Designations & Descriptions
AAMS — Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The AAMS designation (Accredited Asset Management Specialist) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
AEP — Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®)
Issuing Organization: NAEPC. FINRA Recognized: No. The AEP designation (Accredited Estate Planner) is issued by NAEPC. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
AIF — Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®)
Issuing Organization: Fi360 (Broadridge). FINRA Recognized: Yes. The AIF designation (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) is issued by Fi360 (Broadridge). Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
APMA — Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor (APMA™)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The APMA designation (Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
AWMA — Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA™)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The AWMA designation (Accredited Wealth Management Advisor) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CAIA — Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®)
Issuing Organization: CAIA Association. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CAIA designation (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) is issued by CAIA Association. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CAMS — Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS®)
Issuing Organization: ACAMS. FINRA Recognized: No. The CAMS designation (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) is issued by ACAMS. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CAP — Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
Issuing Organization: American College. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CAP designation (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) is issued by American College. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CBDA — Certified Blockchain & Digital Assets (CBDA)
Issuing Organization: Various. FINRA Recognized: No. The CBDA designation (Certified Blockchain & Digital Assets) is issued by Various. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CBV — Chartered Business Valuator (CBV)
Issuing Organization: CBV Institute (Canada) (formerly the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators). FINRA Recognized: No. The CBV (Chartered Business Valuator) designation is granted by the CBV Institute. The designation requires candidates to complete specialized education and examinations in business valuation, as well as relevant professional experience and adherence to professional and ethical standards. CBVs typically provide valuation services related to mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, litigation support, and taxation.
CDFA — Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
Issuing Organization: IDFA. FINRA Recognized: No. The CDFA designation (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) is issued by IDFA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CEPA — Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®)
Issuing Organization: Exit Planning Institute. FINRA Recognized: No. The CEPA designation (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) is issued by Exit Planning Institute. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CES — Certified Equity Specialist (CES™)
Issuing Organization: ISE (historical). FINRA Recognized: No. The CES designation (Certified Equity Specialist) is issued by ISE (historical). Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CFA — Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
Issuing Organization: CFA Institute. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CFA designation (Chartered Financial Analyst) is issued by CFA Institute. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CFE — Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE®)
Issuing Organization: ACFE. FINRA Recognized: No. The CFE designation (Certified Fraud Examiner) is issued by ACFE. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CFF — Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF)
Issuing Organization: AICPA. FINRA Recognized: No. The CFF designation (Certified in Financial Forensics) is issued by AICPA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CFP — Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Issuing Organization: CFP Board. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CFP designation (Certified Financial Planner) is issued by CFP Board. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
ChFC — Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Issuing Organization: American College. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The ChFC designation (Chartered Financial Consultant) is issued by American College. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CIMA — Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®)
Issuing Organization: Investments & Wealth Institute. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CIMA designation (Certified Investment Management Analyst) is issued by Investments & Wealth Institute. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CIPM — Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®)
Issuing Organization: CFA Institute. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CIPM designation (Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement) is issued by CFA Institute. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CKA — Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®)
Issuing Organization: Kingdom Advisors. FINRA Recognized: No. The CKA designation (Certified Kingdom Advisor) is issued by Kingdom Advisors. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CLU — Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®)
Issuing Organization: American College. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CLU designation (Chartered Life Underwriter) is issued by American College. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CPA — Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Issuing Organization: State Boards. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CPA designation (Certified Public Accountant) is issued by State Boards. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CPFA — Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®)
Issuing Organization: NAPA. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CPFA designation (Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor) is issued by NAPA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CPWA — Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)
Issuing Organization: Investments & Wealth Institute. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CPWA designation (Certified Private Wealth Advisor) is issued by Investments & Wealth Institute. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CRPC — Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC™)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CRPC designation (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CRPS — Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The CRPS designation (Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CWA — Certified Wealth Advisor (CWA)
Issuing Organization: Various. FINRA Recognized: No. The CWA designation (Certified Wealth Advisor) is issued by Various. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
CWS — Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS®)
Issuing Organization: Global Academy of Finance. FINRA Recognized: No. The CWS designation (Certified Wealth Strategist) is issued by Global Academy of Finance. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
EA — Enrolled Agent (EA)
Issuing Organization: IRS. FINRA Recognized: No. The EA designation (Enrolled Agent) is issued by IRS. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
ERPA — Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA)
Issuing Organization: IRS. FINRA Recognized: No. The ERPA designation (Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent) is issued by IRS. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
FPQP — Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP™)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The FPQP designation (Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
HDP — Health & Disability Planner (HDP®)
Issuing Organization: America’s Health Insurance Plans. FINRA Recognized: No. The HDP designation (Health & Disability Planner) is issued by America’s Health Insurance Plans. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
IACCP — Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®)
Issuing Organization: NRS. FINRA Recognized: No. The IACCP designation (Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional) is issued by NRS. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
IAR — Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)
Issuing Organization: Regulatory. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The IAR designation (Investment Adviser Representative) is issued by Regulatory. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
JD — Juris Doctor (JD)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The JD designation (Juris Doctor) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
LL.M. — Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: No. The LL.M. designation (Master of Laws) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
LPC — Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Issuing Organization: State Licensing. FINRA Recognized: No. The LPC designation (Licensed Professional Counselor) is issued by State Licensing. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
MBA — Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The MBA designation (Master of Business Administration) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
MPA — Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: No. The MPA designation (Master of Public Administration) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
MSFP — Master of Science Financial Planning (MSFP)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: No. The MSFP designation (Master of Science Financial Planning) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
MT — Master of Taxation (MT)
Issuing Organization: Universities. FINRA Recognized: No. The MT designation (Master of Taxation) is issued by Universities. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
NSSA — National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®)
Issuing Organization: NSSA. FINRA Recognized: No. The NSSA designation (National Social Security Advisor) is issued by NSSA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
PFS — Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™)
Issuing Organization: AICPA. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The PFS designation (Personal Financial Specialist) is issued by AICPA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
QKA — Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA®)
Issuing Organization: ASPPA. FINRA Recognized: No. The QKA designation (Qualified 401(k) Administrator) is issued by ASPPA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
QPFC — Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC®)
Issuing Organization: ASPPA. FINRA Recognized: No. The QPFC designation (Qualified Plan Financial Consultant) is issued by ASPPA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
RICP — Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®)
Issuing Organization: American College. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The RICP designation (Retirement Income Certified Professional) is issued by American College. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
Series 65 — Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam (Series 65)
Issuing Organization: FINRA/NASAA. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The Series 65 designation (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) is issued by FINRA/NASAA. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
SHRM-SCP — Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®)
Issuing Organization: SHRM. FINRA Recognized: No. The SHRM-SCP designation (Senior Certified Professional) is issued by SHRM. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organization.
WMS — Wealth Management Specialist (WMS™)
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning. FINRA Recognized: Yes. The WMS designation (Wealth Management Specialist) is issued by College for Financial Planning. Candidates must complete education and/or examination requirements and may be subject to ongoing continuing education requirements as established by the issuing organizati
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