The latest round of the CFP Certification Exam saw 2,999 candidates sit the second largest cohort ever for the month of July, following a record high in March of 3,683.
Almost two thirds of those taking part last month passed and took the number of US certificants past 100,000 which represents around one third of all retail financial advisors.
"The strong turnout for the July 2024 CFP exam shows that CFP certification continues to be the standard for competent and ethical financial planning," said CFP Board CEO Kevin R. Keller, CAE. "As more Americans seek financial advisors who will act in their best interests at all times, the trusted advice of CFP professionals is more important than ever. We congratulate all those who took the exam and welcome the new class of CFP professionals into our dedicated community of financial experts."
Among those who sat the exam in July, 40% did so to demonstrate their expertise in the job (40%) followed by wanting to distinguish themselves as a fiduciary (32%).
The CFP Board’s stats show that seven in ten of those sitting the exam were under 40, with four in ten of them under 30. California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, and Colorado were the states with the most candidates (1,608 out of the 2,999).
The final chance of 2024 to sit the exam is in November, with March 2025 being the next opportunity. Registration for November is open until October 24, and the Education Verification deadline is October 17. Testing appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and the CFP Board advises that individuals should register for the exam at least 60 days in advance for the best date and site availability.
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