Information provided does not represent all possible qualifications held by financial advisors.

AAMS® Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠

The AAMS® certification requires abiding by a code of ethics and successfully completing coursework that addresses the needs of individuals by applying investment concepts to real-world situations of asset management. Candidates must pass a certification examination covering the following topics: asset allocation, investment strategies, estate planning, investment opportunities for retirees and small business owners, and insurance products.

ADPA® Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor℠

Individuals who hold the ADPASM designation have completed a course of study encompassing wealth transfers, federal taxation, retirement planning, and planning for financial and medical end-of-life needs for domestic partners. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

AEP® Accredited Estate Planner®

The AEP designation is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils to estate planners who have completed two graduate-level courses administered by The American College, meet specific professional requirements and who practice as one of the following: attorney, CPA, trust officer, CLU®, CFP® certificant or ChFC®.

AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation is a professional certification that demonstrates an advisor or other person serving as an investment fiduciary has met certain requirements to earn and maintain the credential. 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.

APMA® Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠

Individuals who hold the APMASM designation have completed a course of study encompassing client assessment and suitability, risk/return, investment objectives, bond and equity portfolios, modern portfolio theory and investor psychology.

AWMA® Accredited Wealth Management Advisor℠

The AWMA® certification requires abiding by a code of ethics and passing a certification examination covering coursework that addresses the asset management needs of individuals. The coursework provides candidates with advanced knowledge in asset management, allocation and selection, investment performance and strategies for retirees and small business owners, estate planning, income tax and benefits planning, and risk management and investment issues for high net worth clients.

BFA™ Behavioral Financial Advisor™

A Behavioral Financial Advisor™ certification trains, develops and improves competencies necessary to help financial professionals and clients make better decisions throughout the financial planning process. The course work includes topics such as self awareness, effective decision-making, effective self-management, and relationship effectiveness.

CAIA® Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst

Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst is a professional designation offered by the CAIA® Association to investment professionals who complete a course of study and pass two examinations. The “alternative investments” industry is characterized as dealing with asset classes and investments other than standard equity or fixed income products. Alternative investments can include hedge funds, private equity, real assets, commodities, and structured products. The CAIA® curriculum is designed to provide finance professionals with a broad base of knowledge in alternative investments.

CAP® Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®

The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) provides students with the knowledge and tools needed to help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family, and society.

CAS® Certified Annuity Specialist®

A certification indicating expertise and commitment to fixed-rate and variable annuities. Individuals with the CAS® designation offer clients expert advice regarding investment opportunities in annuities.

CASL® Chartered Advisor for Senior Living®

The CASL® credential provides advisors with in-depth training on issues impacting seniors and those planning for retirement.

CDFA®; Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® is a member of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts who specializes in the financial issues surrounding divorce.

CEP® Certified Estate Planner™

Certified Estate Planners™ are proud to lead the way in the education and support of financial, legal and tax professionals who desire to take their practice into the comprehensive and demanding field of Estate Planning.

CFA® Chartered Financial Analyst®

Holders of the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation are securities analysts, money managers and investment advisors who have completed the CFA program, a graduate-level, self-study curriculum and examination program for investment professionals that covers a broad range of investment topics.

CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is recognized as a standard of excellence for personal financial planning. CFP® certification requires meeting experience and ethics requirements, successfully completing financial planning course work and passing the certification examination covering the following topics: financial planning principles, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, and retirement and estate planning.

CFS® Certified Fund Specialist

A Certified Fund Specialist has completed advanced studies in mutual funds, including modern portfolio theory to help them understand how to analyze and construct efficient portfolios containing mutual funds and other investment vehicles. Advisors who hold this designation have advanced knowledge of mutual funds, having passed an examination covering the following areas: dollar-cost averaging, risk management, asset allocation and modern portfolio theory.

ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant®

The Chartered Financial Consultant® designation is one of the most robust and respected credentials for financial planning professionals. To earn the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, advisors must complete experience and ethics requirements.

CIMA® Certified Investment Management Analyst®

The Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation identifies professionals with years of experience and hard-earned, in-depth management capabilities who have completed extensive course work and passed a rigorous exam. CIMA® certification requires meeting experience and ethics requirements, successfully completing financial planning course work and passing the certification examination covering the following areas: asset allocation, due diligence, risk measurement, investment policy and performance measurement.

CIS® Certified Income Specialist™ 

A Certified Income Specialist™   is a financial professional who meets the requirements established by the Institute of Business and Finance, Inc. A CIS® professional is trained to develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies for individuals, businesses, and organizations. They have the knowledge and skills to objectively assess your current financial status, identify potential problem areas, and recommend appropriate options. 

CLTC® Certified Long Term Care®

The Certified in Long-Term Care program is the long-term care insurance industry’s only independent professional designation. The Certified in Long-Term Care course is focused on the field of long-term care planning and provides legal, accounting, insurance and financial service professionals the critical tools necessary to address the subject matter with their middle-age clients.

CLU® Chartered Life Underwriter®

The Chartered Life Underwriter Designation® is the highest level designation available in the life insurance profession, and is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on the financial planning needs of clients like you. Chartered Life Underwriters have completed advanced courses and exams in regard to insurance, investments, taxation, employee benefits, estate planning, accounting, management and economics.

CMFC® Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor℠

The Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor^SM program was developed in conjunction with the Investment Company Institute and is the only mutual fund designation recognized in the financial services industry. The program provides a thorough knowledge of mutual funds and their various uses as investment vehicles.

CPA Certified Public Accountant

The Certified Public Accountant 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.

CPWA® Certified Private Wealth Advisor®

An advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers who work with high-net-worth individuals, focusing on the life cycle of wealth: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Candidates who earn the certification understand how to develop specific strategies to minimize taxes, monetize and protect assets, maximize growth, and transfer wealth.

CRC® Certified Retirement Counselor®

The Certified Retirement Counselor® program helps financial professionals raise retirement readiness of clients by delivering curriculum that promotes a mastery of both retirement accumulation and distribution planning.

CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠

The Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM certification is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on the pre- and post-retirement needs of clients like you. By completing coursework focused on key retirement issues such as asset management and estate planning, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM is trained to help clients assess retirement preparedness and confidently address their pre- and post-retirement financial needs.

CRPS® Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠

Chartered Retirement Plans Specialists have completed a course of study encompassing design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

CSPGCM Certified Specialist in Planned Giving^CM

The Certified Specialist in Planned Giving^CM program is designed to teach the body of knowledge required for planned giving professionals and others who may be called upon to participate in the planned giving process.

CTFA Certified Trust and Financial Advisor

Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) is a professional designation offered by the American Bankers Association (ABA). This mark provides training and knowledge in taxes, investments, financial planning, trusts and estates.

LUTCF Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow

The Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow certification coursework provides advisors with a better understanding of a variety of insurance products and addresses the protection planning needs of individuals. Candidates are required to meet ethics standards and pass a certification examination covering the following areas: retirement planning, investing, estate planning, annuities, business insurance, employee benefits, life insurance and disability income insurance.

MAAA Member of the American Academy of Actuaries

An MAAA is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. To many employers, clients, and government leaders, the MAAA designation denotes professionalism and credibility.

PFS Personal Financial Specialist

The PFS designation program addresses many areas of the financial planning process including estate planning, retirement strategy, investment selection, education planning, and risk management.

REBC® Registered Employee Benefit Consultant®

The Registered Employee Benefit Consultant® program focuses on providing the student with the knowledge necessary to become a professional in the sale and service of employee benefits plans.

RFC® Registered Financial Consultant

Certificants are qualified to help clients understand the various options and nuances of financial services, capable of developing a customized plan services that fit their unique set of circumstances.

RHU® Registered Health Underwriter®

The Registered Health Underwriter® designation is the undisputed professional credential for persons involved in the sale and service of disability income and health insurance.

RICP® Retirement Income Certified Professional®

The Retirement Income Certified Professional^SM designation is obtained by completing retirement planning course work that focuses on creating an effective retirement income plan for clients who are nearing or are in retirement. By completing coursework focused on key retirement issues such as income gaps, taxation, asset management, and estate planning, a Retirement Income Certified Professional^SM is trained to help clients assess retirement preparedness and confidently address their income needs throughout retirement.

Information provided does not represent all possible qualifications held by financial advisors.