Designation Descriptions

Sep 4, 2026

This document provides detailed descriptions of various professional designations relevant to finance and financial planning. It outlines the requirements, benefits, and continuing education mandates for each certification, offering a comprehensive overview for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise and credibility in the financial services industry. The designations covered include the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC), Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC), Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC), Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC), Certified Securities Compliance Professional (CSCP), Enrolled Agent (EA), and Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP). Additionally, it details other certifications such as Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) membership, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), Certified Estate Planner Certification (CEP), and Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards credentials (CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™). The document also lists master's degrees in specialized fields like Accounting (MAcc), Business Administration (MBA), Public Administration (MPA), Finance (MFin), and specialized study in Law (LLM) and Financial Services (MSFS), as well as a general Master of Science (MS) degree, highlighting academic pathways for professional development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC)

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor® (CRPC®)

Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®)

Chartered SRI Counselor™ (CSRIC™)

Certified Securities Compliance Professional (CSCP®)

Enrolled Agent (EA)

Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP™)

Accredited Asset Management Specialist® (AAMS®)

Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV®)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)

A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) professional

Certified Estate Planner® (CEP®)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.®

The Investment Adviser Certified Compliance Professional (IACCP®) designation

The Juris Doctor (JD) degree

A Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

A Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Public Administration (MPA)

A Master of Finance (MFin)

A Master of Laws (LLM)

The Master of Science in Financial Services (MSFS)

The Master of Science (MS) degree

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) designation?

The CMFC designation is a professional designation for mutual fund advisors, previously awarded by the College for Financial Planning. It signifies that holders have completed a study program and passed an exam covering mutual fund topics.

What are the continuing education requirements for the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation?

Enrolled Agents are required to complete seventy-two hours of continuing education over a three-year enrollment period to maintain their designation.

What does the Certified Securities Compliance Professional (CSCP®) designation signify?

The CSCP® designation is a graduate-level program for experienced securities professionals, indicating mastery of the two principal regulatory regimes (SEC and FINRA) that currently govern industry participants.

What is the educational requirement for the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation?

To obtain the AIF® designation, candidates must complete a capstone program that includes education, relevant work experience, and professional development, and then pass a certification exam.

Sep 4, 2026

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