CFP Professional Competency Examination case studies
CFP Professional Competency Examination · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER credential is described by the Financial Planning Standards Board as the most desired and respected global certification for those seeking to demonstrate a commitment to competent and ethical financial planning practice. It is aimed at financial planners and advisers who want to signal to clients and potential clients that they have met rigorous competency, ethics and professional practice standards for comprehensive financial planning. Certification is not a one-off event: CFP professionals must meet initial and ongoing education, experience and professional development requirements, pass a rigorous exam that assesses competency, and adhere to a code of ethics, pledging to provide financial planning in the interests of clients. FPSB and its network of organizations administer, or are preparing to administer, the program in 29 countries and territories, and there were over 236,000 CFP professionals worldwide at the end of 2025. The CFP Professional Competency Examination case studies are 5 cases and about 5,271 words.
1The Rollover That Was Priced for the Planner
Zhou is 56 and plans to retire in 18 months at age 58. Her employer 401(k) holds 612,000, of which 48,000 is employer stock with a 14,000 cost basis.
1,020 words, about 5 min2The Annuity, the Commission, and the Mortgage Referral
Ruth Alvarez is 71, widowed eight months ago, with 1.1 million in investable assets and 2,900 a month in Social Security. She needs about 30,000 a year from her portfolio.
1,042 words, about 5 min3The New Friend, the Wire, and the Trust Amendment
Arthur Chen, 79, has engaged Priya to review his 4.2 million estate. Eight months ago he met a man named Victor at a golf club.
1,074 words, about 5 min4The Social Media Portfolio
Marcus is a CFP® professional at a small registered investment adviser. He has built a following on social media.
1,070 words, about 5 min5The Signature That Could Not Have Been Signed
Elena is a two-year associate at a 40-person planning firm. While reviewing an insurance file for a shared client, she finds an application for a 1 million variable universal life policy with a 60,000 annual premium.
1,065 words, about 5 min