United States
Hong KongReinstating certification after a lapse
Reinstatement generally requires catching up continuing education, paying outstanding fees, and making a current ethics declaration. A longer lapse can require re-examination, so the length matters considerably.
Reversible, and the effort scales with how long it ran - which is the argument for dealing with it early. Deal with it early.
Why certification lapses
- The annual fee was not paid, often because an employer stopped paying it.
- Continuing education was not completed or not reported in time.
- A career break, parental leave or a period outside the industry.
- A move to a role where the marks were not required.
- A change of address or email meaning reminders were not received.
The last is more common than it sounds, and it is worth keeping contact details current with CFP Board for exactly this reason.
What reinstatement generally requires
- An application to CFP Board.
- Outstanding continuing education, brought up to date.
- Fees, including any reinstatement fee.
- A current ethics declaration and background check.
- For a longer lapse, potentially re-examination.
The re-examination point is the one that makes the length of a lapse consequential. Confirm the current thresholds with CFP Board, since the policy is theirs and it is updated.
A lapse is an administrative matter. Continuing to use the CFP marks while not certified is a Standards violation and a misrepresentation to clients, which turns a paperwork problem into a conduct one.
What to do first
Remove the marks from your email signature, business cards, website, LinkedIn profile and any marketing, immediately. Do it today.
Then contact CFP Board and start the process. Acting quickly is both the cheaper route and evidence of good faith if anything is questioned later.
During a planned career break
Maintaining certification through a break is generally simpler and cheaper than reinstating afterwards - the fee and thirty hours of CE every two years against an application, catch-up and possibly an exam.
Anyone anticipating time out of the industry should weigh that before letting it go.
Preventing it
Set a reminder for the fee and a separate one for the CE deadline. Keep contact details current. Confirm each year that an employer who pays the fee actually paid it.
Three small habits that prevent the whole of this page becoming relevant.
CFP® is a registered mark of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. We are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, CFP Board. Confirm requirements against cfp.net, which is the authority.
Common questions
How do you reinstate lapsed CFP certification?
By applying to CFP Board, bringing continuing education up to date, paying outstanding and reinstatement fees, and making a current ethics declaration with a background check.
Does a lapse mean retaking the exam?
It can, for a longer lapse. Confirm the current thresholds with CFP Board, since the length of the lapse is what makes the difference.
Can you use the marks while lapsed?
No. Doing so is a Standards violation and a misrepresentation to clients, which turns an administrative problem into a conduct matter.
What should you do first?
Remove the marks from every signature, card, website and profile immediately, then contact CFP Board. Acting quickly is cheaper and is evidence of good faith.
Should you maintain certification during a career break?
Usually. The fee and thirty CE hours every two years is simpler and cheaper than an application, catch-up and possible re-examination afterwards.