Designations

MSFS
The Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) is an accredited degree program. MSFS provides you with the tools needed to analyze, plan and implement integrated financial and life strategies. This degree requires completion of 36 course credits including two, one week, on campus residencies.

CFP®
The Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification represents proven expertise within the financial planning profession. Those with the CFP® designation have demonstrated competency in all areas of finance related to financial planning. Candidates for the CFP® designation must pass a certification exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. that focuses on over 100 topics of concern to the financial planning field, such as retirement, estate, and investment planning. In addition to passing the CFP® certification exam, candidates must also complete qualifying work experience and agree to adhere to the CFP® Board's code of ethics and professional responsibility and financial planning standards.

AIF®
The Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation is awarded to individuals who complete a specialized program on the investment fiduciary standards of care and pass a comprehensive examination. The focus is on implementing the investment strategy and conducting due diligence, monitoring investments results, fees and providers, formalizing an investment strategy and organizing client engagement for success. To keep their AIF® designation in good standing, IARs must complete six hours of continuing professional education and attest to the AIF® Code of Ethics annually.

RICP®
The Retirement Income Certified Professional® designation (RICP®) is issued by the American College of Financial Services. Applicants to the RICP® program must successfully complete three required courses, meet experience requirements and agree to comply with the College’s Code of Ethics and Procedures. The program courses are self-study and available online; each includes lectures, expert interviews, practice exams, assessment questions and professor-driven webinars. To maintain the right to hold out the designation, certificants must complete continuing education through the College’s Professional Recertification Program.

ChFC
The ChFC, Chartered Financial Consultant designation is a financial credential awarded by the American College to individuals who satisfy educational, work experience and ethics requirements. Recipients of the ChFC certification have completed, and passed examinations, on at least seven mandatory college-level courses in the areas of financial, insurance, retirement and/or estate planning, as well as income taxation and/or investments. Additionally, recipients have completed at least three elective courses on the financial system, estate planning applications, executive compensation, and/or retirement decisions. To maintain this designation, ChFC holders must satisfy the ongoing requirements of the Professional Achievement in Continuing Education ("PACE"), which includes at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

CHSA®
The Certified Health Savings Advisor (CHSA®) is a nationally-recognized training and designation program designed to provide financial and employee benefit professionals with the knowledge and support required to stay current on the rapidly growing consumer-directed healthcare and HSA marketplaces. Helping employers and employees understand how HSA’s impact today’s healthcare financing and retirement planning. In depth knowledge of the rules, regulations and potential scenarios help clients view their retirement readiness with consideration to healthcare costs during retirement.

CLU®
The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) is a professional designation for life insurance and estate planning expertise. Candidates must successfully complete eight courses that focus on the fundamentals of life insurance, personal insurance planning and estate planning. This designation also requires candidates to have business experience and meet industry ethics standards. Individuals who earn this designation are required to complete the Professional Achievement in Continuing Education recertification Program.