What do those designations mean?
CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
The CRPC program is developed with a focus on client-centered problem solving. Applicants gain in-depth knowledge of individuals' needs both before and after retirement. The College for Financial Planning describes the program as helping financial planners and advisers define and create a "road map for retirement" for their clients. The study program to become a CRPC covers the entire retirement planning process, including meeting multiple financial objectives, sources of retirement income, personal savings, employer-sponsored retirement plans, income taxes, retirement cash flow, asset management, estate planning and more.
CRPC® Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
The CRPC program is developed with a focus on client-centered problem solving. Applicants gain in-depth knowledge of individuals' needs both before and after retirement. The College for Financial Planning describes the program as helping financial planners and advisers define and create a "road map for retirement" for their clients. The study program to become a CRPC covers the entire retirement planning process, including meeting multiple financial objectives, sources of retirement income, personal savings, employer-sponsored retirement plans, income taxes, retirement cash flow, asset management, estate planning and more.
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary
The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agreement to abide by the Center’s Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. On an ongoing basis, completion of continuing education and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards are required to maintain the AIF designation.
CLU® Charted Life Underwriter
A chartered life underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation for individuals who wish to specialize in life insurance and estate planning. Individuals must complete five core courses and three elective courses, in addition to successfully passing eight 100-question, two-hour examinations in order to receive the designation. The required course titles include Fundamentals of Insurance Planning, Individual Life Insurance, Life Insurance Law, Fundamentals of Estate Planning and Planning for Business Owners and Professionals. Other course topics include financial planning, health insurance, income taxation, group benefits, investments and retirement planning..
ChFC® Chartered Financial Consultant
A Chartered Financial Consultant is a professional designation representing the completion of a comprehensive course consisting of financial education, examinations and practical experience. Chartered Financial Consultant designations are granted by the American College upon completion of seven required courses and two elective courses. Those who earn the designation are understood to be knowledgeable in financial matters and to have the ability to provide sound advice.
REBC® Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® designation includes practical knowledge on pensions and retirement plan funding, installation and administration. The program covers group medical plans, long-term care, executive compensation, personnel management and more.
CAP® Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy
The Chartered Advisory in Philanthropy® designation is granted by the Richard D. Irwin School of The American College, also known as The American College of Financial Services®. The designation is recommended only for experienced advisors who already hold credentials such as Chartered Life Underwriters®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ Professionals, Masters of Science in Financial Services, and CPAs. It is intended for financial planners who want to “help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family, and society.”1
Coursework includes master level coursework in:
- Planning for Impact in Context of Family Wealth
- Charitable Giving Strategies
- Gift Planning in a Nonprofit Context
The CAP® program provides financial advisors and planners with the knowledge and tools to provide high-level philanthropic and charitable planning to clients. It prepares advisors for advanced design, implementation, and management of charitable gift techniques, as well as philanthropic tools including charitable trusts, private foundations, donor-advised funds, pooled income funds, and charitable annuities.