Why Choose A CFP® Professional
At Beratung we are committed to elevating the profession through our commitment to CFP® professionals.
We are committed to hiring CFP® professionals and helping our team members become a CFP® professional by providing the coursework and first attempt at the exam at no cost to our team members. Our team is currently comprised of over 4 CFP® professionals and more that have completed the education requirement for certification and are working towards earning the designation. We also have been committed to advocating on behalf of CFP® professionals and their clients by annually sending team members to visit members of the Pennsylvania legislature and U.S. Congress.
Most people think all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Just about anyone with the right registrations can use the title “financial planner.” CFP Board benefits the public by independently certifying financial planners. Although CFP Board does not guarantee their work, CFP® professionals have met rigorous qualifications for financial planning. Only those who have fulfilled CFP Board’s rigorous requirements can call themselves a CFP® professional.
As part of their certification, CFP® professionals commit to high ethical standards. What’s more, a CFP® professional must acquire several years of experience related to delivering financial planning services to clients and pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Exam before they can call themselves a CFP® professional.
What Sets a CFP® Professional Apart
When you hire a CFP® professional, you work with an advisor who has met rigorous qualifications for financial planning. Most important, a CFP® professional has made a commitment to CFP Board to act in the best interests of their client.
Financial Planner Without CFP® Certification
It’s easy for someone to call themselves a financial planner.
May not be required to put your best interests first.
Level of financial planning knowledge varies.
Years of experience varies.
CFP® Professional
Meets requirements established by CFP Board.
Makes a commitment to CFP Board, as part of their certification, to place your best interests first. Can receive sanctions from CFP Board, and even risk losing their certification, for violations of ethical standards set by CFP Board.
Has demonstrated the knowledge required to deliver holistic financial planning.
Must have a minimum of 2 years of financial planning experience.
What Makes CFP® Professionals Different
When you choose a CFP® professional, you can be assured that you’re working with a financial advisor who has demonstrated competency and made a commitment to ethics. CFP® professionals must successfully complete a multi-year, multi-step process to obtain the skills and real-life experience they need to serve your best interests, no matter what your financial goals are.
Education
CFP® professionals have the knowledge required to deliver holistic financial planning services, and they must fulfill continuing education requirements.
Exam
CFP® professionals must pass the CFP® exam, which tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge to real-life situations and ensures that they are highly qualified to help you plan for your financial future.
Experience
CFP® professionals have at least 2 years of real-life experience providing financial planning services.
Ethics
CFP® professionals commit to follow a code of ethics and standards set and enforced by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). They can receive sanctions for not abiding by them, and even risk losing their certification.
