Certified Financial Planner, CFP®   

Certified Financial Planner CFP® designees have demonstrated competency in all areas of finance related to financial planning, including stocks, bonds, taxes, insurance planning, retirement planning and estate planning.

Candidates must pass a comprehensive 10-hour exam, demonstrate extensive experience in the field of financial planning (three years of full-time work & bachelors degree), and meet certain background requirements in order to be approved by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in the US.

After achieving the CFP® designation, all designees are required to adhere to the CFP® Board Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and to the Financial Planning Practice Standards. The CFP® Board has the right to enforce them through its Disciplinary Rules and Procedures

Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA®

The Chartered Financial Analyst CFA® designation is a qualification for finance and investment professionals, particularly in the fields of investment management, investment banking and financial analysis.

To achieve the CFA® designation, candidates must pass a series of 3 exceptionally difficult exams over the course of the three-year program. These exams require extensive knowledge in accounting, economics, portfolio management, and security analysis, and require candidates to demonstrate competence and integrity.

Chartered Financial Consultant, ChFC® 

The Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC® designation requires candidates to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of financial planning, such as income tax, insurance, investment and estate planning. The ChFC® designation is similar to a CFP® designation. However, this program is administered exclusively by the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Candidates are also required to have a minimum of three years experience in a financial industry position.

Certified Fund Specialist, CFS 

The Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in mutual funds and the mutual fund industry. This program, offered by the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF), is less comprehensive than the other industry designations, which require the knowledge of broader range of “financial planning” topics.

Certified Financial Divorce Practitioner, CFDP®

Advisors holding a CFDP® certificate provide expertise with property settlements, alimony, and maintenance.

To become a CFDP®, a candidate must complete the training offered by the Academy of Financial Divorce Practitioners. Training involves undergoing a 10-week program or completing a self-study materials package. Both methods of training are concluded with an examination, which must be passed before the designation is awarded. (Investopedia)

Additionally, these professionals have been trained to offer financial advice emotionally charged situations and provide necessary tools for clients to make informed decisions regarding the economic aspects of divorce.

NOTE: Many other designations and specialized certifications exist within this industry, but we decided to focus on the most prevalent and important ones for this list.

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