planning services to improve employee engagement and retention, reduce financial stress, promote the company's reputation, etc. Certified Financial Planners are as important in corporate sectors as in BFSI sectors.
CFP Course FAQs
Candidates can refer to this section for CFP course-related FAQs.
Q: Who should pursue a CFP certification?
Professionals might take this course in addition to their current job to increase their earnings. Also, students who aspire to work as financial advisors in the future might enroll in this program. Students interested in financial studies can pursue a CFP. This professional learning will help the candidates get acceleration in their careers.
They need to be persistent, energetic, and good at problem-solving abilities. Besides, they need to develop some organizational abilities.
Q: What are the benefits of CFP certification?
Certified Financial Planner is the most desired and respected global certification for those seeking to demonstrate their commitment to competent and ethical financial planning practice. Candidates having CFP certification get enhanced career and employment opportunities with financial services companies. They can work in banks, distribution houses, insurance companies, equity brokerage, and financial planning firms.
Popular CFP (Certified Financial Planner) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Financial Planning & Analysis
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Dec 5, 2024
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The job role of a Certified Financial Planner includes essentially four tasks.
- Identifying the client: Interviewing individuals or companies to understand their financial goals, the purpose of investment and related concerns.
- Assessing the client's financial status: Analyzing the client's area of inco
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Financial Planning Academy, Indian School of Business Management and Administration and IMS ProSchools are the best distance college options for CFP preparations in India. Here are some of their top branches you can opt for:
| CFP Distance Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Bangalore | INR 20,900 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Ahmedabad | INR 20,900 |
| Indian School of Business Management and Administration Mumbai | INR 20,900 |
| Financial Planning Academy | INR 1.3 Lakh |
| IMS ProSchool Pune | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Bangalore | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Chennai | INR 25,000 |
| IMS ProSchool Kochi | INR 25,000 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the i
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Certified Financial Planner is the most desired and respected global certification for those seeking to demonstrate their commitment to competent and ethical financial planning practice. Candidates having CFP certification get enhanced career and employment opportunities with financial services comp
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Candidates need to follow the steps below to apply for CFP certification.
- Candidate can apply for the initial CFP certification only after successfully clearing Exam 5 and having the required work experience.
- Having met the criteria, duly fill out the CFP certification application form and upload the
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exam passing marks are not publicly disclosed by the exam Board. The scores also vary depending on the exams and candidates. Earlier, the criteria have always been between 62 - 67%, which means the aspirants must achieve a score of at least 65 - 70%.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The aspirant can take the CFP test a maximum of 3 times a year, starting from the date of their first attempt. If the aspirant fails for the 3rd time, he/she will have to wait for the next 12 months from the time of their 3rd attempt. Also, the aspirant has to submit the exam fee every time they ret
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The validity of a CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certificate is 3 years, after that, it requires a renewal to maintain its status. The renewal process involves completing continuing education credits to stay updated with industry standards. If any individual fails to maintain the renewal requirem
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Professionals might take this course in addition to their current job to increase their earnings. Also, students who aspire to work as financial advisors in the future might enroll in this program. Students interested in financial studies can pursue a CFP. This professional learning will help the ca
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) assist their customers in making investment selections, retirement plans, tax planning, and insurance policy selection. CFPs in India are primarily responsible for visiting with clients, investigating new investment options, and analyzing various sorts of financia
R
Contributor-Level 7
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Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) assist their customers in making investment selections, retirement plans, tax planning, and insurance policy selection. CFPs in India are primarily responsible for visiting with clients, investigating new investment options, and analyzing various sorts of financial data.
Applicants for CFP in India must finish the Certified Financial Planner Course given by the FPSB India after passing 4 exams covering 4 modules. The CFP certification is a worldwide recognised Certificate in Finance that is available both online and offline.