Beyond its intrinsic value, CFP certification provides a wealth of opportunities for professional advancement. Board-certified CFPs are well positioned to access national networking and leadership opportunities within a vibrant and diverse community of experts, fostering connections and shared knowledge with practitioners dedicated to advancing the field. Additionally, CFP certification may contribute to workplace benefits such as salary increases, promotions, licensure mobility, and the attraction of new clients and business opportunities. Given these benefits, board-certified CFPs are equipped with the expertise and access to drive innovation, shape best practices, and inspire future generations in the field.
In summary, board certification in CFP offers significant value in several ways:
- Professional credibility
- Demonstrated competence
- Quality assurance
- Career advancement
- Professional networking
- Consumer protection
All applicants for board certification in CFP must meet general eligibility requirements set by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and specialty-specific eligibility requirements established by the American Board of Couple and Family Psychology (ABCFP). Once approved by ABPP as having met the general eligibility requirements, the application is forwarded to the ABCFP for specialty eligibility review.
The ABCFP offers applicants a choice between two tracks for pursuing candidacy in CFP—the Standard Track or the Senior Track—depending on their background and experience. The Senior Track requires 15 years of practice and additional documentation of specialization (please see Board Certification Process – Senior Track for more detail).
Each applicant is evaluated by a current Board member to ensure all specialty-specific eligibility criteria are met for the selected track. If a Board member determines that an applicant has not met all specialty-specific eligibility criteria and the applicant disagrees, they are encouraged to request an individualized review of their credentials by a panel of the Board.
Regardless of whether an applicant is on the Standard or Senior Track, the board certification process proceeds through three stages:
- Stage I: Application for candidacy
- Stage II: Submission of a professional statement and evidence of competence
- Stage III: Oral examination
For more detailed information on the board certification process, please refer to the ABCFP Manual, available for download in the document library.
Becoming CFP board certified differs from joining an association in that board certification is a widely recognized professional credential rather than membership in a professional interest group.
If you are unsure, you are encouraged to contact the ABCFP Credentials Reviewer to discuss your situation before applying. This allows you to determine whether your current credentials meet the training requirements. If they do not, you can also discuss potential options for additional training to help you meet ABCFP requirements. Please visit the ABCFP Officers page for contact information for the current Credentials Reviewer.
All exams are conducted virtually via video conferencing.
The Board strives to conduct oral examinations in a collegial manner. Examiners will pose questions about the specific features of the cases submitted as work samples. Typically, examinees are asked to place their cases within the context of relevant theoretical and scientific literature. Examinees should be prepared to present the systemic rationale supporting their intervention, consultation, and assessment techniques. A portion of the exam includes ethical vignettes for discussion.
Examinees are encouraged to review the competency areas outlined in the ABCFP Manual, available in the Document Library, to be familiar with the which areas are likely to be addressed.
There are many pathways to demonstrating CFP competency. If you choose to apply for board certification, a mentor can be assigned upon request to review and discuss your qualifications and assist you throughout the application process.
The CFP specialty has incorporated the 2017 APA Multicultural Guidelines into its foundational competencies for board certification. These guidelines represent an inclusive, systemic approach to understanding and intervening with couples, families, and larger social systems. The complete guidelines are available here.