Who certifies a CFP?

Since you already appear to have some familiarity with Usenet, it's time to introduce you to the rest of the Internet. On the World Wide Web, there are some search engines such as Yahoo! or Google which will quickly lead you to

-Mark Bole

See

Note a bachelor's degree (or high school diploma, for that matter) is not yet required to become a CFP. Nor do I expect the 2007 requirement to be retroactive. My understanding is the same is generally true of Registered Investment Advisors (RIA's) and other advisor categories where initials are often used to indicate some kind of accreditation. IMO newbies need to understand that they may easily possess as much or more "smarts" than the typical CFP, RIA, etc., and so are as capable of mastering the material they master. Of course, experience counts for a lot, but without more assurance of a foundation of good analytical skills, I am concerned for those relying on the counsel of a single financial advisor, chosen somewhat at random. Always ask questions, and walk away from any advisor who discourages asking questions.