| Following initial certification and authorisation to use the CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and certification marks, the CFP certification must be maintained and periodically renewed.
By meeting the ongoing competency requirements of continuing professional development and by adhering to the FPA's Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, CFP certificants demonstrate to the public that they are individuals who have voluntarily agreed to meet high standards of professionalism in a changing financial world.
Also compliance with the use of the CFP Marks helps to ensure the integrity of the CFP certification marks for the benefit of the public.
Using the CFP® Marks
Correct and consistent use of CFP certification marks sends a clear message to the public that you conduct your business to the highest professional standards.
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CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ |
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The three CFP Marks shown above are designed to readily identify CFP professionals to the public and to clearly distinguish between them and other financial planners who have not achieved CFP certification.
By correctly using the marks, CFP practitioners are protecting the integrity of and adding value to their professional certification. Properly used, they are highly valued business assets – a mark of quality assurance to people seeking professional financial planning advice.
CFP practitioners are encouraged to use the certification marks after their name on business cards, stationery, advertising, promotional literature and in documents given to clients during the financial advisory process. The conditions of marks’ use are strictly enforced for reasons both of commercial value and legal protection.
The following guide will assist you in using the certification marks correctly.
Quick reference for using CFP® Marks
The purpose of this quick reference is to get you going in the right direction. Please refer to the complete guide Using your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP certification marks for all of the guidelines you must follow for proper use of the CFP certification marks. The following three certification marks must be used under strict use and reproduction guidelines, or their value as trademarks could be lost.
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Acknowledgement:
A proper acknowledgement must be given to this fact where the marks are reproduced in promotional literature of any description (excluding business cards and letterhead).
The following tagline should appear at the end of an article, at the bottom of an advertisement, or at the bottom of the first page of a brochure:
, CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ are certification marks owned outside the U.S by the FPSB (USA). The FPA is the marks licensing authority for the CFP Marks in Australia through agreement with the FPSB under license. |
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Colour:
When reproduction of the flame logo is appropriate or authorised the FPA has bromides and electronic files which may be used. The three certification marks must be used under strict use and reproduction guidelines. Refer to Using your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP certification marks for more information.
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Examples using the three certification marks
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- Always use the three components of the logo (flame, CFP and ®)
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Always reproduce from original artwork
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Always use approved size and colour
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Do not print on patterned background, use as a watermark or as background |
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Example
Julie Citizen, Dip FP, CFP® |
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- Always use capital letters
- Never use full stops between letters
- Always include the ® symbol on first use
- Always use with an FPA approved noun: “practitioner” or “professional”, except in a signature or title block, such as on letterhead or business cards.
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Examples
John Citizen, CFP®, Dip FP
John Citizen is a CFP® professional |
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Always use either all capital letters or small cap font
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Always use the ™ symbol on first use
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Always use with an FPA approved noun: “practitioner” or “professional” |
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Examples
Joan Citizen, B.Com, MFP
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional or CFP®
Joan Citizen is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner |
You can also download this pocket guide.
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CFP® Marks use pocket guide
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Renewal and ongoing certification
Commencing in 2005/2006, CFP professionals must meet annual renewal requirements to continue using the CFP marks. Unlike a designation that is awarded to individuals who satisfy education and experience at a point in time, the CFP designation may only be held by individuals who:
- meet initial certification requirements; and
- who continue to abide by the FPA Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct; and
- who comply with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Further information refer to the FAQ on CFP certification renewal
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Leave of Absence
CFP professionals who do not intend to renew their CFP certification may be eligible to apply for Leave of Absence.
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Certificate of Practice
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is a Certificate of Practice?
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A. The Certificate of Practice identifies CFP® practitioners who are fully engaged in the provision of, or direct supervision of face-to-face comprehensive financial planning advice to clients. CFP practitioners who are employed in an executive or support role are not eligible for a Certificate of Practice. |
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| Q. What do I need to do to obtain a Certificate of Practice? |
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A. Complete the Certificate of Practice application form that is supplied with the renewal pack. |
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Q. What is the benefit of a Certificate of Practice?
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A. Given the changing nature of the financial planning industry and the increasing number of CFP professionals in executive and support positions, the Certificate of Practice clearly identifies to consumers those CFP practitioners who are fully engaged in the provision of comprehensive financial planning advice. |
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Q. If I don’t apply for the Certificate of Practice, do I relinquish CFP certification?
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A. No, you can still represent yourself as a CFP professional however the FPA marketing campaign will strongly advise consumers to look for CFP practitioners with a valid Certificate of Practice. |
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| Q. What happens if I move to a position that doesn’t satisfy the definition of ‘approved practitioner’? |
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A. You are required to return the Certificate of Practice to the FPA. |
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| Q. I am currently in an executive position and do not qualify for a Certificate of Practice. If I move to a position where I provide comprehensive financial planning advice, am I eligible for a Certificate of Practice? |
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A. Yes, you can apply for a Certificate of Practice at any time. |
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| Q. What is the fee for a Certificate of Practice? |
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A. There is no additional fee for a Certificate of Practice. |
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Q. What is the period of validity for a Certificate of Practice?
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A. A Certificate of Practice is valid for 12 months from 1 July until 30 June each year. |
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Renewal of CFP certification: Frequently Asked Questions
| Q. Why do I need to renew? |
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A. Renewal of CFP certification confirms that you continue to meet the standard required for CFP certification. The FPA’s planned consumer campaign to increase the awareness of the CFP Marks is dependent on the FPA’s confidence that CFP practitioners continue to meet rigorous standards. |
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| Q. What do I need to do to renew? |
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A. Complete the renewal form (including payment of the fee) and return to the FPA by 31 July 2008 at the latest. |
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| Q. How often will I need to renew? |
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A. CFP certificants are required to complete the renewal process every year. For the membership year (2008/2009) you are required to renew by 31 July 2008. In future, renewal information will be mailed in April so that you can renew by 30 June. |
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| Q. Can I retain CFP certification without completing the renewal form? |
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A. No. If the re-certification form is not completed and returned to the FPA by 31 July 2008, you will be deemed to have relinquished your CFP certification. |
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Q. Can I pay the renewal fee without completing the renewal form?
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A. Continued CFP certification requires completion of the renewal form, submission of your business card/business stationery and CPD register. |
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| Q. Why do I need to submit a sample of my business card and business stationery? |
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A. The FPA is completing an audit of the use of the CFP Marks. One of the strategies in strengthening the awareness of the CFP Mark is the consistent and correct use by CFP professionals. |
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| Q. What are the penalties for incorrect use of the CFP Mark? |
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A. There will not be any penalties applied for 2008/2009. Any errors in use of the CFP Mark will be discussed directly with the individual and the FPA Principal member. |
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| Q. Why do I need to submit a copy of my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) register when that information is maintained by the Licensee? |
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A. CFP professionals agree to comply with CPD requirements, which is effective immediately when/after CFP certification is granted. It is the responsibility of the CFP professional to meet the CPD requirements associated with practitioner membership of the FPA and which exceed those stipulated by legislation. |
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| Q. Will I retain CFP certification if I do not submit my Continuing Professional Development (CPD) register? |
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A. Submission of your CPD register is a renewal requirement. If all re-certification requirements are not completed by 31 July 2008, you will be deemed to have relinquished your CFP certification. |
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| Q. How do I demonstrate that I continue to abide by the FPA Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct? |
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A. The CFP Certification Renewal form includes the completion of a statement disclosing any investigations or legal proceedings relating to professional or business conduct and an acknowledgement of voluntary adherence to the terms and conditions of certification.
If it appears a CFP professional may have violated the FPA’s Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, the FPA has the right to investigate the individual’s alleged behaviour according to the Constitution of the FPA. |
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Related topics:
CFP® Marks
CFP® Certification Assessment
Maintaining CFP® Certification
International CFP® professionals
Tools and resources:
Guide to CFP® Certification
CFP Certification Assessment Handbook
Using your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and CFP® certification marks
CFP® Marks use pocket guide
Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct
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