About Us
CFP® Certification: The standard of excellence
Although many professionals may call themselves “financial planners,” CFP®professionals have completed extensive training and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical standards. They understand the complexities of the changing financial climate and know how to make recommendations in your best interest.
Most people think all financial planners are “certified,” but this isn’t true. Anyone can use the title “financial planner.” Only those who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of CFP Board can display the CFP® certification trademarks which represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism. And because they are held to a fiduciary standard of care when providing financial planning services, a CFP® professional is required to act in your best interest.
Unlike many financial advisors, CFP® professionals must develop their theoretical and practical knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum approved by CFP Board. Applicants may also satisfy the education requirement by submitting a transcript review or previous financial planning-related course work. Or, they can show that they have attained certain professional designations or academic degrees that cover the important subjects in CFP Board’s financial planning curriculum.
What makes AIF® designees different?
Is the investment advice you are receiving really in your best interests? Unless your advisor understands and follows a fiduciary process, you can’t really be sure. Even those investment professionals who are required to act as fiduciaries might not have the experience or training to prepare them for this enormous responsibility. Only Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designees have been certified specifically for their ability to follow a fiduciary process with their clients’ best interests at heart.- Experience. Designees are required to provide documented industry and educational experience to qualify for the designation.
- Education. Designees must complete the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Training, which covers the Prudent Practices® for managing fiduciary assets for wealth, nonprofit and retirement clients.
- Examination. Designees must pass an examination to prove comprehension of the Prudent Practices® and ability to act in the best interest of clients.
- Ethics. Designees adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards that show a commitment to a higher degree of industry professionalism.
- Continuing Education. Designees commit to keeping their knowledge and skills sharp by completing annual continuing education requirements.