The Certified Financial Planner designation requires high standards of professionalism and proficiency in financial planning education, experience, and ethics. CFP® candidates undertake a study of investment, insurance, employee benefits, tax, estate and retirement planning. In addition to successfully passing the ten-hour CFP® Certification Examination and satisfying the three years full time personal financial planning experience requirement, CFP® practitioners must also pledge adherence to the CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Standards. Every two years CFP® practitioners also complete 30 hours of continuing education in financial planning and ethics training
The CPA designation is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to accountants who pass the AICPA’s Uniform CPA Examination and satisfy the work experience and statutory and licensing requirements of the state(s) in which they practice. CPAs are considered some of business’ most trusted advisers, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Institute of CPAs. CPAs are tested, continually educated and regulated by the federal government. Achieving CPA status takes intelligence, ethics, integrity and lifelong commitment.
Established by the AICPA , the PFS credential is granted exclusively to CPAs with considerable personal financial planning experience who have also demonstrated proficiency in the 9 areas that make up the PFS Body of Knowledge
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) promotes client-centered comprehensive financial planning. NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors maintain the highest standards of proficiency in the industry.