Credentials

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is awarded to individuals who complete the CFA Program and meet work experience requirements. The program includes a three-part exam covering investment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management, and wealth planning. It is typically pursued by those with finance, accounting, economics, or business backgrounds. CFA charterholders earn the designation after completing the program and being accepted by the CFA Institute.

Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM)

The Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) is recognized by CFA Institute, a leader in investment education and ethics. The program focuses on maintaining relevant investment performance and risk evaluation skills. Designation holders must complete 15 hours of continuing education annually.

AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist)

The Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) is a certification from the College for Financial Planning – a Kaplan Company. It focuses on the asset management process, encouraging advisers to consider clients' overall financial situations, not just investments. Designation holders must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

CPWA (Certified Private Wealth Advisor)

The Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) certification is offered and recognized through the Investments & Wealth Institute. Candidate must meet all of the following: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA, CIMC, CFA, CFP, ChFC or CPA license. A satisfactory record of ethical conduct, as determined by IMCA’s Admissions Committee. Five years of professional client-centered experience in financial services or a related industry. Candidate must complete the following: Six-month pre-study educational component In-class program at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, or online program through Yale School of Management. Designation holders are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

RMA (Retirement Management Analyst)

The RMA designation is issued by the Investments & Wealth Institute. Candidates need 3 years of relevant experience or acceptable designations (CIMA, CPWA, CFP, CFA, ChFC, RICP) and must adhere to the institute’s professional responsibility code. To obtain certification, candidates complete an online course and Capstone course, then pass the exam. There is a 20-hour annual continuing education requirement.

ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)

The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) program prepares you to meet the advanced financial planning needs of individuals, professionals and small business owners, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning. The ChFC requires three years of full-time, relevant business experience, nine two-hour course specific proctored exams, and 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Holders of the ChFC designation must adhere to The American College’s Code of Ethics.

AWMA (Accredited Wealth Management Advisor)

The AWMA® program is a certification from the College for Financial Planning – a Kaplan Company. It is designed for experienced advisors who want to better address the unique needs of high-net-worth clients. The curriculum contains sections dedicated to behavioral finance, working with all business owners, succession/exit planning, as well as fiduciary and regulatory issues. Designation holders are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

TPCP® (Tax Planning Certified Professional)

The TPCP® designation, conferred by The American College of Financial Services, demonstrates a financial advisor’s breadth and depth of knowledge in the area of tax planning. This includes a mastery of subjects such as complex tax situations, goal-oriented tax planning solutions, foundational knowledge on key tax implications of various investment vehicles, retirement and investment strategies, and how to optimize tax advantages in a variety of financial situations, including estate planning, planning for individuals with special needs, investment planning, and more. The TPCP requires three years of full-time, relevant business experience, three two-hour course specific proctored exams, and 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

Chartered Tax Professional®

A Chartered Tax Professional certificate is awarded by the Surgent Income Tax School to individuals who complete 5 tax courses and meet a 300-hour work experience requirement applying the knowledge learned. Chartered Tax Professionals are able to prepare and file individual and small business tax returns. A minimum of 15 hours of CE must be completed each year to maintain status.

AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary)

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) Designation is issued by Fi360. The purpose of the AIF® designation is to assure that those responsible for managing or advising on investor assets have a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility. To earn this credential, candidates must complete AIF Training, pass the AIF exam, meet experience requirements, and adhere to the Code of Ethics. Designees must also complete six hours of continuing education annually.

NSSA (National Social Security Advisor)

The National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) certification, recognized by the National Social Security Association, covers essential topics such as Social Security, retirement benefits, and spousal elections. Designation holders must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years.

CLTC (Certified Long-Term Care)

The CLTC, Certified in Long-Term Care, is granted by the Corporation for Long-term Care Certification to those meeting educational, work experience, and ethics standards. Recipients complete a rigorous course and exam on long-term care. To maintain the designation, CLTC holders must fulfill continuing education requirements and follow the CLTC Code of Professional Responsibility.

CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor)

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) certification is recognized by the Exit Planning Institute. Candidates must have five years of full-time or equivalent experience working directly with business owners as a financial advisor, attorney, CPA, business broker, investment banker, commercial lender, estate planner, insurance professional, consultant, or in a related role. Certificate holders must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 3 years.

CRPS (Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist)

The Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) certification is offered by the College for Financial Planning – a Kaplan Company. It provides three graduate-level credits applicable to a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning and covers ERISA, the Fiduciary Standard, and Employer-Funded Defined Contribution Plans. Designation holders must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.