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The examination, namely CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level)¹ , is designed to assess an examinee’s ability in applying the financial planning knowledge and skills learned from the education program. Examination questions are based on knowledge, skills and abilities required of financial planners in Hong Kong (For details, please see the Financial Planner Competency Profile Report) and are developed by academics and industry experts to ensure the questions reflect real-world financial planning.  Passing the examinations demonstrate an examinee's proficiency in knowledge, skills and abilities related to financial planning.

The examination is in the format of multiple choice questions.

Pre-requisites to the Examination

Candidates are eligible to enroll in the examination after they have completed, or are exempted from the AFP Certification Education Program.

Examination Coverage

Candidates are recommended to review the examination syllabus in the Examination Handbook (for June 2025 exams)/ Examination Handbook (for Dec 2025 exams and onwards) for examination topics and weightings. Candidates who have enrolled in the CFP Certification Education Program/AFP Certification Education Program may review the Syllabus - Descriptive Content Coverage available at Candidates Corner after members' login.

Candidates may also refer to the Sample Questions to help familiarize themselves with the form and style of examination questions.

Examination Frequency

CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) will be held TWICE per year usually in JUNE and DECEMBER.

Candidates may refer to the Examination Time Schedule for details of upcoming examinations.

Grading

All questions in the examination are of equal marks. The CFP Certification Examination (Foundation Level) is graded PASS or FAIL. Examinees who are unable to attend the examination will be regarded as ABSENT.

Re-examination and Time Limit

An examination fee reduction is available for re-sit examinees². There is no limit on the maximum number of re-sit examinations that an examinee can take.

Examination Results

Examination results are normally available within six weeks after the examination.  Examinees may check the results on the IFPHK website. A notification email will be sent to examinees to notify them of the release of examination results.  

For examination enrolment, you may click HERE.

¹  Formerly known as the “AFP Certification Examination” (prior to 2014).

²  The examination fee reduction is subject to review and change by the IFPHK from time to time.