The highly regarded CFP® mark represents a strong grounding in financial planning, insurance planning, income taxation, retirement expertise, investments and estate planning. In addition, a final comprehensive exam insures the ability to put this broad knowledge into practice. (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner)
Education - The CFP®practitioners must develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP® Board. The professional must show the attainment of certain professional designations or academic degrees (four-year college degree).
Examination - CFP® practitioners must pass a comprehensive two-day, 10-hour CFP® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. Based on regular research of what planners do, the exam covers financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, and insurance.
Experience - CFP® practitioners must have three years' minimum experience in the financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP® certification marks. As a result, CFP® practitioners possess financial counseling skills in addition to financial planning knowledge.
Ethics - As a final step to certification, CFP® practitioners agree to abide by the CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct, which sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, clients and employers. CFP Board also performs a background check during this process, and each individual must disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to their professional or business conduct.
CAP® designees have taken three graduate-level courses covering knowledge in all aspects of charitable giving approaches, applications, tools and relationships. (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®)
Pledges to place your interest above all else when helping to establish charitable goals and implement a charitable solution.
Pledges to follow the latest industry developments and legislative challenges to help you reach your charitable goals.
Pledges to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
Is committed to providing you superior service.
Has successfully completed a comprehensive curriculum of college-level courses from The American College.
Is one of a select group within the financial services field to earn this respected credential in charitable planning.
Is educated in the tools and techniques of charitable planning for both the charitablyinclined investor as well as the charity.
The ChFC® professional has taken an eight-course curriculum resulting in the most comprehensive financial planning designation available today. All educational courses preparing for CFP® Certification are included in addition to specialized knowledge in such subjects as the financial system in the economy, financial planning applications, practical estate planning or additional study in retirement issues. (Chartered Financial Consultant®).
Pledges to place your interest above all else when helping to establish financial goals and implement a financial solution.
Pledges to follow the latest industry developments and legislative challenges to help you reach your financial goals.
Pledges to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
Is committed to providing you superior service.
Has successfully completed a comprehensive curriculum of college-level courses from The American College.
Has a minimium of three years of qualifying professional experience.
Is one of a select group within the financial services field to earn this respected credential in financial planning.
Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor℠ or ADPA®
Individuals who hold the ADPA® 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.
All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process.
Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. establishes and enforces education, examination, experience and ethics requirements for CFP® certificants. Founded in 1985 as a nonprofit professional regulatory organization, the mission of the Certified Financial Planner™ Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) is to benefit the public by granting the CFP® certification and upholding it as recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning. For more information, visit CFP.net.
The American College is dedicated to leadership in innovative training and development that helps financial services companies and their employees succeed. As a nonprofit educational institution holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for 80 years. The American College’s faculty represents some of the financial services industry’s foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, 
James R. Baker
