Minnesota State University, Mankato's Financial Planning Certificate Program was initiated in 1998 with the registration of the curriculum by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) in Denver, CO. The program was established to meet the need for financial planning professionals to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the financial planning industry, as well as the educational requirement needed to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007, employment opportunities for personal financial advisors is expected to grow "faster-than-average" (21-35 percent) for all occupations through 2014. In past handbooks, they have stated that "Financial advisors who have either the CFP® Certification or ChFC designation are expected to have the best opportunities."

CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP registered logo marks are certification marks owned by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements which include the following:

• Have a Bachelor's degree
• Fulfill the education requirement
• Pass CFP Board's CFP® Certification Examination
• Satisfy a work experience requirement
• Agree to abide with CFP Board's Code of Ethics & Professional Responsibilities

Minnesota State University, Mankato does not certify individuals to use the CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP registered logo certification marks . CFP certification is granted by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. to those persons who, in addition to completing an educational requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements.