CTFA Exam Application

How to Apply

1. Check the eligibility requirements to determine that you qualify. Watch this free, recorded webinar for important CTFA designation and exam updates.
2. Review the available exam dates below.
3. Purchase the exam. Payment must be made by credit card. (You will be prompted to create a Certification Manager account.)
4. Complete and submit the application that appears following the purchase. 

You will receive an Approval/Denial email from ABA within two weeks after receiving your application, along with additional details about the exam site. If your application is denied, you will receive a refund of your exam fee minus a $100 application fee.

Have a Certifications account or retaking an exam? Log In
Need Help? View Application Video 

Exam Dates & Fees

The CTFA Exam Fee is $750. For retakes, the fee is $450.

Scantron Test Sites - Candidates select a date and time within the identified date range, subject to testing center availability. Find Scantron Test Site locations by City/State.

Please note, the February exam will only cover laws and regulations in effect through 12/31 of the prior year. All other exams will cover current laws and regulations.

Exam Cancellation or Rescheduling

Should you need to cancel or reschedule your exam after application, please review the procedures and fee schedule on the Exam Cancellation/Rescheduling page.

All change and cancellation requests must be emailed to ABA Certifications.

Exam Retakes

• You must wait a minimum of 90 days before you are allowed to retake an exam on the next scheduled exam date.
• There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam.
• You must pass the exam within a 3 year period from the date of your first exam attempt or a new application and full fee is required.
• Please apply to retake the exam by logging in to the Certification Manager. You must log in using the same user id and password that you used to register for your previous exam attempt(s).
• Upon login, the retake options and pricing will display if you have previously taken this exam. After completing your purchase, please complete the retake application and submit by the application due date for the desired exam date.