A practical CFP study plan works through the eight knowledge areas over four to six months on top of your required coursework, building toward integrated case studies and full practice exams.
A realistic six-month plan totalling a few hundred hours of dedicated review. Thread ethics and the planning process throughout, and make integrated case studies the core, not an afterthought.
| Month | Focus | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Principles + Professional Conduct and Regulation | You know the planning process and the standards |
| 2 | Risk Management and Insurance Planning | You can match coverage to a client’s risks |
| 3 | Investment Planning + Tax Planning | You can plan tax-aware around a portfolio |
| 4 | Retirement Savings and Income Planning | You can build a retirement income strategy |
| 5 | Estate Planning + Psychology of Financial Planning | You can outline an estate plan and advise clearly |
| 6 | Full practice exams + integrated cases + weak-area revision | You consistently pass timed, full-length mocks |
Final-month tips
Do multiple full-length, timed practice exams to build stamina across both sections, and centre your revision on integrated case studies that join insurance, tax, retirement and estate planning around one client. Revisit conduct and regulation and your weakest specialisms. Confirm current exam logistics, the approved calculator and fees with CFP Board.