| Obtain the CPA License and be a current member of the AICPA |
| A PFS candidate must hold a valid and unrevoked CPA license issued by a legally constituted state authority.
The CPA license establishes the ethical and professional foundation for the PFS Credential. No other comprehensive financial planning credential requires this level of professionalism as their foundation. Every PFS credential holder has successfully completed the rigorous CPA Exam, has met the strict education and experience requirements, and with membership in the AICPA, has agreed to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
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| Complete Comprehensive PFP Education |
| A PFS Candidate must earn a minimum of 80 hours of personal financial planning education within the five year period preceding the date of the PFS application.The AICPA offers PFP education opportuntities that qualify. The education must be in the 9 areas that make up the PFS Body of Knowledge, found in the PFS Credential Application Kit. Alternative sources include a combination of professional CPE, approved courses at an accredited university or college, or presenting and authoring on financial planning subjects.
Consider the PFP education offered in partnership with The American College. In addition the PFS Exam Review Course offers 32.5 hours of CPE.
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| Attain a Specified Level of PFP Experience |
| The PFS Candidate must have 2 years of full-time business or teaching experience (or 3,000 hours equivalent) in personal financial planning within the five year period preceding the date of the PFS application.
The education must be in the 9 areas that make up the PFS Body of Knowledge, found in the PFS Credential Application Kit . Note that up to 1,000 hours of tax compliance experience can count toward the total experience requirement.
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| Pass a PFP Examination |
The PFS Candidate must successfully pass a PFP-related exam. Successful completion of the following examinations will satisfy the examination requirements for the PFS Credential:
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