| There are several requirements common to all levels of membership and affiliation. Everyone who joins the organization must meet the NAPFA definition of Fee-Only. In short, this means that you cannot earn any transaction-based compensation from financial planning related activities.
Commissions of any type from current business and trails or renewal from past business are a couple of examples of prohibited compensation. Additionally, you can't be affiliated with a commission-earning firm like a broker/dealer or insurance agency. Everyone who is currently employed in the financial services profession will be asked to submit Part II and Schedule F of your current Form ADV (or equivalent).
By joining NAPFA you agree to be bound by the NAPFA Code of Ethics and you will be required to sign and follow the NAPFA Fiduciary Oath. In turn, you will have access to a formatted electronic version that you can print, sign and give to your clients.
The following is a brief explanation of our six levels of membership and affiliation. Click on the individual category for a complete explanation.
NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor
This top level of membership requires a broad-based advanced education in financial planning and three years of comprehensive planning experience. You must offer comprehensive planning services and submit a sample comprehensive financial plan to a peer review. NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors participate in the Consumer Referral System and benefit the most from our public relations outreach.
Provisional Member
This membership category is geared towards individuals with a broad based advanced education in financial planning, but less than three years of comprehensive planning experience. Applicants must offer comprehensive planning services and submit a sample comprehensive financial plan to a peer review. Provisional Members are invited to participate in the Consumer Referral System.
Sustaining Member
Some long-standing NAPFA members are no longer actively working with clients, but want to stay involved with the association. They’re either retired or scaling back and aren’t interested in the Consumer Referral System or Media Requests. Sustaining Members do not have a Continuing Education requirement. It is not possible to join NAPFA as a Sustaining Member.
Financial Services Affiliate
To enter NAPFA at this level you must be a Fee-Only professional in a financial services or related industry in the United States who is not otherwise eligible for any category of NAPFA membership.
Academic Affiliate
CFP Program Directors are eligible for a complimentary Academic Affiliation with NAPFA. Full and part-time faculty members in financial planning (or related) programs are eligible, as long as they are not under employment with a commission-earning firm..
Student Affiliate
Individuals who are enrolled in academic coursework in pursuit of a degree or designation that will lead to a financial planning career are eligible to become a Student Affiliate of NAPFA. It’s a great way to get involved in the world of Fee-Only comprehensive financial planning.
Annual dues: $100 for part-time students or $35 for full-time students. | 
