Financial Planning Program: What You Need to Know

What is a Certified Financial Planner?

With many financial planners reaching retirement age and the baby boomer generation in need of financial consultation, professional opportunities are plentiful. Factor in the aftermath of the 2008-09 financial crisis – and the cynicism toward corporate and investment banking that resulted – and you can understand why ethical and competent financial planners are in high demand.

The George Fox financial planning program is registered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP® Board), equipping you with the necessary technical and professional skills for a successful career as a Certified Financial Planner. The CFP® mark is the top credentialing certification in the profession.

How do I become a CFP®?

The CFP® certification process is a four-part process of education, exam, experience and ethics. The education requirement includes a bachelor's degree and completing coursework through a CFP® Board-registered program.

The financial planning concentration will help you prepare for the CFP® coursework and exam. We are the No. 1 CFP® Board-registered program in the Northwest. This means our graduates meet both education requirements at once and start careers with a competitive advantage!

Do I have to pass a CFP® to be a Financial Planner?

While a CFP® certification is certainly a worthwhile pursuit, a successful financial services practice requires much more than a lead advisor. There are many other amazing high-paying, impactful roles that drive successful practices/firms. These include but are not limited to:

• Compliance
• HR
• Client Service Lead
• Client Service Associate CSA
• Marketing
• Operations
• Trading/Rebalancing Associate
• Data Analytics
• And MORE

Faculty in the financial planning program and accompanying concentrations work with students to help prepare for any career of their choosing by providing mentorship.

Learn more about our financial planning concentration here.