Professional Credentials
CFA® Charterholder
The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation requires 48 months of professional work experience, adherence to the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, and successful completion of three exam levels. The CFA designation is recognized as the gold standard of professional credentials within the global investment community by employers, investment professionals and investors.
The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) credential is a professional standard of choice, in part, due to the rigorous curriculum of study and real-world analytical skills required. In addition to ethical and professional standards of practice, Charterholders are examined on quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, asset classes, corporate finance, portfolio management and wealth planning. CFA Charterholders are held in high regard for their global investment perspective as well as their professional commitment to ethical behavior and standards of practice.
CFP® Practitioner
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) practitioner designation is earned by meeting the education, examination, experience and ethics standards established by the Certified Financial Planners Board of Standards.
A financial planner has earned the right to use the CFP® mark, when he or she has completed the following requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree or attained certain professional designations or completed approved coursework
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Passed a rigorous two-day, 10-hour CFP Certification Examination that covers the financial planning process and includes such topics as tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance.
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Proven experience in the financial planning process.
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Background check by the CFP Board and compliance with the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards
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Once certified, CFP® practitioners must fulfill a continuing education requirement to stay up-to-date on planning strategies and financial trends.
The term “financial planner” is used by many financial professionals; therefore, the CFP® professional
designation is an important distinction between a planner who has earned the credential and one who has not.
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®)
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC ®) is a professional designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning to candidates who successfully complete its study program, pass a final examination, and sign a code of professional ethics.
The CRPC ® certification program is for experienced financial advisors who face an increasingly complex set of retirement planning questions as aging baby boomers look for investments to meet their lifestyle needs in 10 years, 20 years, and beyond, as well as determining when they can actually retire. CRPC ® professionals can help to define a “road map to retirement,” as well as address issues related to asset management, income tax considerations, planning for healthcare, and estate planning.