Most consumers believe that all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Anyone can call themselves a “financial planner.” However, only those who have fulfilled the certification requirements of the CFP Board can display the CFP® certification marks, which represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism.
This certification is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. – See more at the CFP Board’s website.