What Is a Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT)?

A Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT) is trained to help clients navigate through major life events and the financial transitions that accompany them. The CeFT is the industry’s first designation specifically geared toward financial change and transition. The certification is offered by the Financial Transitionist Institute, which is the training and certification division of the Sudden Money Institute.

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How to Get the Designation

In order to become a Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT), you must first have one of the following designations.

• Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
• Certified Investment Management Analyst
• Certified Private Wealth Advisor
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Chartered Financial Consultant
• Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
• Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist

There is a year-long training program before you can sit for the day-long certification exam. The exam costs $690 and includes a prep course that includes two prep calls and a virtual practice exam.

Training involves studying the stages of transition. It examines how people behave during financial transitions and how professionals can work most effectively with them. 

The program is designed for professionals who want to learn how to work with clients in an uncertain climate. Just about any financial professional can apply, but a financial planning background and solid technical skills are prerequisites for the course.

This financial certification trains advisors to work with newly wealthy individuals. It helps advisors understand their clients’ needs so they can guide them through changing circumstances. Ultimately, they help their clients adjust to a new financial reality while settling into predictable routines.

Costs and Requirements

An individual taking the course will pay $425 per month, or $5,100 total. ¹ The annual cost drops to $4,845 if paid upfront. There are both team discounts and corporate pricing.

The course has six modules, each lasting two months. ² In each module, individuals taking the course will:

• Attend at least 10 of the live monthly sessions.
• Turn in all client experience homework.
• Complete the written case.

Required Coursework

The six modules are available in the following order.

Module One: The Foundation, Purpose Method Outcome, Communication Preferences

This module covers the science behind the Financial Transitionist designation. The course examines research on transitions and mindset. It also reviews literature and original research on financial stress and mindset, as well as on adapting to change.

Module Two: The Transition Traits

Although transitions can go very well, clients sometimes have difficulty processing a life event and the associated changes in relationships, priorities and expectations. This module covers the relatively predictable patterns of behavior and consequences that follow such transitions.

Module Three: Financial Triage/The Decision Free Zone & One-Pagers

The Decision Free Zone (DFZ) helps a client with important decisions and commitments. It introduces order and calm, while increasing the ability to assess options and understand consequences. However, some clients cannot immediately follow the DFZ structure because they have a concern that must first be addressed. Financial triage can help clients with those gnawing concerns.

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Module Four: Managing Expectations, “What if…” and Introduction to The Written Case

Managing expectations is crucial, as they can create confusion and conflict for the client.

“What if…” is a way to explore the spectrum of options that open up when life circumstances change.

Module Five: “Am I Okay?”, “What has Changed?”, Touchstone

When a client is struggling, there are tools that can provide relief for some clients regarding short-term cash flow and other worries. Touchstone helps clients make important decisions – especially when choosing among many options – by identifying times when they felt complete or most happy.

The goal is to remember that feeling and use it as a guide.

Module Six: The Written Case

The advisor has to show the faculty that they understand the course content and can use these tools in practice. The candidates must write and verbally present their cases before defending their positions and their work.

Daylong Certification Exam

The certification exam is held twice a year. In order to take the exam, candidates must. ³

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Financial Transitionists
• Successfully complete the yearlong core training.
• Be in good standing with the governing board of their primary designation.

The exam evaluates candidates based on how they utilize Financial Transitionist tools and protocols. It tests candidates through written case studies, role-playing/oral exam, structured response and multiple-choice testing.

Participants must prove competency in core materials. They must also explain what they do, why they do it and how those materials are unique.

CeFT Maintenance Membership Types

To maintain the CeFT designation, you must meet the following requirements. ⁴

• Attend either the mid-year workshop or the annual conference every two years.
• Sign, return and adhere to the Sudden Money Institute (SMI) Advisor Agreement, including its Code of Ethics.
• Remain in good standing with the SMI and the governing board of your primary designation.
• Complete 15 hours of continuing education credit per year, with at least 10 credits from SMI.

You will also have to select an annual membership level. ⁵

Basic

This allows users to access the organization’s website and join community calls. You can take advantage of member pricing for related events and receive access to co-branded advisory tools and marketing materials.

The Basic membership costs $800.

Advanced

Advanced is for advisors who have completed Core training but want to further their study of Financial Transitions Planning. This group has monthly, interactive case-study calls with 12 additional tools not previously available. The goal is for participants to increase their fluency and confidence in using the tools and processes of Financial Transitions Planning.

Advanced is a yearlong program that you can join after completing Core (or earning your certification). You also receive all the benefits of the Maintenance program.

The Advanced membership costs $3,600/year or $300/month. ⁶

Mastery

Mastery is for advisors who have completed core training and First-Year Mastery and are eager to continue to move the industry toward the human experience. Advisors receive Mastery invitations after completing First-Year Mastery and an Inward Bound retreat.

The Mastery membership costs $3,600/year or $300/month. Inward Bound retreats cost extra. ⁷  

CeFT Maintenance

If you do not wish to continue your studies but want to remain a CeFT professional, this is the membership for you. You can attend members-only events while maintaining your designation.

CEFT Maintenance costs $1,200/year or $100/month. ⁸  

CeFT vs. CFP®

A CFP® is a designation given by the Certified Planner Board of Standards to financial advisors.

CFP®s have a fiduciary duty to work in the best interest of their clients, and must agree to follow the Certified Planner Board of Standards’ code of ethics and professional conduct. ⁹ The Certified Planner Board conducts a background check, and candidates must disclose past criminal activity, client complaints and employment problems. However, CFPs have no training in the emotional and psychological aspects of financial planning, unlike CeFTs.

CFP® candidates must demonstrate 6,000 hours of professional experience, but may qualify with 4,000 hours of experience as an apprentice. ¹⁰ The CeFT program targets professionals with five or more years of face-to-face client contact. ¹¹ CFP® candidates need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Also, they must take a college-level program of study in personal financial planning, as well as a CFP Board-registered capstone course.

The CFP® does not require you to have a prior certification. However, candidates may have the option to skip the capstone course and additional program of study if they already have a CPA, CFA or higher business degree. Meanwhile, CeFT candidates must already hold one of the following certifications: CFP®, Certified Investment Management Analyst, Certified Private Wealth Advisor, Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst or a Certified Public Accountant/Personal Financial Specialist designation.

After you prove you have completed the CFP® course requirements, you can take the exam. The CFP® exam tests what you have learned and how you can apply that knowledge to a variety of financial situations.

Services That Advisors With Other Certifications Can Offer Clients

Clients who want help managing finances during major life events may also work with advisors who hold other professional certifications. While these credentials are not specifically designed for financial transitions, many advisors with these designations provide services that overlap with those of a Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT).

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Advisors with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation often focus on investment management and portfolio analysis. Their training emphasizes financial markets, asset valuation and portfolio construction. During major financial changes such as retirement, inheritance or the sale of a business, CFA professionals may help clients adjust their investment strategy or rebalance their portfolios.

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)

Advisors with the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation also specialize in portfolio construction and risk management. They often work with high-net-worth individuals to develop investment strategies, evaluate asset allocation and manage long-term portfolios. When clients experience financial transitions that affect their investments, CIMA professionals may help restructure portfolios or review risk exposure.

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation focuses on financial planning topics. This can include retirement planning, insurance, estate planning and tax considerations. Advisors with this credential may assist clients who are experiencing life changes that require updates to their long-term financial plans or insurance coverage.

Specialized Certifications

Other specialized certifications may focus on specific types of financial transitions. For example, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) may help clients evaluate financial decisions during divorce proceedings, including property division and post-divorce financial planning.

Tax-focused professionals may also assist clients during financial transitions. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) often provides tax planning and financial analysis to help individuals understand the tax implications of major financial decisions. This can include selling assets, receiving an inheritance or restructuring investments.

Bottom Line

CeFTs are already qualified as ordinary financial planners with other credentials. However, they also receive additional training that qualifies them to assist unique clients. In some cases, those people require more than just straightforward money management and financial assistance.

Financial Planning Tips

• A CeFT can help you with big transitions, and a financial advisor can help with the rest. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• When do you need a financial advisor? What’s the difference between a financial advisor and a financial planner? SmartAsset has some tips on when a financial advisor might be right for you and how to go about finding one.

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