CFP Certification Program - Syllabus & Topic List - Updated

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man

CFP CM certification program syllabus and topic list detailing the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) framework. It outlines the format and testing method for the computer-based CFPCM examination, including exam duration, testing environment, and eligibility path from component exams (Exam 1–4) to the advanced final exam (Exam 5). The syllabus is organized into modules covering financial planning, risk analysis & insurance, retirement planning & benefits, investment planning, tax and estate planning, and advanced financial planning with learning objectives and detailed topic lists.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages90

Reading Time3 h 47 min

AccessFree to download

Format of CFPCM Examination

Testing Method

Exam Duration

Structure of CFPCM Examination

Exams 1–4 and Eligibility for Exam 5

Module I: Introduction to Financial Planning

Module II: Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning (RAIP)

Module III: Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits (RPEB)

Module IV: Investment Planning (IP)

Module V: Tax Planning & Estate Planning (TPEP)

Pattern of Exam 5 (Advanced Financial Planning)

Module VI (Exam 5): Advanced Financial Planning (AFP)

| Phone: +91 91 5271 9562
Email: [IndiaCFPStudent@fpsbindia.org](IndiaCFPStudent@fpsbindia.org)
Website: [india.fpsb.org](india.fpsb.org)
Syllabus & Topic List CFP CM Certification Program
Financial Planning’s Highest Global Standard

| | | | --- | --- | --- | | CFPCM, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM and by Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) . | are certification marks owned outside the U. S. | | About Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB Ltd. ) FPSB Ltd. manages, develops and operates certification, education and related programs for financial planning organizations to benefit the global community by establishing, upholding and promoting worldwide professional standards in financial planning. FPSB demonstrates its commitment to excellence with the marks of professional distinction – CFP, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and CFP Logo Mark – which it owns outside the United States. The FPSB global network consists of organizations in the following 27 territories: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. At the end of 2018, there were 181,360 CFP professionals worldwide. For more, visit [fpsb.org](fpsb.org). Effective 1 April 2019, FPSB Ltd. has taken over administration of India’s CFP certification program. From that date forward, all matters and inquiries pertaining to India's CFP certification program should be directed to FPSB Ltd. Table of Contents Format of CFPCM Examination................................ ................................ .. 4 Structure of CFPCM Examination 5 Pattern of Exam 1 – 4 6 Module I: Introduction to Financial Planning Course Description, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List ... 8 Module II: Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning (RAIP) Course Description, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List . . . 15 Module III: Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits (RPEB) Course Description, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List . . . 22 Module IV: Investment Planning (IP) Course Description, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List . . . 28 Module V: Tax Planning & Estate Planning (TPEP) Course Description, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List ... 35 Pattern of Exam 5 (Advanced Financial Planning) ............ 43 Module VI (Exam 5): Advanced Financial Planning (AFP) Testing Competency, Learning Objectives & Detailed Topic List ........ 45 Format of CFPCM Examination Testing Method: The format of CFPCM examination conducted by FPSB [Ltd. is](Ltd. is)[ ](Ltd. is)[objective Multiple Choice Questions](objective Multiple Choice Questions) (MCQ) in a Computer-based Testing (CBT) . It has the virtues of online examination in that candidates can self-schedule date and timeslot, test centre of their choice as well as the order in which to appear in individual exams. It is a server based examination generating a unique set of question items ina specified arrangement and difficulty grade for each candidate in his/her one or more attempts. The examination takes place in controlled and secured environment of Exam Administrator at their specified test centres throughout India. The link for test centres is: [http://nseindia.com/education/content/testing_center.htm](http://nseindia.com/education/content/testing_center.htm) Exam Duration: Exam 1 – 4: Two (2) hours each for Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3 and Exam 4 Exam 5: Four (4) hours Structure of CFPCM Examination Exam 1 – 4 tests the competency of a candidate in individual components of Financial Planning. They can be attempted in any order by the candidate. Only after a candidate is successful in all the component exams, Exam 1 – 4, he/she is eligible to take an attempt a

FAQs

What is the testing method and environment for the CFPCM examination?

The exam uses objective multiple choice questions delivered through computer-based testing (CBT) in a controlled and secured environment at designated test centres.

How do Exams 1–4 relate to eligibility for Exam 5?

A candidate can attempt Exams 1–4 in any order. Only after being successful in all component exams (Exam 1–4) is the candidate eligible to take an attempt at the final Exam 5.

Which modules are included in the CFP CM certification program syllabus?

The syllabus includes Module I (Introduction to Financial Planning), Module II (Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning), Module III (Retirement Planning & Employee Benefits), Module IV (Investment Planning), Module V (Tax Planning & Estate Planning), and Module VI for advanced financial planning (AFP) in Exam 5.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Mary Man

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