Certifications and licensing

Kevin Keller prides himself on the growing public awareness of the CFP mark while warning that his successor is likely to face increased competition from other groups.

Atop the standard-setting organization since 2007, Kevin Keller has seen its ranks of certification holders nearly double and has overseen work to bring more diversity to the profession.

The many technical skills and professional requirements get most of the attention. But experts say a transition also requires a great deal of time and other capabilities.

The "model rule" for state regulators is meant to help clients distinguish between advisors who earn management fees and brokers who collect transaction-based commissions.

The standard-setting group is mulling increasing continuing education requirements and requiring that CFP aspirants have certain types of financial planning-related experiences, among other changes.

The regulators' organization is also seeking to let state regulators enforce the same Reg BI conduct standard that federal watchdogs now apply to broker-dealers.

While the process of preparing for the 170 multiple-choice-question test can be expensive, time-consuming and nerve-racking, there are ways to make it less unpleasant and more successful.

The giant universities that have their own investment arms are likely out of reach, but they represent only a small portion of the rapidly growing channel.

The program allows candidates to complete the certification program online, asynchronously and in half the time it takes to complete the standard program.

Jeffrey Levine and The American College of Financial Services hope to help more financial advisors branch into the related but historically separate field.

CFAs' knowledge of investments is on another level — which is why the designation is so hard to get. Here's why it can be worth it.

The St. Louis-based brokerage is also encouraging representatives to become Certified Financial Planners as it experiments with fee-based fiduciary business models.

For clients who care about social impact in their portfolios or financial plans, this relatively young designation can help an advisor deliver more value.

Amid industry crackdown, some say they are beginning to see a way forward for digital asset firms that want to stay on the right side of the law.

The CDFA can help financial planners as more older Americans divorce — putting retirement savings, estate plans and big assets on the line.

Some argue the standard-setting organization could be doing more to expel 'bad apples' from the industry.

Demand is growing for the certified private wealth advisor credential, which has been around for 15 years and helps advisors cater to high net worth clients.

The CRPC is a popular sister certification of the CFP. FP spoke with the program's head and with advisors who say it's a must-have credential for retirement planning.

From AAI to WMS, there are 242 designations for financial professionals. Here's a quick primer on the most important ones — and how to get them.

Advisors have until Dec. 3 to opine on proposed revisions to types of misconduct and resulting sanctions.