In 1987, CFP Board registered the first 25 institutions to offer financial planning education programs based on an approved curriculum.

[2] Four years later, the organization introduced a comprehensive CFP Certification Examination to test individuals’ ability to integrate and apply the knowledge gained from the financial planning curriculum.

In 2021, CFP Board's latest Practice Analysis Study introduced a new Principal Knowledge Topic domain called the Psychology of Financial Planning.

[9] CFP Board Center for Financial Planning develops and implements programs and initiatives in three priority areas:[10] CFP Board Center for Financial Planning programs are primarily funded by corporate sponsorships and gifts from individual donors.

[11] A nonprofit, international standards-setting body, FPSB manages, develops and operates certification, education and related programs for financial planning organizations so that they may benefit and protect the global community by establishing, upholding and promoting worldwide professional standards in personal financial planning.

Future applicants must take a new course that demonstrates the ability to deliver professional and competent financial planning services to the public.

[26] This "Capstone" course requirement took effect for all students with matriculation dates after January 1, 2012, and for those who apply for "Challenge" status after March 2012;[27] with changes announced in December 2014.

[34] In 2006, the Board hosted its first Financial Planning Clinic in the Los Angeles area, allowing participant to attend workshops and hold private consultations with volunteer CFP professionals at no cost.

After 2006, CFP Board hosted additional Financial Planning Clinics in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami, Oakland, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.[35] The organization ended this program in 2010.

[37][38] The campaign used paid national advertising (a mix of TV, radio and online ads), social media and public relations efforts to promote the benefits of working with a CFP professional.

CFP Board has continued to execute similar campaigns every year since, launching its latest iteration in March 2023.

[40] As part of these public awareness efforts, CFP Board launched a consumer education website called LetsMakeAPlan.org in 2011.

CFP Board has a registered provider system of colleges that offer approved financial planning courses.