The CFP and AFP qualifications, and the Financial Planner Skills Test, certified by the Financial Planning Association of Japan (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Toshiharu Shirane), were selected as the No. 1 qualification/certification out of over 1,300 qualifications and certifications in the "User-Chosen Best Qualification/Certification Category" at the "Japan Qualifications & Certifications AWARDS 2026" conducted by CBT Solutions Inc.

About the "Japan Qualifications & Certifications AWARDS"

This award is decided and announced annually on "Japan Qualifications & Certifications," the largest qualification and certification information site in Japan, operated by CBT Solutions Inc.

The purpose of this award is to widely communicate qualifications and certifications that users are paying attention to and supporting, as well as certifications that are gaining attention due to societal changes. It also aims to convey the organizers' intentions behind these qualifications and certifications and to enhance their value in society.

The "User-Chosen Best Qualification/Certification Category" recognizes qualifications and certifications that have received particularly high support from users in a survey conducted from three perspectives: "Qualifications/Certifications Useful for Employment," "Qualifications/Certifications to Obtain as a Hobby," and "Qualifications/Certifications That Were Worth Obtaining."

Japan Qualifications & Certifications AWARD 2026

Photo: Award plaque

About the Awarded Qualifications

CFP Qualification

This is a "globally recognized professional FP credential" introduced in countries and regions worldwide, including the United States. It is considered the pinnacle of FP qualifications (international license). Continuing education is required every two years for qualification renewal.

AFP Qualification

This qualification is awarded upon registration with the Financial Planning Association of Japan after meeting requirements such as passing the Level 2 FP Skills Test and completing the AFP certification training. Similar to the CFP qualification, continuing education is required every two years for qualification renewal.

FP Skills Test

There are three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, each with a written exam and a practical exam. Passing both the written and practical exams allows one to be called a "Financial Planner" for each level. The lower the number, the higher the expertise and difficulty of FP knowledge.

Aim to obtain FP qualifications (Financial Planning Association of Japan HP)

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 受賞