Earning the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification demonstrates your commitment to high standards, ethical practice, and client-focused financial planning. FPSB Ireland, part of a global network of 28 organisations, oversees certification in Ireland and ensures it meets international standards.
The certification process follows four key pillars: Education, Examination, Experience, and Ethics. Each must be completed before submitting your application. The FPSB Ireland Board reviews applications four times a year in February, April, August, and November, with approvals issued the following month.
Education:
Candidates must hold the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation and complete an FPSB Ireland approved financial planning programme. Two pathways are available:
Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Delivered by The Institute of Banking College of Professional Finance, a recognised college of UCD, in association with the Irish Tax Institute.
[Find more details here →]
Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning
Delivered by LIA and accredited by Atlantic Technological University Sligo.
[Find more details here →]
These qualifications are standalone awards and form the educational foundation for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Examination:
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ exam tests your ability to apply financial planning knowledge in real-life scenarios. It assesses analysis, judgement, and decision-making across taxation, retirement, estate planning, investments, and insurance.
FPSB Ireland administers the exam under strict professional and academic standards. Exams usually take place in February and June.
[View FPSB Ireland Examination Regulations →]
Experience:
Candidates must complete three years of relevant financial planning experience, including at least one year as an Approved Practitioner. This ensures CFP® professionals can combine technical expertise with practical, client-focused experience.
[View FPSB Experience Requirement for CFP® Certification →]
Ethics:
All candidates must agree to FPSB Ireland’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, which sets standards for integrity, fairness, and professional conduct. Certified planners must disclose any investigations or legal matters related to their professional behaviour and always act in the best interests of clients.
[Read the FPSB Code of Ethics →]
Application and Approval
Once all four requirements are complete, submit your CFP® Certification Application Form and Record of Experience. The FPSB Ireland Board reviews each application. After approval, you may use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ title.
Ongoing Competency
Certification is not a one-time achievement. Every CFP® professional must complete at least 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year, or more if required by regulators. Ongoing learning keeps professionals up to date with technical knowledge, ethics, and industry changes.
CFP® professionals must continue to follow FPSB Ireland’s Code of Ethics and Practice Standards throughout their careers.
Re-Certification
CFP® certification is valid for three years. At the end of each period, professionals must apply for re-certification and confirm that they continue to meet all standards, including ethics, practice, and CPD. Re-certification protects the strength and trust of the CFP® designation worldwide.
Next Steps
Ready to begin your journey?
Download the Guide to CFP® Certification for details on requirements, timelines, and maintaining your certification.
[Download the Guide →]