Qualifications
CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
The College for Financial Planning created one of the country’s first financial planning education programs, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, as well as the certification. CFP® practitioners must pass a comprehensive CFP® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. The examination covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, and insurance.
Be aware that Financial Analyst, Financial Adviser (Advisor), Financial Consultant, Financial Planner, Investment Consultant or Wealth Manager are generic terms or job titles, and may be used by investment professionals who may not hold any specific designation. The CFP® certification provides a sense of security by allowing only those who have met the CFP® Board’s education, examination, experience requirements, have agreed to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct, and who complete CFP® Board’s biennial certification requirements, including continuing education, to use the certification marks.
A CFP® is a financial professional authorized to use the CFP® certification marks who has identified himself or herself to CFP® Board as being actively engaged in providing financial planning services. All CFP® individuals have voluntarily submitted to the regulatory authority of CFP® Board. The College for Financial Planning, Inc. (the degree-granting arm of the College) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (NCA).
FPA® - The Financial Planning Association®
The Financial Planning Association® connects those who need, support, and delivers financial planning. We believe that everyone is entitled to objective advice from a competent, ethical financial planner to make smart financial decisions. FPA® members demonstrate a professional commitment to education and a client-centered financial planning process as well as a commitment to the highest standards of professional competence, ethical conduct and clear, complete disclosure for financial planning professionals.
Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalTM
Individuals who hold the FPQPTM designation have completed a course of study encompassing the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning and general financial planning concepts, terminology and product categories. 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.