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Certified Financial Planner Practice Exam

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Best CFP Exam Prep Courses for 2024

Dalton Education is our top pick due to its flexibility and vast course list

Kate Dore, a Candidate for CFP Certification, is an expert on debt, credit scores, banking products, mortgages, investing, income taxes, life and health insurance, estate planning, and student loans. Kate's work has appeared in outlets like Business Insider, Financial Planning magazine, MagnifyMoney, Credit Karma, and Simple Money magazine. She received her Certificate in Financial Planning from Belmont University.

Elisabeth Christopherson is an accounting professional, fact-checker, and researcher with a background in online education. She has experience reviewing and editing accounting, business, and economic publications.

A  Certified Financial Planner  (CFP) is a professional designation for the financial planning profession.  Financial planners  can earn the CFP designation after completing the CFP Board's education, exam, experience, and ethics requirements.

One of the more challenging steps in the process, the CFP exam, is a pass-or-fail test. You may register for the CFP exam after meeting the CFP Board's education requirements. Once you pass the exam, you will be one step closer to becoming a CFP professional, one of the most elite financial planning designations.

To create our list of the best CFP exam prep courses, we compared each program's features, including reputation, cost, guarantees, course materials, in-person classes, special features, and more. These are the best CFP exam prep courses for aspiring CFP professionals.

• Best Overall: Dalton Education
• Best for Live Instruction: Zahn Associates
• Best Guarantee: Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning
• Best for Virtual/In-Person Learning: Brett Danko
• Our Top Picks

Dalton Education

• Zahn Associates
• Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning
• Brett Danko
• See More (1)

Final Verdict

• Compare Courses
• Methodology

Best Overall : Dalton Education

• Price: $1,395 or $2,195
• Money-Back Guarantee: Yes, if you score 70% or better on the exam readiness quizzes but don’t pass the actual exam
• Study Materials: Books, videos, live virtual classes and office hours, live or in-person four-day live review, recordings of all lessons, and a 2,000-question test bank

Dalton Education earned our top spot with the industry’s most comprehensive CFP exam prep program. While the prep courses are among the most expensive, you will have the most flexibility, in-depth course materials, videos, and test bank questions. The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass offers a money-back guarantee under certain conditions, or you may retake the program through the next exam cycle for free.

Flexible live review options

Money-back guarantee under certain conditions

2,000 test bank questions

Less affordable than competitors

Pre-study program may take longer

Robust materials can feel overwhelming

Dalton Education won the best overall because of the company’s in-depth CFP exam prep, flexibility, and strong money-back guarantee. Founded in 2005, the Alpharetta, Georgia-based company boasts 20% to 25% higher pass rates than the national average. The company provides CFP Board education courses and two CFP exam prep courses: Dalton Review and Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass. 

The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass costs $2,195. The prep course includes a virtual pre-study program, in-person or virtual live review classes, and live review recordings. You also get office hours, one-on-one coaching calls, digital flashcards, free retakes, and a money-back guarantee if you score 70% or better on the exam readiness quizzes but don’t pass the actual exam.

The Dalton Review is a similar course for $1,395 with fewer materials, no coaching calls, and no pass guarantee. Those looking to sample the program may access a Guarantee to Pass Demo. The company also offers financial assistance to underrepresented groups in financial planning through the Women’s Initiative and Diversity Initiative.    

Both CFP exam prep options offer books, videos, live virtual classes, live office hours, live or in-person four-day live review, recordings of all lessons, and a 2,000-question test bank. You can also attend office hours for more in-depth answers.

Best for Live Instruction : Zahn Associates

 Zahn Associates

• Price: $1,085+
• Money-Back Guarantee: Not disclosed
• Study Materials: Virtual pre-study, books, videos, exam roadmaps, 1,800-question test bank, four-day in-person live review, and virtual post-study

Zahn Associates made the list because of its reputation, engaging in-person classes, and over a dozen live review location options nationwide. After completing the virtual pre-study, you'll have access to in-person live review instructors that will distill what you need to know with proven test-taking tips and tricks.

Strong reputation

One-on-one tutoring available

Discounts for repeat test-takers

Sub-optimal online dashboard

Less in-depth pre-study materials

No recording of live review

Zahn Associates, one of the best-known names for CFP exam prep, scored high for live instruction for its reputation, in-person experience, and multiple live review locations. With a home base in Tampa, Florida, Zahn Associates reports its CFP exam pass rates are 10% above the national average.

The Zahn Associates Live Review costs $1,085 and includes a virtual pre-study, in-person live review, and virtual post-study. Each exam cycle has over a dozen in-person live review locations, and there are currently a couple of virtual options. You can pay an extra $50 to $100 for flashcards, more test bank questions, and case studies.

You may hire one of Zahn Associates’ instructors for tutoring if you’re struggling, and if you have to retake the exam, you can use the Zahn Associates Live Review again at a discount. While there aren’t currently any demos or discounts, some students may qualify for a Zahn Associates diversity and inclusion scholarship through 2050 TrailBlazers.

The program materials include books, videos, exam roadmaps, a four-day in-person live review, and a 1,800-question test bank. You can contact Zahn Associates through an online form or call during business hours.

Best Guarantee : Kaplan Financial/College for Financial Planning

 College for Financial Planning

• Price: $599 or $1,399
• Money-Back Guarantee: Retake the program for up to a year if you fail the exam
• Study Materials: Review books, pre-study assessment, class options for live online, onsite or ondemand classes, videos, CFP exam podcasts, and a mock exam

Kaplan Financial Education/College for Financial Planning earned a slot because of the company's CFP exam guarantee. If you enroll in the Premium Exam Prep Review package and fail the exam, you will receive a free Premium Review package within one year. While it's less generous than Dalton's guarantee, the program is significantly cheaper, and there are no minimum quiz scores to qualify for the guarantee.

Exam guarantee for Premium Review

On-demand, virtual, or on-site live review options

Essential Review option for $599

Premium Review is more expensive than some competitors

Exam guarantee limited to one year

No webinars, videos, or mock exam with Essential Review

Kaplan Financial Education made our list because of the company’s standout guarantee. The company has been around since 1970, offering continuing education, licensing test preparation, and wealth management programs. The La Crosse, Wisconsin-based company acquired The College for Financial Planning in 2018, and together, the companies offer CFP education and CFP exam prep courses.

Kaplan offers two CFP exam prep courses: the Premium Review for $1,399 and Essential Review for $599. The Premium Review includes PassProtection, which allows you to retake the program for up to a year if you fail the exam. The Premium Review also includes live classes, webinars, videos, CFP exam podcasts, and a mock exam. However, the Essentials Review is a basic self-study option without these features.

For those feeling unsure, Kaplan offers a free five-day trial. It also offers a free e-book to kickstart your study plan. Depending on when you sign up, you may qualify for a small discount promotion. Like some competitors, Kaplan offers a Diversity Scholarship to help remove the financial barriers for underrepresented groups in financial planning. 

Both test prep courses include review books, a pre-study assessment, and access to Kaplan’s test bank. You may email instructors with questions anytime through Kaplan’s software.

Best for Virtual/In-Person Learning : Brett Danko

 Brett Danko

• Money-Back Guarantee: One virtual course retake
• Study Materials: 3,000-question test bank, three-day in-person live review, live review recordings, online classes, calculator sessions, extra exams and case studies, flashcards, and Q&A sessions

While some competitors offer a top-notch in-person experience, Brett Danko's Signature Live Review also provides an excellent pre-study and post-study program for those who need extra guidance. You get 3,000 sample questions, 16 hours of online group sessions, interactive Q&A with Brett, recordings, and one virtual retake.

3,000-question test bank

Calculator training session

Limited cities for in-person live review

Signature Live Review is more costly than others

Retake limited to one virtual course

Brett Danko earns our top spot for in-person learning because of the program's strong reputation for an effective virtual and in-person experience. Brett Danko is another top name in CFP exam prep courses and teaches CFP Board-approved courses and continuing education. 

Brett Danko's Signature Live Review costs $2,195, and the Comprehensive Live Review is $1,395. Both options include pre-study materials with 3,000 questions, a three-day in-person live review, and live review recordings.

The Signature Live Review also provides 16 hours of online classes with Brett, two calculator sessions, six extra exams and case studies, flashcards, another Q&A session with Brett, recordings, and one virtual class retake.

One downside of Brett Danko's program is there are only three options for in-person classes, and they are all clustered in the northeast. But fortunately, Brett Danko also teaches two virtual live review courses through the Boston Institute of Finance. The virtual Basic Prep is $1,195, and the virtual Signature Exam Prep is $1,995. Customers can contact Brett Danko's support team via email, online form, or by phone with questions.

The CFP exam is a considerable time and financial commitment for any student. But picking the right CFP exam prep course may reduce your chances of sitting for the exam more than once. With a 20% to 25% higher pass rate than the national average and the most comprehensive program available, Dalton Education is our recommendation for the best CFP exam prep course.

However, if you prefer in-person learning and are looking for engaging classes in a classroom rather than online, you'll want to consider Zahn Associates as the best choice for live instruction.

Compare the Best CFP Exam Prep Courses

Frequently asked questions, who should take the cfp exam.

Anyone interested in becoming a CFP can take the exam. Regardless if you already have a four-year degree or not, you must first complete the CFP Board-approved coursework before sitting for the exam. If you are changing careers and have a four-year degree, you will need to complete the coursework, take the CFP exam, and then accumulate 4,000 hours of apprenticeship experience or 6,000 hours of professional experience (these hours can be done before or after you take the CFP exam). If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you must still first complete the required coursework before sitting for the exam. Then, you must complete the bachelor's degree requirement within five years of taking it. Lastly, you'll need to sign an ethics declaration and pass a background check.

How Long Does It Take to Study for the CFP Exam?

The CFP Board recommends no less than 250 hours are needed when studying for the exam. The six-hour, 170-question, pass-or-fail test measures your knowledge of comprehensive financial planning . The CFP Board offers the exam every year in March, July, and November. The pass rate was 64% in 2023, according to the CFP Board.

How Many Courses Are in CFP?

Along with general financial planning principles, the CFP coursework and exam include:

• Professional conduct and regulation
• Tax Planning
• Retirement  
• Estate planning

What Does a CFP Course Cost?

The cost for CFP test prep courses may range from $455 to $2,395, with extra fees for add-on study aids, like flashcards, audio lessons, and more. If you go to a CFP exam prep live review in person, you will also have to pay for travel costs, including your flight, hotel rooms, and meals.

Is a CFP Better Than a CFA?

Whether or not a CFP is better than a CFA depends on the kind of work you want to do. CFPs usually work closely with individuals who need personal financial planning advice. A CFA allows you to work with financial institutions or companies. If you plan to work with individuals or small businesses, a CFP certification may be better than a CFA designation.

How We Find the Best CFP Exam Prep Courses

To create a list of the best CFP prep courses offered, we researched six different programs from well-regarded companies. We looked at each program's history, reputation, pricing, guarantees, program structure, in-person versus virtual experience, and other features.

Most prep courses offer study materials, online practice tests, videos, and access to instructors. In addition, some courses even come with a money-back guarantee if you don't pass your CFP test.

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Dalton Review. " The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass ."

Zahn Associates. " Zahn Associates Live Review Program ."

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Kaplan Financial Education. " Kaplan Closes Acquisition Of College For Financial Planning ."

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Master’s in Personal Financial Planning

Online master of science degree in personal financial planning.

The Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning is tailored for financial planners who are interested in expanding their knowledge beyond typical financial licensing and credentials. The curriculum is based on a client-centered, problem-solving method using case studies to give you a hands-on approach to the material.

Students accepted into the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning will select from two pathway options:

• Traditional Pathway or
• Client Psychology and Communication Pathway

The Traditional Pathway allows students to select from a variety of elective courses to fulfill the program’s elective requirements. The Client Psychology and Communication Pathway structures the elective courses to provide students with a more detailed understanding of behavioral finance, client psychology, and improved communication skills.

The Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning is a registered program with the United States CFP Board. Students who earn 15 credits in core coursework and 3 credits in advanced coursework (PFPL600) will satisfy the education requirements to sit for the CFP ® Certification Exam. 

Program at a Glance

Flexible, online format.

The MS-PFP program requires a total of 30 credit hours. It consists of 10 courses that are worth three credit-hours each. Eight of the courses are required while two of the courses are electives. 

Course content is delivered through an innovative online format to give you the flexibility to achieve your next education goals.

Sit for the CFP ® Exam

As a CFP Board Registered Program, our graduate degree fulfills the education requirements for CFP ® certification.

To sit for the national CFP ®  certification examination, the first five courses of our 10 course program and the final case study must be completed. 

Stackable Credit

If you have already completed your required education for CFP ® certification through the College, you may qualify for up to 15 hours of transfer credit toward the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning program, which could put you halfway toward earning your master’s degree. Graduates of certain professional designation programs offered through the College may also qualify for transfer credit.

Learn more about stackable credi t that may apply.

Personal Financial Planning Program Details

Program curriculum.

The Master of Science degree program in Personal Financial Planning is tailored for financial planners who are interested in expanding their knowledge beyond typical financial licensing and credentials. The curriculum is based on a client-centered, problem-solving method using case studies to give you a hands-on approach to the material.

Students accepted into the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning must earn 30 semester credits with a minimum 3.00 grade point average to graduate from the program. A maximum of 21 credits may be completed through Credit for Prior Learning, which includes transfer credit, articulated credit, and alternative credit. For more information about the College's Credit for Prior Learning opportunities, please review the College Catalog

To sit for the national CFP ® certification examination, the first five courses of our 10 course program and the final case study must be completed. 

Course Sessions

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility as you pursue your Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning online.

• Courses are 8 weeks long.
• A minimum of 135 hours of study per course is recommended (approximately 17 hours per week).

Registration for classes opens approximately 5 weeks prior to class start dates.

Academic Calendar (2023-2024)

Academic Calendar (2024-2025)

Required Courses for the MS-PFP Program

The program consists of ten (10 courses) comprised of:

• Eight (8) required courses and
• Two (2) elective courses

The eight required courses include:

Prerequisite(s): None

Prerequisites: PFPL510 and PFPL540, or equivalent

Prerequisite: PFPL520

Prerequisites: PFPL510, PFPL520, PFPL530, PFPL540, PFPL550, or equivalent

Elective Courses for the MS-PFP Program

For the Traditional Pathway, students choose from the following elective courses listed.

For the Client Psychology and Communication Pathway,

• Elective 1 must be PFPL522 Behavioral Finance or earning the Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional℠ designation
• Elective 2 must be PFPL650 Client Psychology and Communications

Prerequisite(s): PFPL510 or PFPL520

Prerequisite(s):  ACCT545

Building on financial statement analysis tools and techniques covered in ACCT545, this course will provide advanced analysis of the asset side of the balance sheet, including receivables, inventory and long-lived assets. Additional coverage includes using financial information in making decisions associated with credit analysis, contracting and valuation. In depth study of the sources and uses of cash, as identified in the statement of cash flows (operations, investing, and financing). 

Prerequisites: None

Prerequisites: PFPL520 (or equivalent)

Prerequisite(s): PFPL510 and PFPL520 (or equivalent)

Prerequisite(s):  PFPL520 and FINA565

This course explores derivatives, alternative investments and alternative investment strategies.  The course covers the mechanics and markets for options, forward and futures contracts. forward and futures pricing, equity options and interest rate derivatives.  Additionally, it covers alternative investments and alternative strategies including the use of derivatives in these strategies.  Learners will be introduced to hedge funds, real assets, private capital, liquid alternatives and the use of derivatives and alternative investments in portfolio management.

Prerequisite: PFPL530

Prerequisite: PFPL550

Prerequisite(s): PFPL560 and PFPL570

Prerequisite(s): PFPL600 and either PFPL522 or ABFP ®

Tuition and Fees

Application Fee: $35

Tuition:   Tuition for each course in the program is $1,450 or $14,500 for the entire degree tuition.

For more information on the Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning fill out the form below

Apply for the MS Personal Financial Planning Program 

Application Process

• Submit a completed Graduate Degree Application with non-refundable application fee
• Order official transcripts directly from the college/university where the undergraduate degree was earned and have it sent directly to the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts submitted to the College from the student will not be accepted. 

College for Financial Planning Attn: Office of the Registrar 9000 E. Nichols Ave Suite 200 Centennial, CO 80112 [email protected]

Please note:

English Language Proficiency

International transcripts, frequently asked questions about the master of science degree in personal financial planning, how can i find out the status of my application, how do i apply.

To apply for admission to the programs, you will need to:

• Complete and submit the application at https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/wealth-management/masters-program/application .
• Pay the application fee.
• Request official transcripts for prior learning from the college/university to be sent directly to the Registrar’s Office.

How does grading within the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning Degree Program work?

Unlike most other programs and courses, grades for the MS program are not solely based upon final examinations. Instead, students are graded on a variety of scheduled assignments, research projects, papers, group discussions, and examinations. A complete listing of all graduate degree program grading policies may be found in the College Catalog .

How many courses/credits are needed to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning?

How often are the master of science degree program courses held.

There are five Master of Science Degree Program course sessions held each year. Classes begin roughly every 10 weeks. The classes last for eight weeks each, and there is a two-week break between classes.

Is a College for Financial Planning student handbook available online?

Students currently enrolled in a program offered by the College for Financial Planning ® - a Kaplan Company can view academic policies in our College Catalog .

Is the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning Degree Program accredited?

The Master of Science Degree in Financial Planning is an accredited program by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Full details can be found on the HLC website . This degree program is also approved as an education requirement by the Certified Financial Planner (CFP)* board for those looking to sit for their CFP Certification.

*The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP), is a Washington, D.C.-based independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to benefit the public by granting, upholding and promoting the Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) certification.

What are the requirements to enroll in the Master of Science Degree Program?

Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning requires the following:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• The equivalent bachelor's and/or graduate degree from a foreign Institution*

A complete listing of all graduate degree requirements may be found in our College Catalog available here .

What is the admissions decision time frame?

What is the expected time to degree, what is the mpas ® designation, and how do i obtain it.

The MPAS ®  is a unique designation available only to graduates of the College’s Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning. It is ideal for individuals who are employed at firms that exclusively reimburse for designations and certifications.  Upon graduation, students have 6 months to apply for the designation. There is no charge to initially obtain the designation; however, designees must complete renewal requirements every two years to maintain it. A detailed list of the requirements can be found on our designation renewal page.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds are calculated for students in accordance with the refund policy. The full program policy can be found in our College Catalog .

What transfer credit is available for the Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning Degree Program?

There are multiple programs and courses that may be eligible for transfer credit into the Master of Science Degree Program in Personal Financial Planning:

• Accredited Behavioral Finance Professional, ABFP SM
• Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor,  APMA ® 
• Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA ®
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC ®  
• Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, CRPS ® 
• Chartered SRI Counselor, CSRIC ® 
• College for Financial Planning ® —a Kaplan Company CFP ®  education program

For more information on transfer credit please view our College Catalog on our policies and forms page for details.

Interested in a Master of Science in Financial Analysis?

The College for Financial Planning ® — a Kaplan Company offers a Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) online program. Coursework is aligned to the the learning outcomes of the CFA Institute's CFA Program, helping concurrently prepared candidates for the Chartered Financial Analyst ® (CFA ® ) exam.