Overseas qualifications

Transferring your CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM certification to the UK

If you achieved your CFPCM certification overseas you can transfer your certification to the UK if you're planning on migrating here, or if you're already based here and want to practice as a CFPCM professional.

Step 1. Transferring your existing CFP Certification

In order to begin processing your transfer, you will need to provide us with the following:

  • A copy of your current certificate
  • A note of your membership number together with the address of your certificate issuer
  • Confirmation of the date you intend to move to the UK

Send these details to us by emailing education@financialplanning.org.uk and we’ll then contact the relevant FPSB affiliate to confirm you are a member.

Step 2. Becoming a member of the Institute of Financial Planning

To be a CFPCM professional, you must be a member of the IFP. Once the FPSB affiliate has confirmed you are a member, we’ll send you our own certification registration forms as well as the IFP Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. By completing the forms, agreeing to abide by our Code of Ethics and Practice Standards, and providing payment of the annual CFPCM professional's membership fee, you will become a member of the Institute of Financial Planning.

Click here to find out more about becoming a member.

Step 3. Additional qualifications required to practice as a registered adviser

In order to be able to practice as a registered adviser in the UK, to offer Financial Planning services, and to use the CFPCM certification mark, you must hold certain minimum UK professional qualifications. There are a range of organisations providing these qualifications such as Calibrand, IFS and CII amongst others. You can find details of these qualifications on the FSA website (www.fsa.gov.uk).

Once you have successfully completing an appropriate examination, the IFP will need to see a copy of your certificate. It is only at this stage that you will be eligible to use the CFPCM certification mark in the UK.

You should be aware that from 2013, all investment advisers will be required to hold higher level qualifications so you should take advice on the most appropriate qualification route from your potential employer or a professional body.