The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ mark- also referred to as CFP®- ensures that the planner meets the education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements set up by the Certified Financial Planner™  Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board).  The CFP Board is a nonprofit, independent regulatory organization founded in 1985 and has since grown to educate government regulators and cover international practices.  Its mission includes the continuing creation and enforcement of uniform standards in financial planning.

Rigorous standards in education, experience, and ethics are necessary as the financial world grows more diverse and complex.  A financial planner who holds the CFP®  certification adheres to these rigorous standards by upholding the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility as well as the Financial Planning Practice Standards as established by the CFP Board.  More information about this certification, the CFP Board and its policies can be obtained at www.cfp.net.

The Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA®) awards the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation.  A financial planner who holds the CIMA® certification has undergone intense educational courses focusing on asset allocation, manager selection, investment policy and performance measurement.  This planner also has a minimum of 3 years consulting experience and fulfills continuing education requirements.

The IMCA® strives to continually educate on the latest investment strategies, legal concerns, and economic news through conferences, publications, and networking.  Like the CFP Board, the IMCA® recognizes the need to keep up with a constantly changing financial market.  Information about the CIMA® certification and IMCA® can also be found at www.imca.org.

Accountants specialize in the area of quantifying, inspecting, and analyzing financial data for individuals and businesses.  The field of accounting greatly aids investors and managers in decision-making.  To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the accountant must pass a Uniform CPA Exam that covers federal certifications, as well as a state exam in the jurisdiction for which he applies.  While specifics vary by state, all have minimum education and experience requirements.  A majority of the state boards also require an exam in ethics and a minimum of forty hours a year in continuing education.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA®) is the national organization for all certified public accountants.  The organization works with state boards to serve the CPAs and the public through high professional standards.  The Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation is awarded by the AICPA® only to its members that have proven experience in personal financial planning.  More information about these certifications can be found at www.aicpa.org.

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