CFP exam pass rate highest in 8 years but which states saw the most takers?

CFP exam pass rate highest in 8 years but which states saw the most takers?
Demonstrating experience on the job was the top reason cited for trying for certification.
AUG 17, 2023

Almost seven in ten of the 2,926 candidates who took the CFP Certification Exam in July passed.

The CFP Board stats show that the 67% pass rate was the highest since July 2015 (70%), although the exam blueprint has been updated twice since, in March 2016 and March 2022.

Ten states accounted for more than half (1,562) of those taking the exam last month - California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Colorado, Ohio and Massachusetts – although the individual states’ pass rates is not reported.

Asked after the exam why they wanted to gain CFP Certification, 41% said to demonstrate experience on the job (41%), and 25% said to distinguish themselves as a fiduciary.

Firms showed strong support for their candidates with 77% of exam takers saying they had received some financial support from their employer during the examination process.

"As CFP Board continues to foster growth in the financial planning profession, we are committed to providing access to the tools CFP® certification candidates need to prepare for the exam," said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. "Congratulations to candidates from across the country for passing this rigorous exam."

Prepping for the exam

Exam takers from last month’s round were asked how they prepared for the examination.

The top answers included:

  • CFP Board Practice Exam 1
  • the Exam Candidate Handbook
  • the Candidate Preparation Toolkit.

Other resources used included CFP Board supplementary resources and guidance documents, the CFP Board Candidate Forum and webinars.

Latest News

Trump's 'revenge tax' might come back to bite US borrowers, experts say
Trump's 'revenge tax' might come back to bite US borrowers, experts say

Certain foreign banking agreements could force borrowers to absorb Section 899's potential impact, putting some lending relationships at risk.

RIA moves: EP Wealth, Merit make key Mountain state debuts
RIA moves: EP Wealth, Merit make key Mountain state debuts

Torrance, California-based EP Wealth welcomes a $900 million team in Idaho as Merit adds its first office in Utah.

Captrust taps Echelon's Mike Wunderli to lead merger strategy
Captrust taps Echelon's Mike Wunderli to lead merger strategy

The $1 trillion RIA is getting serious on inorganic growth as it welcomes the M&A veteran for a dedicated leadership role.

Fed ends Wells Fargo's asset cap restriction, opening long-blocked path to growth
Fed ends Wells Fargo's asset cap restriction, opening long-blocked path to growth

The undoing of the penalty, which has hung over the Wall Street bank for seven years, marks a significant victory for CEO Charlie Scharf.

BNY Pershing teases upgrades to boost advisor, investor experience
BNY Pershing teases upgrades to boost advisor, investor experience

The big three custodian is unveiling new reporting features, UMA functionalities, and a new advisor growth network, along with other updates at its flagship conference.

SPONSORED Beyond the dashboard: Making wealth tech human

How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave

SPONSORED The evolution of private credit

From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.