A Guide to Using the CFP^® Marks

Not sure how to use the CFP^® marks on your business card? You are not alone. The purpose of this guide is to help you better understand the proper usage of the CFP^® marks. This helps CFP Board protect the value of the trademark.

To begin, it is important to know when to use the ^® and when to the use the ^™. When you spell out “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^™, you must use the trademark symbol immediately following it. When you abbreviate to CFP^® you must use the registered mark.

How to use the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Marks 

When using CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, there are a number of rules you must follow beyond the ™ mark.

• You must use all capital letters or small cap font.
• You must use the ™ symbol at the end.
• The mark must be associated with individual(s) certified by CFP Board – not companies or groups.
• You may use “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™” following an individual name certified by CFP Board (ex. John Smith, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™)
• If not using with an individual name, you must follow “CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™” with one of CFP Board’s approved nouns. These include:
  • Certificant
  • Certification
  • Practitioner
  • Professional
  • Mark
  • Exam

How to Use CFP^® Marks

Similarly, when using “CFP^®,” there are a number of rules you must follow beyond the ^® mark.

• You must use all capital letters.
• You cannot use periods.
• You must use the ^_® symbol after "CFP^®."
• The mark must be associated with individual(s) certified by CFP Board – not companies or groups.
• You may use “CFP^®” following an individual name certified by CFP Board (ex. John Smith, CFP^®).
• If not using with an individual name, you must follow “CFP^®” with one of CFP Board’s approved nouns. These include:
  • Certificant
  • Professional
  • Practitioner
  • Certification
  • Mark
  • Exam

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If you're able to advertise your CFP® Certification, that means it's time to make sure you know about continuing education. You can get more information here.