Alphabet Soup

If you are confused by the ‘Alphabet Soup’ of financial designations, you're definitely not alone. Here we will give you a brief explanation of the education and areas of study that each of our designations involves, both initially and ongoing.

The CFP® certification is the hallmark planning credential, granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, and represents proven expertise within the financial planning profession.

Most people think that all financial planners are "certified," but this isn’t true.  Anyone can call himself or herself a "financial planner."  However, only individuals who have fulfilled the certification and renewal requirements of the CFP® Board have the right to use the CFP® certification marks.  These individuals have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP®certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience and ethical requirements (also known as “the four Es”):

 

Compliance with these four areas informs you that an individual who holds the CFP® certification mark is well prepared and qualified to give sound, professional advice.  In addition, once certified, CFP® practitioners are required to maintain technical competence and fulfill ethical obligations. Every two years, they must complete a minimum 30 hours of continuing education to stay current with developments in the financial planning profession and better serve clients.

Retirement income is the driving force in today’s marketplace, and consumers are demanding more expertise from financial planners. That’s why Janney, in conjunction with The Wharton School, created a curriculum that focused on unique strategies needed to effectively plan for retirement income, and equipped financial advisors with the tools necessary to create retirement income plans and help clients face the complex issues facing retirees today. Topics covered during this intensive course included: understanding retirement income planning, the effects of market uncertainty on retirement planning, annuities, estate planning, planning considerations for non-traditional households, high impact client reviews, and the Retirement Income Evaluator (RIE) tool.

Individuals who hold the CRPS® designation 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.

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.

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.

Individuals who hold the AWMA® designation have completed a course of study encompassing wealth strategies, equity-based compensation plans, tax reduction alternatives, and asset protection alternatives. 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.

The ChFC® designation is the end certification of our program, comprised of nine or more college-level courses on all aspects of financial planning. It is offered by The American College, a non-profit educator with the highest level of academic accreditation.

The average study time for the program is over 400 hours, and advisors frequently spend years earning this coveted distinction. Each ChFC® must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years, adhere to strict ethical standards, and meet extensive experience requirements to ensure you get the professional financial advice you need.

Chartered Financial Consultants® have unique skills you won’t find with just any financial planner. Here are just a few of the many areas where a ChFC® can assist you: