CFP Exam essentials
Know the dates, fees, and preparation steps for CFP. Start studying with free practice questions, guides, and PDFs.
The essentials
Exam dates & results
| Exam | Testing windows | Results |
|---|---|---|
| US CFP | Three annual windows, usually March, July, and October-November | Preliminary result after the exam; official result about 4 weeks after the window closes. |
Plan your sitting
Published exam dates and deadlines*
2027 coverage is partial. Last listed window ends 2027-07-20. Autumn 2027: Exact exam dates, registration opening, deadlines and fees are not listed in the checked official calendar. March and July 2027: Testing dates, registration openings and education deadlines are published. Final registration deadlines and sitting-specific fee schedules still need confirmation. Verify education, register, then book an available Prometric appointment.
2026 published schedule
| Exam | Testing window | Registration and scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| US CFP | through |
|
2027 published schedule
| Exam | Testing window | Registration and scheduling |
|---|---|---|
| US CFP | through |
Final registration deadline and sitting-specific fee schedule are not yet verified. |
| US CFP | through |
Final registration deadline and sitting-specific fee schedule are not yet verified. |
Application and exam fees*
| Fee and where to pay | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Early registrationPay CFP Board in your candidate account by the early registration deadline. | US$825 |
| Standard registrationPay CFP Board in your candidate account during standard registration. | US$925 |
| Late registrationPay CFP Board in your candidate account during late registration. | US$1,025 |
Your next study session
Free CFP Practice & PDFs
Separate coursework from exam review
Complete the required education, then build a review schedule around mixed questions and full-length practice. For illustration, 12 weeks at 15 hours per week gives 180 review hours. This is a planning example, not an official average or a substitute for coursework.
Create a free accountYour free practice PDF
20 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations. Get the PDF in one email.
Registration, booking & results help
Open the step you need.
How to apply and payCFP Board account → Exam → Select Your Test Dates → payment.
Before you apply
Meet CFP Board’s education-verification deadline for your sitting. Education, exam, experience, and ethics are distinct certification requirements. This overview covers the US CFP Board pathway.
Pay the initial exam fee directly to CFP Board. Prometric handles the seat reservation and any applicable appointment-change fees.
Open the exam registration in your CFP Board account
In the account dashboard, go to Exam and select Select Your Test Dates.
Submit the form and pay CFP Board
Choose the sitting and complete payment. Arrange for your education to be verified by that sitting’s education deadline; exam payment does not replace this requirement.
If your education or eligibility is not confirmed, contact CFP Board before the verification deadline. The registration page lists the deadline for each sitting. CFP Board registration and appointment instructions.
How to book your examAfter eligibility confirmation, use your CFP Board ID with Prometric.
Wait for CFP Board’s eligibility email and scheduling link. Appointments fill by location and date; CFP Board recommends registering at least 60 days ahead.
Open the Prometric scheduler
Choose Schedule under Test Center Exam. Enter your CFP Board ID as the Eligibility ID and the first four letters of your last name.
Choose and confirm your appointment
Search your area and select an available date and time. Review the details, complete the appointment, and save Prometric’s confirmation email.
If you need a different date or center, use Prometric’s appointment-management options. Contact CFP Board about a missing eligibility email; use Prometric for an authorized appointment you cannot book. CFP Board registration and appointment instructions.
Where to find your resultsCFP Board sends your official result by email after the window closes.
You receive a preliminary result after the exam. CFP Board sends the official result by email approximately four weeks after the testing window closes.
Keep the preliminary result separate from the official one
Wait for CFP Board’s official email before treating the exam result as final.
Check your candidate email
Use the address registered with CFP Board and check spam. Retain the official result email; unsuccessful candidates also receive diagnostic feedback by exam domain.
If the official email is missing after the expected release period, contact CFP Board through its website. Its published delivery method is email; it does not provide results by phone. Contact CFP Board.
Keep preparing with our study guides
Start with a guide, or narrow the list to the material you need.
11 resources to explore
Eligibility, dates, and exam day
Study planning and retakes
Compare exam programs
Official websites & sources
This guide covers the US CFP Board pathway. CFP Board takes the exam payment and verifies eligibility; Prometric books your specific test appointment.
- CFP Board
- Manages your candidate account, education verification, registration payment, and official result notification.
Sign in to CFP Board - Prometric
- Books your appointment after CFP Board confirms eligibility. Your CFP Board ID is the scheduling eligibility ID.
Open Prometric’s CFP scheduler
- CFP Board registration and appointment instructions
- CFP Board scoring and results
- CFP Board exam eligibility
- Open Prometric’s CFP scheduler
- CFP Board official results policy
Application, booking, and result instructions checked .
Notes
- * Application and exam fees: Last verified fee schedule: the sitting ending 2026-11-05. Future-window fees need confirmation. Education, review courses and later certification fees are separate. ↩ Return to content
- * Published exam dates: Published windows, not reserved appointments. Source: CFP Board exam calendar, checked Oct 10, 2026. ↩ Return to content