CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
For more than 30 years, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification has been the standard of excellence for financial planners.
CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first. The two-part education requirement includes both (1) completing coursework on financial planning through a CFP Board Registered Program (around 12-18 months), and (2) holding a bachelor's degree or higher (in any discipline) from an accredited college or university.
CFP® professionals take a holistic, personalized approach to bring all the pieces of your financial life together. As part of the CFP® certification, CFP® professionals also have made a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to a client. This means they have agreed to put your best interests first, so they can provide you confidence today and a secure tomorrow.
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a professional designation awarded by the CFA Institute.
Perhaps the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world, it demonstrates a mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge important in the investment decision-making process and having met rigorous requirements of competency in all areas of accounting, ethical and professional standards, economics, portfolio management, and securities analysis.
To earn a CFA designation, a candidate must pass three levels of exams (Levels I, II, III) and meet the experience requirement specified by the CFA Institute. It takes a minimum of 3 years and 900 hours of study to pass three separate tests. Passing these tests and earning the CFA designation would be the equivalent of having a knowledge base of a doctorate in finance.
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholders apply their knowledge and skills in a wide range of positions throughout the global finance industry. Distinguished by their commitment to set a higher standard of excellence, they are sought after as investment management professionals.
Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
This designation is similar to the CFP in that it denotes proficiency in advanced financial planning including income tax, insurance, investment, and estate planning.
The ChFC® program covers a must-have list of requirements for financial advisors, from knowledge on tax and retirement planning to special needs advising, wealth management, insurance, and more.
Earning the designation requires a minimum of 3 years in the financial services industry.
Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)
The RICP® is a professional designation for financial advisors. Having the RICP® designation means the advisor has a specialized education in retirement income, and is committed to professional and ethical best practices.
The designation is given to professionals who complete the RICP training program offered by the American College of Financial Professionals.
RICP®s help retirees and near-retirees use the assets they have accumulated for retirement sustainably. RICP® applicants must have three years' worth of business experience. Students take three courses and must pass an exam for each.