CFP® - Certified Financial Planner

The Certified Financial Planner^®professional designation is considered by some as the premier training program for financial advisors providing comprehensive financial planning services. Looking at personal finances holistically, the program explores on topics as diverse as investing, retirement planning, insurance, long-term healthcare, taxes and intergenerational wealth transfer.

To earn the designation, applicants must complete the “Four E’s” – education, exam, experience and ethics. Briefly, to earn the designation applicants must complete an accredited training program, hold a bachelor’s degree, have more than 6,000 hours of professional experience (or 4,000 hours as an apprentice), pass a comprehensive exam on sight distinct knowledge domains, and meet rigorous ethical requirements. Designation holders must complete continuing education requirements to keep using the credential. Topics covered by the program include professional conduct and regulation, the principles of financial planning, tax planning, estate planning, investments and risk management. The program is maintained by the CFP Board, which operates its own certification program and accredits partner programs.

CRPC^® - CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNSELOR^℠

Individuals who hold the CRPC^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing pre-and post-retirement needs, asset management, estate planning and the entire retirement planning process using models and techniques from real client situations. 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.

CWS^® - Certified Wealth Strategist^®

Those seeking to serve high-net-worth clients may pursue the Certified Wealth Strategist^® designation, a training program focused on comprehensive wealth planning for the often more-complex financial needs and family dynamics of highly affluent people. Primarily focused on technical planning issues, applicants are also examined on their ability to lead conversations and navigate family dynamics complicated by significant wealth. Applicants must meet experience and education requirements, complete the program’s study program and pass an examination. To maintain the designation, advisors must complete 30 hours of relevant continuing education credits. The Certified Wealth Strategist^® program is operated by Cannon Financial

CEPA^® – Certified Exit Planning Advisor

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation is one tailored to serving the personal finance goals of business owners before, during and after a business succession. Program applicants must have at least five years of full-time or equivalent experience working with business owners as a financial professional, must meet additional educational or experience requirements and complete the focused, five-day program and examination. The designation was created and is operated by the Exit Planning Institute.

Program participants learn about the distinct personal finance and risk management issues faced by business owners, and about how to create personal wealth from a successful business enterprise – an often-complex topic.

CLU^® – Chartered Life Underwriter

CLU^® designees specialize primarily in life insurance and estate planning. To earn the CLU^® designation, advisors must complete a series of exams and demonstrate their real-world experience in the life insurance, estate planning and other related financial planning spaces. As a client, you can take advantage of your CLU^® designees deep understanding of products and policies, comprehensive knowledge to help navigate planning complexities and risks, as well as access to a cross-industry network of professionals and resources.

CDFA^® – Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

CLU^® designees specialize primarily in life insurance and estate planning. To earn the CLU^® designation, advisors must complete a series of exams and demonstrate their real-world experience in the life insurance, estate planning and other related financial planning spaces. As a client, you can take advantage of your CLU^® designees deep understanding of products and policies, comprehensive knowledge to help navigate planning complexities and risks, as well as access to a cross-industry network of professionals and resources.

CPA^® - Certified Public Accountant

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a highly respected credential for professionals in the accounting and finance industry. CPAs are known for their expertise in financial reporting, auditing, tax preparation, and business consulting. To earn the CPA designation, candidates must meet rigorous educational and experience requirements, pass the Uniform CPA Examination, and adhere to strict ethical standards.

CPAs are equipped to provide a wide range of services, including financial statement preparation, tax planning and compliance, forensic accounting, and management advisory services. They play a crucial role in helping individuals and businesses navigate complex financial landscapes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

To maintain the CPA designation, professionals must complete continuing education requirements, which help them stay current with evolving industry standards and practices. The CPA credential is overseen by state boards of accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), ensuring that designees uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.