Some professional organizations have established their own criteria and certify advisers who meet their standards. You may want to look for someone with one of these designations.
The distinction of Certified Financial Planner (CFP), granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, requires passing a comprehensive ten-hour exam and adhering to a code of ethics.
The title, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), granted by the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts, requires industry experience and passing three six-hour exams over a three-year period.
A Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) is a certified public
accountant (CPA) who has been accredited as a financial planner by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Certification of Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), granted primarily to insurance agents who qualify as financial planners by the American College, Bryn Mawr, PA.
