Final answer:
A candidate will always be barred from CFP certification for a criminal conviction due to the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in the financial planning profession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conduct that will always bar a candidate from CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification is c) Criminal conviction.
Criminal convictions, particularly those involving dishonesty, fraud, or financial misconduct, are taken very seriously by the CFP Board. A significant criminal conviction is likely to result in a candidate being permanently barred from obtaining CFP certification. This is because the integrity and trustworthiness of financial planners are of utmost importance to both the profession and the clients they serve.
On the contrary, while a violation of ethical standards, failure to pass the CFP exam, or providing incorrect contact information can be serious, they do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Depending on the circumstances, such issues may be resolvable, allowing the candidate to eventually obtain certification.