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CFP Exam guide

Understand the eight financial-planning domains, the case-based exam format, and where to start your preparation.

1 comprehensive exam

One exam that connects eight planning domains

The US CFP exam integrates the financial-planning process in standalone questions, scenarios, and cases. Study the domains together as well as individually: a client’s tax, retirement, investment, and estate decisions can interact.

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Comprehensive examination

One comprehensive exam across the financial planning process. 170 multiple-choice questions, using stand-alone items, short scenarios, and case studies, in two three-hour sessions.

Testing time
360 minutes
Question format
Stand-alone, short-scenario, and case-study MCQs

What is tested

  • Professional Conduct and Regulation
  • General Principles of Financial Planning
  • Risk Management and Insurance Planning
  • Investment Planning
  • Tax Planning
  • Retirement Savings and Income Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • Psychology of Financial Planning

Testing time excludes check-in and additional scheduled breaks. The topic lists orient your preparation; use the full guide and official syllabus for weights, outcomes, and changes affecting your sitting.

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Comprehensive examination lessons

Concepts and exam techniques