Preparing to Earn the CLFP Designation

Many avenues can lead an industry professional on the path towards earning their CLFP letters, and we value our community of past, present, and future CLFPs willing to deepen their knowledge of the equipment leasing and finance industry. While the studying and preparation process can look different to all candidates, the CLFP Journey will always begin with the CLFP Handbook, followed by learning and preparation, and ending with the CLFP Exam.

We are proud to provide all CLFP Candidates with the resources they need to be successful in preparation for the CLFP Exam. We encourage all candidates to review our CLFP Toolbox, which provides several positive resources to begin the journey towards becoming a CLFP – including a free comprehensive study guide, a suggested preparation schedule, practice problems, and more.

We encourage anyone beginning their CLFP Journey and are eager to welcome you into the CLFP Family very soon.

Join the CLFP Family

  • Submit your CLFP Application.
  • Make use of the suggested resources provided below and bookmark the CLFP Toolbox to begin and guide your study process.
  • Participate in our CLFP Mentor Program*
    *Once a CLFP Candidate has registered and paid for the CLFP Exam, they may elect to be paired with a mentor for additional support while preparing for the Exam. Please email Mel mel@clfpfoundation.org for more information and a mentee application if you meet this criteria.
  • Need financial assistance? Consider applying for a scholarship here.

Begin your CLFP Journey

Order the CLFP Handbook

Begin by reading and studying the 10th Edition.

Begin to Study

The Foundation recommends establishing a Exam date on your calendar and working backward from there.

Download a Study Guide and a sample study schedule to begin.

Attend an ALFP (Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals)

(optional)

An ALFP is a course designed to fully prepare a candidate for the CLFP Exam. Click here for a list of our upcoming classes – including a self-paced option.

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The CLFP Exam

 
Prior to your elected CLFP Exam date, be sure to review the CLFP Body of Knowledge and the Exam Outline to better prepare.

The CLFP Exam


Completing the CLFP Exam is the final step in the CLFP Journey. The Exam is a cumulatively graded test based on The Certified Lease & Finance Professionals’ Handbook,  and encompasses the CLFP Body of Knowledge. The Exam is proctored online in a virtual environment and can be taken on the day and time of the test-taker’s choosing –  Exams do not need to be scheduled. The Foundation strongly encourages all CLFP Candidates to establish a desired test date on their own calendars and building a study plan to work up to the test date.

FAQs about the Exam can be found here. Details on online proctoring can be reviewed on this page.

A few details that all CLFP Candidates should know about the Exam prior to taking it are:

  • The Exam has a maximum time allowance of 8 hours, The Foundation advises all candidates to budget 8 full hours to take their Exam. Average completion times for each section of the Exam can be viewed to the left. 
  • The Exam is graded cumulatively across all four parts – a 75% cumulative score is required to pass. If a 75% score is not obtained, the individual parts are taken into consideration.
  • Once testing is complete, results are automatically communicated via email.

Core Values of CLFPs

Professionalism

CLFPs promote excellence, continuous learning, and adherence to industry best practices.

Knowledge

 CLFPs have proven their comprehensive knowledge by passing a rigorous exam and reviewing and testing for annual industry changes.

Community

CLFPs form a vibrant community and embrace collaboration, warmly welcome newcomers, and thrive on working harmoniously with others to elevate the industry’s standards and practices.

Dedication

CLFPs demonstrate their devotion to the worldwide equipment leasing and financing industry. Their tireless pursuit of excellence builds a stronger industry, one individual at a time.

Hear from our CLFP Family:

 

Everyone has a different ‘why’ for pursuing the designation, and we love to hear what led our CLFPs to earn their CLFP. Be it additional knowledge, career growth, leveling up, or a simple desire to learn more about the equipment lease and finance industry, we are proud to have a membership of highly motivated professionals.

 

If you’d like to share your ‘why’ with us, please email Mel: mel@clfpfoundation.org. 

 

Supporting the CLFP Certification

CLFPs pride themselves in core values of professionalism, holding the highest industry standards in ethics, knowledge, continued education, and community.

There are many companies that use the designation as a career building opportunity, requirement for promotion, or preferences in hiring. Be it one reason or many, the CLFP Foundation encourages continued learning and development.