Certified Financial Planners Course: Becoming a Certified Financial Planner

In the present economic scenario, financial planners are in great demand. In order to become a financial planner, one needs to have a knack for helping people plan and realize their financial goals. These goals can range from saving money for college fees to retirement-planning. Whatever may be the financial goal of the client, a financial planner helps to achieve them.

A good financial planner should be knowledgeable in all the areas of investments. He should be well-informed about stock investments, mutual funds, bonds etc. Another most important thing for becoming a financial planner is 'credibility'. One has to work hard to create a goodwill among the clients in order to become a successful financial planner. This is achieved only if you help your clients take the right decisions.

It is very important that the financial planner is not in a financial mess himself. Clients like to know about the stocks, the financial planner has invested in or how stable financially he is. The financial planner has to be a people's person. If you can't get along with different kinds of people, then this isn't exactly your kind of career. You need to help people sail through the financial mess they are currently facing and guide them in financial planning. If you are ready to take risks that will help others gain, then read on to know more about becoming a certified financial planner.

The first criteria for becoming a certified financial planner is a college degree. It is not necessary to have a degree in finance or business management. You can have a degree in arts, history or even microbiology. The point is having a bachelor's degree or a higher degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. The candidate must master over 100 topics on integrated financial planning as a certification criteria.

The next step is to take the certification classes. These classes are offered in private colleges or even on the Internet. Experts who offer financial consultancy services also provide certification classes online. Some of the syllabus from the courses can be substituted with relevant education and work experience related to the financial field.

One needs to be employed as a financial planner for at least 3 years in order to be eligible for the certification exam. Though a person can work as a financial planner with or without the certificate, it is however, needed to increase the credibility and become a registered financial planner.

After completing the relevant education, one becomes eligible to take the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification Examination. Remember to apply at least two months in advance in order to secure a seat.

You will have to undergo a background check, which includes an ethics, character and criminal check. You need to pass candidate fitness standards. You must disclose past or pending litigation, if any, against you. You will need to agree to the Code of Ethics & Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards of CFP.

The fee structure for the certification process needs to be followed. One needs to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee and a $360 biennial certification fee. It is very easy to pass the exam, if your basic knowledge of the relevant subjects is strong. If you clear the examination, you will receive your certificate through mail.

The certificate helps you gain an upper edge in the field of finance. You can either work on your own or you can also join a financial consultancy firm. After becoming a certified financial planner, you will not only help others realize their financial goals, but it will also help you in fulfilling your financial dreams.