The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) is a prominent American nonprofit organization that administers the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, setting and enforcing rigorous standards for financial planning professionals in the United States. Founded in 1985 through an agreement between the College for Financial Planning and the International Association for Financial Planners, the organization emerged from professionalization efforts dating back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. It operates as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit focused on certification, education, and ethical oversight rather than direct service provision. The CFP Board requires professionals to complete extensive education, pass a comprehensive exam, gain relevant experience, and adhere to a strict code of ethics to earn the globally recognized CFP credential. With over 100,000 CFP professionals in the U.S., the organization plays a crucial role in elevating industry standards, protecting consumers, promoting fiduciary responsibility, enforcing disciplinary actions, and collaborating with regulatory bodies. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the CFP Board also engages in public awareness campaigns, financial literacy research, and advocacy for best practices and transparency in the financial services sector.