Certifications & Licenses

March 11, 2026Millions of Americans retire each year and the financial services industry is trying hard to meet demand. To that end, many advisors have specialized by earning professional certifications that highlight their retirement planning expertise. A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)… read more…

November 8, 2024With millions of people living into their 70s, 80s and 90s, the costs of healthcare, long-term care, aides and nursing homes are straining finances in many families. In response to this chronic problem, the financial and insurance industries have created many specializations for professional advisors. One of these, the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC), focuses… read more…

March 10, 2026There are many credentials for financial professionals, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. A Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF) is a relatively new certification that brokers, financial advisors,  insurance agents or other professional may acquire. A CFF… read more…

March 13, 2026The world of finance is often challenging for many consumers. However, financial professionals who hold the Certified Financial Educator (CFEd) designation communicate complex financial ideas in simple, understandable terms. Let’s break down how a CFEd can help you better understand… read more…

March 20, 2026Creating and sticking to a financial plan is challenging, if not impossible, for many Americans. That’s why some enlist a financial advisor or consultant to keep them on track. Some partner with a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) to do so.… read more…

August 6, 2025A certified financial education instructor (CFEI) is a professional who has completed specialized training to teach essential money management skills to diverse audiences. This designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong understanding of personal finance topics and the ability to effectively educate others through proven teaching methods. By earning a CFEI certification, instructors… read more…

March 17, 2026If you’re a business owner, you’ll most likely be facing many complicated decisions when it comes time to retire. After all, selling a business is a major life event. To help you navigate this complex transition, consider consulting a certified exit planning… read more…

March 19, 2026An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor is a wealth manager specializing in high-net worth clients. It’s a designation bestowed upon experienced advisors working with high-net-worth clients. Also, it’s or for advisors with broad financial knowledge who wish to specialize in high-net-worth… read more…

March 20, 2026An investment professional who supervises municipal securities trading for a securities firm or bank dealer needs a Series 53 license. The Series 53 exam, also called the Municipal Securities Principal Qualification Examination, evaluates the knowledge and expertise of a municipal… read more…

March 20, 2026No matter where you are in your career, sooner or later you’ll be approaching retirement. While you should start saving now for your post-working life, consulting with a certified retirement financial advisor (CRFA) could be one move toward making sure… read more…

April 2, 2024A certified fund specialist (CFS) is a financial services professional who has acquired advanced expertise in choosing and managing mutual funds. The certification is typically obtained by those already working in the financial industry, including accountants, investment bankers, brokers, money managers and certified financial planners. Learn more about the qualifications for earning a CFS credential… read more…

March 11, 2026Paying for long-term care can quickly become one of the most expensive financial challenges families face. With nursing home and assisted living costs often reaching thousands of dollars per month, many people eventually turn to Medicaid for help. However, qualifying for Medicaid can be complicated due to strict income and asset rules. That’s where a… read more…

March 19, 2026The Series 9 and Series 10 exams assess the attributes a general securities sales supervisor needs for their job. They are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). They’re also prerequisites for becoming a brokerage branch manager. Here’s how… read more…

March 20, 2026The Accredited Estate Planner designation is a professional credential for individuals who specialize in estate planning services. You might work with someone who holds an AEP® designation if you need help creating or fine-tuning an estate plan or a succession plan… read more…

March 18, 2026If giving back is part of your financial plan, you may consider working with a chartered advisor in philanthropy (CAP). A CAP has the necessary knowledge and expertise to help you createa plan for philanthropic giving. Here’s a closer look… read more…

March 20, 2026Do you ever wonder who’s behind the trading desk, helping your financial firm find the best investment mix? In many cases, you’ll find a Chartered Market Technician (CMT). Read on to discover how CMTs achieve their designation and how they play… read more…

March 10, 2026A Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) is a professional who has attained a higher level of education and training in financial planning. As the name suggests, they specialize in working with high net-worth clients—typically those who have at least $1 million in liquid assets. But the expertise of a Certified Wealth Strategist goes beyond just offering… read more…

March 20, 2026Need help planning for retirement? Partnering with a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) can help you find the answers you seek. Since QPFCs have extensive retirement planning training, they can help guide you through the process. Read on to discover… read more…

March 20, 2026Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) is one of many certifications and designations that financial professionals can earn. The AFC indicates that a professional values sound financial principles and understands how to teach people their worth. Here’s what it takes to get this designation, how it differs from other popular designations and which clients it serves best.… read more…

March 10, 2026If you’re overwhelmed by retirement planning, it’s wise to partner with an expert who puts your interests first. Working with a financial professional like a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) can help you to find resources you’ll need when planning… read more…

March 12, 2026High net-worth individuals and families are often faced with many complex financial decisions. There are financial professionals who have specific certifications in these financial concerns, though. One of the most prominent among financial advisors is certified private wealth advisor, or… read more…

March 20, 2026The Series 3, also known as the National Commodities Futures Examination, is a licensing exam for financial professionals who wish to sell commodity futures contracts. The Series 3 allows a financial professional to sell both commodity futures contracts and options… read more…

March 19, 2026The Series 79 exam, also known as the Investment Banking Representative Exam, is taken by many financial professionals, including investment bankers. Those who pass the exam ability can advise clients about debt and equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers,… read more…

March 20, 2026A Fellow, Secure Retirement Institute (FSRI) is well versed in what it takes to retire in a sustainable way. As a result, their knowledge covers a broad range of retirement topics, from investment management to customer experience. To learn more… read more…

March 20, 2026A Fraternal Insurance Counselor Fellow (FICF) is a specially trained insurance professional and member of a national network of counselors. But in order to get the FICF designation, you have to already have a Fraternal Insurance Counselor (FIC) designation. Keep… read more…