Retirement Planners

Certification or Licensing

Because of their diverse backgrounds, financial planners have many different educational degrees and licenses. Planners who seek specialized training can earn credentials such as chartered financial consultant (from The American College of Financial Services) or certified financial planner (Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards). Professionals who wish to specialize in retirement issues may opt to become a chartered retirement plans specialist (CRPS) or a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC)—both of which are available from the College for Financial Planning. CRPSs advise businesses on employee retirement plans, while CRPCs work with individuals who are retired or nearing retirement age.

Certification requirements vary depending on the specialty, though all programs demand continuing education credits for yearly recertification.

Two other organizations offer certification to financial planning professionals. The Investments & Wealth Institute offers the following designations: certified investment management analyst, certified private wealth advisor, and retirement management advisor. Contact these organizations for more information. Fi360 offers the accredited investment fiduciary and accredited investment fiduciary analyst designations.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and most states have licensing requirements for investment advisers, a category under which many retirement planners also fall.