Become a CFP® or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional

Overview

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation is a symbol of the unwavering commitment to the highest standards of trust, integrity and ethical conduct in financial planning. Recognised globally, the CFP designation represents excellence in financial planning, combining education, experience, ethics, and examination. CFP professionals are uniquely qualified to help individuals manage their finances and plan for the future, offering trusted advice and tailored solutions. Those aspiring to earn the CFP designation are required to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning. This diploma serves as a prerequisite qualification, enabling candidates to be eligible for the CFP examination

Why Become a CFP Professional?

As a CFP professional, you are entrusted with the responsibility to always act in your clients' best interests, embodying the principles of excellence, fairness, and client-centred service. This prestigious title places you at the forefront of an industry that is crucial in empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions, plan strategically for their future, and realise their financial aspirations. Holding the CFP certification is not only a testament to your expertise in providing sound financial advice and developing comprehensive, tailored strategies but also a pledge to meet the unique needs and ambitions of your clients with personalised solutions.

Why Choose LIA to start your journey to CFP?

Choosing LIA to start your journey to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) means completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, a programme where flexibility meets professional excellence. Our programme is designed to seamlessly integrate into your busy life with a manageable structure, entirely delivered online.

As you progress, you'll earn three of the finance sector's most prestigious designations: Retirement Planning Adviser(RPA), Specialist Investment Adviser (SIA), and Financial Planning Risk Adviser (FPRA).

Learn from the best—this programme is taught by practitioner lecturers who are not just teachers, but expert leaders in their fields. Our curriculum is not just theoretical, it's practical and immediately applicable, empowering you to make a real difference with your clients right from the start.

You also benefit from the ongoing support of our dedicated Education Team and the invaluable insights of our in-house CFP practitioner, Brian Dunphy.

Don’t take our word for it, watch the video below to hear from Mark Hedderman CFP, CEO of Hedderman Financial Solutions where he discusses the programme and the positive impact that the CFP designation has brought to him professionally.

Pathway to Achieving the CFP Certification

Individuals are awarded CFP certification by Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) Ireland upon satisfying Education, Work Experience, Exam and Ethics requirements (the Four Es) as outlined in FPSB’s CFP Certification Framework.

Education

Students must successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning

Examination

Students exiting the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning are invited to apply for the CFP examination which is administered and awarded through FPSB.

There are two intakes annually in September and February

Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the personal financial planning process prior to being awarded the CFP certification, to ensure that they possess financial counselling skills in addition to personal financial planning knowledge.

Ethics

Candidates must agree to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics that defines their ethical responsibilities to the public, clients and employers.

Find out more

If you’d like to learn more about starting your journey towards CFP certification, please click here to schedule a consultation with our dedicated CFP professional, Brian Dunphy.

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning brochure

Click here for full details of our Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning programme.