A financial planner helps her clients manage their investments, insurance, taxes, estate planning and other financial matters to achieve financial security. Financial planners can work for large businesses that offer financial products and services, or they can set up their own private practices.

Background

Most individuals who become financial planners have a work or education background in investments, insurance, accounting or law. A financial planner sets himself apart from other specialized financial advisers by providing his clients with a total overview and plan for their financial future. The knowledge requirement to become a financial planner will be grounded in a college degree in finance, law or accounting. Work experience in one of these fields with allow the prospective financial planner to learn about working with clients. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards will award a Certified Financial Planner Designation to applicants who have completed the required studies, testing and experience.

CFP Requirements

The requirements to obtain a CFP are a good guide to the steps necessary to enter a career as a financial planner. The education requirements for a CFP are at least a bachelor's degree and many prospective CFPs obtain a graduate degree specifically in financial planning. According to the CFP website, prospective planners must become experts in over 100 financial planning topics in the areas of investment planning, risk management, income tax planning, retirement planning and estate planning. The examination for CFP certification lasts 10 hours over a period of two days. Work experience related to financial planning is also required to receive a CFP designation. CFP candidates will work as insurance agents, investment advisers, accountants or lawyers to obtain the required experience. Becoming a financial planner is usually an extension from a job or career in a more focused financial field.

Source:

Certified Financial Planner Board: Guide to CFP Certification

Degree Finders: How to Become a Financial Planner

More Information:

Certified Financial Planner Board: Become a CFP