Disclosures

AIF®

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (“AIF®”) designation certifies that the recipient has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. To receive the AIF® designation, individuals must complete a training program, successfully pass a comprehensive, closed‐book final examination under the supervision of a proctor and agree to abide by the AIF® Code of Ethics. In order to maintain the AIF® designation, the individual must annually renew their affirmation of the AIF® Code of Ethics and complete six hours of continuing education credits. The certification is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, LLC (a Fiduciary360 (fi360) company).

CFP®

The CFP® certification is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its high standard of professional education, stringent code of conduct and standards of practice, and ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. In order to use the CFP® certification marks, the individual has met rigorous professional requirements, which include passing the CFP® Certification Examination, having at least three years of fulltime personal financial planning experience, completing 31 hours of continuing education every two years and adhering to the CFP Board’s code of ethics and standards.

CLU®

The CLU® certification is a professional designation for insurance and financial specialists focusing on in-depth, practical knowledge of life insurance, estate planning, and risk management. Issued by The American College of Financial Services, it signifies expertise in tailoring insurance policies to client needs, often serving high-net-worth individuals or business owners. Candidates must complete five core courses and three electives, have three years of full-time business experience, and adhere to a strict code of ethics. In order to keep the designation, CLUs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

ChFC®

The ChFC® certification is an advanced professional designation for financial advisors focusing on comprehensive financial planning, including tax, retirement, and estate planning, insurance, and wealth management. Awarded by The American College of Financial Services, this fiduciary-backed certification requires eight college-level courses, three years of experience, and strict ethical standards.  Designees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

CRPC®

A CRPC® designee can evaluate your financial status and design the optimal retirement plan for your lifestyle. Get the knowledgeable advice you need on issues such as planning for health care, asset management, beneficiary designations, income tax considerations, estate planning, and more. A CRPC® designee can even help you determine the best time to retire or assist you in expanding on the plans that you’ve already made. The College for Financial Planning® provides CRPC® students with a thorough education focusing exclusively on retirement planning. Study materials are written and updated regularly by the College’s full‐time faculty, who specialize in retirement planning, and provide the most current information on retirement options. The CRPC® program teaches students how to assess a client’s long‐term planning situation and needs—and then evaluate retirement options and make appropriate recommendations. This is what distinguishes this program from others in the industry. To be entitled to use this mark, candidates must successfully complete the specialized program and pass a rigorous examination, sign a code of professional ethics, and complete a disclosure form attesting to their professional conduct.

CRPS®

The College for Financial Planning® provides CRPS® students with a thorough education focusing exclusively on retirement planning. Study materials are written and updated regularly by the College’s full‐time faculty, who specialize in retirement planning and provide the most current information available. The CRPS® program teaches students how to design, install, and administer retirement plans for the business community. This is what distinguishes this program from others in the industry. To be entitled to use this mark, candidates must successfully complete the specialized program and pass a rigorous examination, sign a code of professional ethics, and complete a disclosure form attesting to their professional conduct.

CFA

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is issued by the CFA Institute. CFA candidates must meet one of the following requirements: (1) undergraduate degree and four years of professional experience involving investment decision-making, or (2) four years qualified work experience (full time, but not necessarily investment- related). To receive the CFA designation, candidates must complete the CFA Program which is organized into three levels, each requiring 250 hours of self-study and each culminating in a six-hour exam.  There are no ongoing continuing education or experience thresholds necessary to maintain the CFA designation.

CPA

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a professional designation for individuals providing accounting, auditing, tax, and related financial services. The CPA license is issued by state boards of accountancy to individuals who meet jurisdiction-specific education requirements, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and satisfy relevant work experience requirements. Ongoing requirements generally include maintaining an active license through continuing professional education (CPE).

FPQP

The Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP) is a professional designation for individuals supporting the financial planning process, awarded by the College for Financial Planning – a Kaplan Company. Candidates must complete a training program covering financial planning fundamentals and pass a final examination. There are no formal experience requirements to obtain the designation. To maintain the designation, designees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

WMS

The Wealth Management Specialist (WMS) designation is a professional designation for individuals focusing on wealth management strategies, including investment planning, risk management, and client profiling, awarded by the College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete a course of study and pass a final examination. There are no formal experience requirements to obtain the designation.  Designees must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.