The President’s List is in recognition of the CFP exam candidates who earned the three highest scores on any given sitting of the exam. Pieter Giezen, CFP, has earned the award. The following blog post, written by Pieter, contains insights, strategies, and tips that may help you succeed if you decide to write the CFP exam.
Pieter Giezen is a Portfolio Manager at Vision Wealth Management Ltd. He was exposed to financial planning early on; his father was a CFP professional for nearly 30 years. In high school, Pieter spent summers working at his father’s firm where he did filing and worked on various projects. This gave him a first-hand look at the industry and sparked his interest.
Toward the end of my business degree, I started working at a bank, but I soon realized I wanted to focus on working in the independent financial planning space. When my dad and his business partner were expanding their practice a couple years later, I joined their team. That’s where I gained a deeper understanding of the profession and saw the positive impact financial planners have on their clients’ lives. I haven’t looked back since.
A Rewarding Career Path
Early in my career, I pursued the CFA designation because I believed it would provide a strong foundation in financial knowledge and open up career opportunities. It was a great experience, but I soon realized that my true passion lay in helping families navigate their personal finances. The CFP designation is the gold standard for professionals providing financial planning advice in client-facing roles. It became clear that earning this certification was the perfect next step.
From my perspective, helping people understand personal finance is incredibly rewarding. I love seeing those "aha" moments, when clients recognize the impact of their financial decisions and appreciate the value of the financial planning process.
I also enjoy the challenge of crafting personalized financial plans that fit each family's specific needs and aspirations. Many of the families we work with span multiple generations, and some relationships have been nurtured over decades. It’s an honor to be trusted with their financial well-being and to be recommended to their family members, friends, and colleagues. Positively impacting the lives of entire families is fulfilling work.
Getting a Head Start
If you’re interested in becoming a planner, start by absorbing as much information as possible about personal finance. Read financial publications, books, and reliable online resources—and perhaps most importantly, connect with people in the profession.
As you begin your career, try to surround yourself with experienced professionals who can guide you and help you grow. I’ve been fortunate to have had several great mentors along the way, starting with my dad and continuing with my current team at Vision Wealth.
In my experience, networking is key when looking for your first job. I met my first employer in person at a school job fair, and I’m not sure I would have been considered for the job if I had just submitted a resume. While the job market can be tough and competitive, it’s also a challenge for employers to find exceptional and reliable talent. This creates a real opportunity for you to stand out by making personal connections beyond the usual online applications.
Tips for Writing the CFP Exam
Here are a few things you may want to consider if you’re planning to write the CFP exam.
- Create a Study Schedule – Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. There’s a lot of content to cover, so break your study time into manageable blocks and build in some breathing room. A well-structured plan helps you prevent last-minute cramming and reduces stress.
- Consider an Exam Prep Course – There are several great options available. Do some research to find the one that best suits your learning style. These courses can provide valuable content, experienced instructors, and opportunities to connect with fellow candidates.
- Write Practice Exams – Stress and time management can make or break your exam experience. Take several practice exams well in advance and hold yourself accountable to the time limits. This will help you get comfortable with the exam format and improve your pacing.
- Take Care of Yourself – Remember, this isn’t a sprint. Give yourself grace, take breaks when needed, and prioritize your well-being throughout the process.
Looking to take your exam prep to the next level? FP Canada has a variety of tools and resources, such as practice exams, that let you experience what it’s like to take the exam. Visit the exam tools section of our website to learn more.
