What is a CPA/PFS?
The Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential allows CPAs to demonstrate additional study and knowledge in the field of personal financial planning. CPA/PFS credential holders have met specific experience, education and examination requirements that differs from other CPAs and financial planners that allow them to hold themselves out as Personal Financial Specialists.
Requirements
Eligibility: You will need the following:
- Hold a valid CPA license and be a regular member of the AICPA.
- For the Standard and Certificate pathways, earn a minimum of 75 hours of PFP continuing professional development (CPD) within the 5 years preceding your PFS application.
- For the Experienced pathway, earn a minimum of 105 hours of PFP continuing professional development (CPD) within the 7 years preceding your PFS application.
- For the Standard and Certificate pathways, within the 5 years preceding the PFS application you have completed 2 years of full-time business or teaching experience (or 3,000 hours equivalent) in personal financial planning or, for candidates in academia, a qualified credential holder should be a full-time professor and have taught at least 4 accredited college courses with 50% of their material included in the PFS Body of Knowledge.
- For the Experienced pathway, within the 7 years preceding the PFS application you have completed 5 years of full-time business experience (or 7,500 hours equivalent) in personal financial planning
- Pass the PFS Exam - available both online and at testing centers.