Mayo wrote:
- quote -

Mayo,
Sounds like you're off to a good start. One thing to keep in mind is
that the CFP credential isn't required to work as a financial planner,
it's more or less a marketing kind of thing that can help you get
clients (or a job). But it's not at all unusual to get a planning job
while still needing the 3 years of work experience. So don't let that
point get in your way.

If you don't already have some background in the area, the CFP program
is a good way to cover that. The course work and passing the test will
show you've covered the basics in the different areas of planning, and
that should help you to find a job. Then after you have the work
experience you'll get the actual credential.

You might want to check out the discussion boards at Financial Planning
magazine, there's a whole board devoted to these topics ("getting
started and career building"). And you can read up on the details of the
CFP credential at www.fpanet.org.

-Tad

I am hoping to get some advice from people on the group.

I am interested in changing careers and I think becoming a financial
planner would be a good option, I believe I will enjoy the work and
will be good at it

I did some research and believe that getting a CFP certificate is a
good idea (I will need to take some classes to meet the requirements
to sit for the test)

The question I have is how can I gain the necessary experience (3
years)?, It looks like a chicken and egg problem, you need the CFP
certificate to get experience but you need experience to get the CFP
certificate

I appreciate any advice