Next Exam Window 22-26 October, 2025

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Military Qualified Financial Planner - MQFP

If your questions or concerns are not addressed by the FAQs,

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MQFP FAQs

 

1. What is the Military Qualified Financial Planner – MQFP® certification?

The MQFP® is a professional certification for fee-only fiduciary financial professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and experience serving military and veteran families. It signals a deep understanding of military life, benefits, and financial challenges.

The initial MQFP® Advisory Committee—composed of experienced financial professionals and subject matter experts in military finance—created the standards and the original exam. Membership of the Advisory Committee has expanded and changed since the inception of the program.

The MQFP® trademark is owned by The Military Financial Readiness Objective (TMFRO), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Virginia. All revenue supports the MQFP® Certification Program and other initiatives to enhance the financial readiness of military and veteran families.

To earn the MQFP® marks, you must:

  • Meet the eligibility requirements (see next FAQ)
  • Pass the MQFP® certification exam
  • Remain in good standing with ongoing requirements, including annual dues and continuing education

Candidates must meet all the following:

  • Hold one of the following credentials: AFC®, CFP®, CFA®, ChFC®, CPA, or a license to practice law in the U.S.
  • Have military affiliation (servicemember, veteran, spouse, or former spouse)
  • Meet ethical and legal standards (e.g., no felony convictions for violent or financial crimes; no suspended/revoked licenses)
  • Be a fee-only fiduciary, as defined by NAPFA. If currently employed, your firm must also meet this standard.
  • Active-duty applicants must have a satisfactory service record; veterans must have a discharge of Honorable, General, or Other Than Honorable.

The MQFP® exam focuses on military-specific financial knowledge and does not test general financial literacy. A pre-existing credential ensures candidates already meet that baseline.

Financial professionals with lived military experience are often better equipped to relate to and support military and veteran families. This shared background builds trust and improves outcomes.

Waivers are rare but may be granted in exceptional circumstances. If you believe your background merits consideration, you’re welcome to submit a request to the Advisory Committee.

Development began in 2021, and the certification became publicly available in 2023.

  • 100 multiple-choice questions
  • 2-hour time limit
  • Minimum passing score: 72
  • Randomly generated from a question bank of 300+ items
  • Equal question distribution across 24 knowledge areas
  • Results are reviewed after each exam cycle for fairness and accuracy

The total cost is $300, which includes:

  • $50 nonrefundable application fee
  • $250 exam fee (covers two attempts and your first year of certification dues)

We recommend reviewing the reference materials listed on our website. They were used to develop the exam questions and provide essential context for success.

Yes!

  • A live prep course was offered at MilMoneyCon25. It was well-received and we are planning to offer more live exam prep courses in the future.
  • An online self-paced course is in development (expected summer 2025).
  • Additional resources are available in our Resource Guide.

You’ll automatically be enrolled in the retake exam, typically held 4–5 weeks after your original attempt. If you don’t pass the retake, you’ll need to reapply for a future exam cycle.

To maintain your certification, you must:

Yes. MQFP® professionals must complete 4 hours of CE annually, focused on financial topics relevant to military and veteran communities. CE is tracked on a calendar-year basis and prorated for your first year. Our philosophy is that MQFP® CE should be free and should coincide with the CE requirements for your other credential(s). 

Submit questions through our contact form or email us directly—we’re happy to help.

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MILITARY QUALIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER – MQFP®

Military Qualified Financial Planner MQFP®
is owned and operated by
The Military Financial Readiness Objective,
a 501.c.3 charity dedicated to enhancing the financial wellness of military and veteran families. Trademark application pending.

Military Qualified Financial Planner – MQFP® is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by the DoD or any branch of the US Armed Services.

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Other Links and Resources

Military Financial Advisors Association
Certified Financial Planner Board
Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education
Chartered Financial Consultant
MilMoneyCon
Military Tax Experts Alliance
Office of Financial Readiness
OneOp
Military to Financial Planner
VetCents
USAA Education Foundation
3rd Decade

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