FPA supports the CFP® certification as the standard for financial planning:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional
Those with CFP® professional certification have demonstrated competency in all areas of finance related to financial planning. Candidates complete studies on over 100 topics, including stocks, bonds, taxes, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning. The program is administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. In addition to passing the CFP certification exam, candidates must also complete qualifying work experience and agree to adhere to the CFP Board's code of ethics and professional responsibility and financial planning standards.
OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES CREDENTIALS
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA charter is a qualification for finance and investment professionals, particularly in the fields of investment management and financial analysis of stocks, bonds and their derivative assets. The program focuses on portfolio management and financial analysis, and provides a generalist knowledge of other areas of finance. Additionally, the CFA charter has experienced increasing relevance and demand within corporate finance.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
The Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) program, offered by the American College, focuses its curriculum on the financial planning needs of individuals, professionals and small business owners and covers key financial planning areas, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning.
Certified Public Accountant/ Personal Financial Specialist (CPA/PFS)
The CPA designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to accountants who pass the AICPA's Uniform CPA Examination and satisfy the work experience and statutory and licensing requirements of the state(s) in which they practice. The Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) program allows CPAs to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in personal financial planning. Also, PFS credential holders have additional experience, education and examination requirements.
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
The CLU designation is awarded by The American College to insurance and financial services professionals who have met the College's three-year business experience requirement, passed its eight college-level education courses and agreed to abide by its code of ethics.