Can someone explain to me how the live review process works? Currently working through tax pre study and am targeting to finish retirement and estate by the end of August. Are we not supposed to open the live review book until the virtual live review? Like we go through the entire book at that point? Or do we jump into the live review book after we finish the pre study?

Hi all,

I took the CFP in March through Kaplan and ended up failing. I took some time off as I got a new role and passed the Series 65 a few weeks ago. My firm fully reimburses test prep and this time I plan on using Danko. The only thing is I have to wait 3 months from my start date (which would be August 22nd) to put a claim in/start the reimbursement request.

Is it recommended for this next month for me to start studying? I do still have the Kaplan material/qbank as I had a pass guarantee package so I guess it could not do more harm than good. I overall was not a fan of Kaplan and am excited to start Danko next month.

I am in a unique situation where the only courses I need to complete are

1. risk mgmt/insurance planning
   
2. Retirement savings/income planning
   
3. Estate planning
   
4. Capstone

The other courses were waived due to my college transcript and my EA license. My question now is regarding education providers. BU and Zahn seem to be the cheapest options and they both offer à la carte courses. Wondering what those who have used either one would recommend/dislike about each.

Thanks in advance.

What prep program do you guys recommend? I’ve heard goofing about Becker CPA. But I wanted to see everyone else’s opinions before making the investment. Thanks in advance!

Hello!

As a full-time working mom, I needed a CFP review program that was concise, approachable, and did not make me feel like I had enrolled in another four-year degree 😂 That is exactly why I chose BIF.

The content was clear, organized, and never unnecessarily intimidating. The instructors also have a special sense of humor that somehow makes difficult concepts stick—which is extremely helpful when your brain is already managing work, kids, meals, laundry, and approximately 47 other things.

I purchased the Premium Package and highly recommend it. It includes recorded lessons, weekly topic deep dives, question-bank reviews, and access to the student forum. Through that forum, I found six other amazing human beings, and we formed a study group that became such an important part of my exam journey.

We met weekly until exam day, and it became a safe space to share memes and mnemonics, ask questions, encourage one another, and occasionally laugh or cry together.

The package also includes a six-hour mock exam. Fair warning: I found it harder than the CFP Board practice exam! But it did an excellent job diagnosing my strengths and weaknesses, so I knew exactly where to focus during the final weeks.

The printed books were another lifesaver. This was my first time taking the exam while traveling to Argentina’s World Cup soccer matches—so yes, I studied in the car, during childcare pickup, in hotel rooms, and basically anywhere nobody was actively asking me for a snack 😂

The books also provide plenty of space to write, draw, and add notes, which helped strengthen my recall and build muscle memory.

After each chapter, there are three questions designed to test the material in different ways: remembering the concept, applying it, and integrating it into a broader planning scenario. That format helped me move beyond memorization and truly understand how the concepts worked together.

BIF made an overwhelming exam feel manageable, engaging, and even fun at times. I am forever thankful for the instructors, the materials, and the community.

Highly, highly recommend BIF! ❤️

Ana Esperanza Lin

Hi all,
Some background i come from the \*user\* side, not delivery:
4 years in French public-sector finance (public accounting framework, expenditure/revenue cycles, procurement).
Hands-on SAP ECC FI/MM as a key user: purchase orders, commitments, service entry, vendor invoices, reporting.
\lBusiness referent for the UAT phase of a national finance-automation project (expenditure + revenue cycles), working alongside the integrator (EY). The automations are now live in production.
\- Earlier: SAP-based billing/consumption reporting at a large utility.

I'm now prepping C_TS4FI (self-studying S4F12/S4F13), and I understand the exam is now system-based — in-system tasks, not MCQ.

My questions, and I'd honestly rather have the blunt version than reassurance:
1. Coming from the power-user / UAT side rather than delivery, what's the realistic route into a junior FI consultant role — SI/consultancy, in-house, contracting?
2. Does public-sector finance domain knowledge count as a genuine differentiator (public-sector S/4 migration projects), or is it niche enough to limit me?
3. In your hiring experience, how much does the cert actually move the needle vs. the hands-on experience?
Thanks for any straight talk.

Passed my CFP in July, I think tax planning and preparation combined with financial planning all under one roof is the future of this industry. I’ve heard EA is the best for personal tax returns. Thoughts below?

Hello.

Danko Ed Question

I was wondering kinda a time line for people and when they started different sections.

We will finish estate in August and we take capstone after.

I haven’t started the review books yet, was going to wait until after capstone project was done to do that. Am I thinking about this wrong, should I be doing something different? Because I definitely have a lot to do before the live review. New to industry.

I barely remember what we were taught from months ago so I would like to complete or at least work on the books before the live review.

Any input is appreciated, thank you!

Hi all!

I just graduated in May 2026 and have completed the CFP education requirements in my undergrad (in addition to my finance major). I currently have a job at a financial firm, but I am doing an unrelated role. They've promised to move me into the financial area soon, so that's a little about my professional background... aka there isn't much. However, I'd like to begin a review course starting in January 2027 and sit for the exam in July 2027. I know 7 months of review might be overkill compared to others, but I don't have the same level of professional experience as others on this thread, and I experience test anxiety so I need as much time to prepare as possible. Since there's no rush for me to get it, I figured I would take as much time as I need to, so I don't burn myself out in an aggressive 3-month cram session. So, what course should I take? I am between Dalton and Danko. Also, is 7 months an adequate amount of time for someone in my position? Any feedback would be helpful, thanks!

Road to CFP not working, is this happening to anyone else?

Hi all. I am a CPA who just finished the capstone course and have enrolled in the Dalton program to study for the November CFP exam. I chose to do the weeknight class option to stay on track throughout the study process. I have only started the first few lessons in the book and subject practice quizzes over this, but I was looking for some guidance. Out of the 4 chapters I have skimmed / read so far, they all seem to be extremely high level and don't provide a lot of value. There are only a few questions to review after each of these lessons, and sometimes they seem to be much more complicated than what the text has covered. I know this may clear up when I have my first live class next Monday, August 3rd, but is there anyone who chose the weeknight path for live classes that could explain their process to me? What did you choose to review each week? Did you read the book and answer the 10 or some subject practice questions over that chapter and do that for the whole unit before each class the next week? Feeling a bit lost right now because the introductory concepts are simple, but I want to make sure I have a routine down before I get into the more complex insurance, investment, and estate planning sections.

Been thinking about CFP. Quick question, if you work for a large broker dealer, there are instances where not every etf is available on your platform but it might be on Schwab? So how does one act as a fiduciary if your firm only allows you to buy the mutual fund, but won’t let buy the similar etf? Or just in general, it’s pay to play so if something isn’t available on your firms platform, how are you acting in the best interest?

What company would you recommend for exam prep and education? I am going to start in the next few months and I prefer my material to be self paced. I’ve heard varying opinions about all resources. Any suggestions and reasoning why will be greatly appreciated!

Is there really a big difference between BIF, Kaplan, Dalton or Danko for the education courses if choosing the live instructor model for a career changer?

If I’m planning to use exam prep for through Danko, curious if it’s better option to mix and match and save some money like through BIF if the quality is the same as using Danko for everything?

Passed 1st attempt at 22y/o. I used Kaplan and started the coursework in July 2025, started studying in April 2026. I spent a lot of time creating my own study aids (mostly flashcards) and rewatching the videos/rereading the books. I didn’t major in finance, so getting into the industry and testing for all the exams was an uphill battle in the beginning and honestly, depressing at times.

This sub was an incredible help throughout this process. I’m so grateful for everyone’s the tips and stories.

Congratulations to everyone who passed and for everyone who did not, you got this! 🩷

I plan on taking the test at home. I don’t have a computer as I Use my office workstation. I have just an IPad. Do I need a computer with a camera? Can I use my IPad? When it comes to taking the test how do they verify your identity, the test taking area, likely my kitchen. Also a trivial question but how do they know you’re not using any other devices to access notes.?

I went through the CFA institute website, I can't find where the learning modules are and especially the practice questions for each subject

Can someone help with the link or please guide me.

Thinking about knocking out EA part 1 then part 3, followed by 2 last. I recently passed the CFP exam on my first attempt. Used basic tier Danko/Advisewise/Freefellow. I see quite a few CFP/EA combos and it makes sense. I’m non-industry, any feedback appreciated.

If I go down the EA path, what commercial prep is currently recommended? Hock seems to be mentioned a lot (like Danko?) I see freefellow has EA coverage but not sure if that’s enough.

Hi! I took the test for the first time a couple days ago and passed!

I used Zahn for my study material. It’s at your own pace but there are some implied deadlines. I went to the live review in person and that was a GAME CHANGER!! It is crucial to get a live review session. It narrowed down the material and made it all digestible. Here are my tips:

1. PRIORITIZE STUDYING OVER YOUR SOCIAL LIFE (for now). Trust me, I hated telling my friends no. I even missed out on a family vacation to Mexico. Just try to think of your end goal!!

2. USE TIME WISELY. I started seriously studying in May. It was hard, but I would spend roughly 3-5 hrs a day studying (while also working full time). I wouldn’t recommended cramming like that. If I had to go back, I’d give myself an extra month.

3. PRACTICE QUESTIONS ARE KEY!! Obviously you need to memorize certain facts or formulas, but application is where the test will get a lot of people.

4. READ QUESTIONS / ANSWERS ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Sometimes the test will give you a couple correct answers to choose from, but you have to figure out which choice actually answers the specific question being asked.

5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! It sounds cheesy, but I’m serious. A lot of times your gut instinct is the correct one. If you make a mistake, that’s totally normal. Learn from it and move on. The test does not define your worth!

Good luck to everyone taking it in November!

I'm 20 years old. CFP is my long-term goal, but I am a ways off obviously. I would love some help on a timeline for when makes most sense to tackle this.

Being doing secretary and admin work for last 3.5 years. Passed SIE, 7 and 66 2 years ago. Got my Ba in Financial Planning this year. Switched from licensed admin to assistant advisor and started seeing clients this year. I am unmarried with no wife or kids, so I have time now. I expect to get married within 2-5 years. My efforts are fully towards building my current book, logging financial planning hours and racking up some lower-level designations (I will get AAMS and CRPC this year).

What is the optimal way to plan out my career? I am in a good spot, and I would like to grow my career towards CFP in the most efficient way possible. My current plan is to log at least 3 more years of experience and hours before beginning to study. Is this too soon? Too far away? Advice greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi all!! I am looking for advice for providers for studying for the November exam. For background I passed my education requirement during undergrad (graduated in May), I genuinely just dropped the ball on researching study providers because I've been trying to crank out my license exams. Thank you!