AIF® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
The AIF designation represents a thorough knowledge of the fiduciary standard and its application by financial services firms through the implementation of “best practices” for investment policy and procedures.
AIFA® – Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst®
Individuals earning an AIFA designation are trained to conduct assessments of “best practices” and fiduciary standards implemented by financial services firms. They have demonstrated knowledge of new audit requirements pursuant to the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
The CFA designation is offered by the CFA Institute (formerly the Association for Investment Management and Research). To obtain the CFA charter, individuals must demonstrate competency in economics, accounting, security analysis, and money management. Candidates are required to successfully complete three difficult exams over three years, gain at least three years of qualifying work experience, and meet standards of professional and ethical conduct. CFAs most often have an extensive background in economics and investments and are competent at a high level of analysis.
CDFA - Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
Individuals receiving this designation must successfully complete a series of four examinations based on the treatment of property during divorce, alimony and child support, and tax implications of property division. They also must have at least two years financial planning or legal experience. The CDFA may act as an advisor to one party’s counsel or divorce lawyer or function as a mediator for both parties.
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner®
Individuals with the CFP® designation have passed a demanding exam which covers all facets of financial planning, including investments, individual and estate taxes, insurance, retirement planning and estate planning. A CFP must have completed college and three years of financial industry experience. CFPs agree to abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics.
ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant
The ChFC is designation for individuals who demonstrated their vast and extensive knowledge of financial planning. The designation is administered by the American College. ChFCs must meet experience requirements and pass exams covering finance and investing. They must have at least three years of experience in the financial industry, and have studied and passed an examination on the fundamentals of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment and estate planning.
CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter
The CLU designation is granted by the American College to individuals who have completed training in life insurance and personal insurance planning. To obtain the designation, individuals must complete advanced courses and exams topics including insurance, investments, taxation, employee benefits, estate planning, accounting, management and economics.
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
The CPA designation is obtained through the completion of an extensive undergraduate program, generally two years of audit experience and passing a rigorous set of four examinations administered by the AICPA and local state boards.
CRC - Certified Retirement Counselor
The CRC designation is awarded upon completion of a comprehensive program consisting of retirement planning, design, management and operations, investment management, compliance and ethics. A candidate must pass four examinations, and obtain a minimum of two years professional experience.
CRPC® – Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM
The CRPC program focuses on the pre- and post-retirement needs of individuals. Candidates must pass an examination and comply with the program’s code of ethics.
JD - Juris Doctor
The JD degree is professional degree granted by law schools for completing a three year course of post-undergraduate study of the law. Generally, completion of a JD must be followed by passing the bar exam in one or more jurisdictions in order to be permitted to practice law. Attorneys often have extensive training in fields of tax and estate planning.
NAPFA Registered Advisor- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
NAPFA is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to the advancement of fee-only comprehensive financial planning. Registration in NAPFA means that the financial advisor meets the highest standards for professional competency, comprehensive financial planning and fee-only compensation. NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors are committed to the three primary ideals: 1) the belief that clients are best served by a comprehensive approach to financial planning; 2) the highest levels of competency must be achieved and maintained; and 3) fee-only compensation and a fiduciary relationship are vital to placing the interests of the client above all.
QKA – Qualified 401(k) Administrator
The QKA credential is conferred by the American Society of Pension Professional & Actuaries to retirement plan professionals who work primarily with 401(k) plans. QKA’s have successfully completed a series of exams and have a minimum of two years related industry experience.
QPA – Qualified Pension Administrator
A QPA is qualified to perform technical and administrative functions for qualified plans. QPAs assist employers, actuaries, and consultants handling eligibility determination for benefits, benefit computations, plan recordkeeping, trust accounting and disclosure, and compliance requirements. QPA’s have successfully completed a series of exams and have a minimum of two years related industry experience.