Top 11 Account Planner Certifications

Certifications are an important way for account planners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. Account planners with certifications can showcase their expertise in areas such as strategic planning, consumer insights, and marketing research. These credentials can help account planners stand out from the competition when applying for jobs, as employers look for candidates who have the necessary skills and qualifications to take on a particular role. Certifications also provide a level of assurance that account planners have met certain standards of training and knowledge in their field. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for further professional development and career advancement, as they serve to validate an individual’s expertise in their chosen profession.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Account Planners and explains how they can help to advance an account planner's career.

What are Account Planner Certifications?

Account planner certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who understand the planning process and have mastered the skills necessary to develop effective digital marketing strategies. Account planners are responsible for researching, understanding and anticipating consumer needs, developing creative strategies to meet those needs, and analyzing data to measure results. With account planner certification, marketers can demonstrate their expertise in digital marketing planning and execution.

The certification is offered by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI). The DMI has a rigorous certification program that covers topics such as customer segmentation, digital media strategy development, analytics and measurement of campaigns, and campaign optimization. It also provides guidance on how to manage projects from start to finish. By earning this certification, marketers can demonstrate their proficiency in digital marketing planning and execution.

Having an account planner certification can help professionals stand out in a crowded field of applicants looking for job opportunities in digital marketing. Professional credentials like this one show employers that the candidate has a deep understanding of the field and knows how to apply it effectively. Additionally, having an account planner certification demonstrates commitment to staying up-to-date with current trends in the industry and being able to quickly adapt tactics as needed in order to achieve desired results.

Pro Tip: When considering an account planner certification, make sure to research the program and its requirements thoroughly. Look for programs that are offered by reputable universities or institutions, as well as those that have a good track record of providing successful graduates. Additionally, be aware of any additional costs or requirements associated with the certification, such as continuing education units or other certifications.

Related: What does an Account Planner do?

Top 11 Account Planner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Account Planners today.

1. Certified Account Planner (CAP)

Certified Account Planner (CAP) is a certification program for financial advisors and planners. It is designed to help them become more knowledgeable, competent, and successful in their practice. The program is administered by the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

The CAP program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as financial planning principles, investment strategies, retirement planning, estate planning, and taxation. The exam tests a planner’s knowledge of these topics.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CAP program. During this time, planners must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. They must also submit proof of continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost of the CAP program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000. This includes the cost of the online course and exam fees.

To get certified as a Certified Account Planner (CAP), you must first meet certain prerequisites including having a bachelor’s degree or higher in finance or accounting or having at least three years of experience in financial planning or accounting. After meeting these prerequisites, you can then register for the CAP program through FPA's website and begin your studies.

2. Certified Professional Account Planner (CPAP)

Certified Professional Account Planner (CPAP) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (ICPA). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of accounting and financial planning. CPAP holders are expected to demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the areas of accounting, tax planning, estate planning, retirement planning, investment management, insurance planning, and risk management.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CPAP designation. The program consists of five courses: Accounting Principles I & II; Taxation; Estate Planning; Retirement Planning; and Investment Management. Each course requires at least 30 hours of study time and must be completed within one year. Once all five courses are completed, applicants must pass an exam administered by ICPA.

To become a CPAP holder, you must first meet certain educational requirements. You must have either a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance from an accredited college or university or have completed at least 30 semester hours of college-level coursework in accounting or finance with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. In addition to these educational requirements, you must also have at least three years of professional experience in the field of accounting or financial planning.

The cost for obtaining the CPAP designation varies depending on your individual circumstances but generally ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD including registration fees and exam costs.

3. Certified Financial Planning Specialist (CFPS)

Certified Financial Planning Specialist (CFPS) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Certified Financial Planners (ICFP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in financial planning. The CFPS designation demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of ethics, knowledge, and experience in the field of financial planning.

In order to obtain the CFPS designation, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive examination. The educational requirements include completing an approved financial planning program or completing at least 30 hours of coursework related to financial planning topics. Additionally, applicants must have three years of full-time work experience in the field of financial planning or related areas.

The comprehensive examination consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as investment analysis, retirement planning, insurance and risk management, estate planning, tax law and regulations, and personal finance. The oral exam focuses on demonstrating mastery in areas such as client relations, communication skills, problem solving techniques, decision making processes, and ethical considerations.

To get the CFPS designation typically takes between six months to one year depending on how quickly you are able to complete the necessary coursework and exams.

The cost for obtaining the CFPS designation varies depending on which institution you choose to pursue your education from but generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials.

4. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. This certification is highly regarded in the finance and investment industry and demonstrates an individual's mastery of financial analysis and portfolio management skills.

The CFA program consists of three levels of exams which must be taken in order. It typically takes four years to complete all three levels, although some candidates take longer or shorter depending on their individual circumstances. The exams are offered twice a year, with Level I being offered in June and December, and Levels II and III being offered in June only.

To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass all three levels of the CFA exam, have at least four years of qualified work experience in the investment decision-making process, and commit to adhere to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.

The cost for taking each level of the exam varies depending on when you register for it. Generally speaking, registering early will result in lower fees. The total cost for all three levels can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD depending on when you register for each exam.

5. Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)

Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) is a professional designation awarded by the Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA). The CIMA certification is designed to provide financial advisors with a comprehensive understanding of investment management and consulting. It focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and monitor investment strategies for clients.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CIMA program. The program consists of two parts: a self-study component and an exam component. During the self-study portion, candidates must complete online coursework covering topics such as portfolio construction, asset allocation, risk management, performance measurement, and ethics in investment management. Once they have completed the coursework, they can then take the CIMA exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on where you take the exam. In general, it costs around $1,500 to register for the CIMA program and take the exam. This fee includes access to study materials, registration fees for both parts of the program (self-study and exam), and any other associated costs.

In order to become certified as a CIMA professional, candidates must pass both parts of the program with a score of at least 70%. After passing both parts of the program, candidates will be awarded their CIMA designation from IMCA.

6. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation given to individuals who have met the educational, experience and examination requirements set by their state board of accountancy. CPAs are licensed by their respective states to provide accounting services to the public.

In order to become a CPA, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements as well as pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Generally, you must have at least 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration or equivalent coursework in accounting and related subjects. Additionally, most states require that applicants have at least one year of work experience in public accounting or related fields before they can be eligible for licensure.

The CPA exam consists of four sections: Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Business Environment & Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). Each section is four hours long and covers different topics within the field of accounting. The exam is administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

The cost of becoming a CPA varies depending on your state's specific requirements. Generally, the cost includes application fees, exam fees, review course fees and other miscellaneous costs such as study materials or travel expenses associated with taking the exam. The total cost could range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on your individual situation.

Overall it takes approximately 1-2 years to become a CPA depending on your individual circumstances. This includes completing all education and experience requirements as well as passing all four sections of the exam.

7. Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)

Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF) is a professional designation awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies (CFS). The AIF designation is designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in investment fiduciary responsibility. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as fiduciary standards of care, investment policy statements, diversification, risk management and more.

The AIF program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 20 hours to complete and covers the material necessary to pass the exam. The exam is administered by CFS and must be taken in person at one of their approved testing centers.

To become an AIF, you must first complete the online course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your AIF designation certificate from CFS.

The cost of the AIF program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend a live workshop. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 depending on which option you choose.

8. Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS)

Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS) is a professional designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to recognize financial professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in retirement planning. The CRPS designation provides financial advisors with the skills and knowledge to help their clients develop comprehensive retirement plans that meet their individual needs.

It takes approximately three to six months to complete the CRPS program, depending on the individual's prior education and experience. To become a CRPS, an individual must pass the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist Examination (CRPS Exam). The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion covers topics such as retirement plan design, implementation, regulation, taxation, investments, and distribution strategies. The oral portion focuses on client communication and counseling related to retirement planning.

In order to take the CRPS Exam, individuals must meet certain educational requirements. These include having at least a bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent work experience; completion of at least three college-level courses in finance or economics; completion of at least one course in retirement planning; and completion of at least one course in investments or securities analysis. Individuals must also have at least three years of work experience related to financial services or retirement planning before they can sit for the exam.

The cost of taking the CRPS Exam varies depending on the provider offering it but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD.

9. Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)

Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) is a professional designation awarded by the International Foundation for Retirement Education (InFRE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in retirement planning and counseling. The CRC credential is recognized as the premier retirement planning credential in the United States.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, plus three years of full-time experience in retirement planning or counseling. They must also pass an examination administered by InFRE that covers topics such as retirement income planning, Social Security, investments, taxes and estate planning.

The certification process takes about four to six months depending on how quickly applicants complete the requirements. The cost of obtaining the CRC credential is $425 for InFRE members and $525 for non-members.

10. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

A Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional designation that signifies expertise in the areas of financial planning, insurance, taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning. The ChFC designation is awarded by the American College of Financial Services and requires a combination of coursework, experience and passing an exam.

To become a ChFC, you must have at least three years of full-time experience in the financial services industry or related field. You must also complete nine college-level courses from the American College of Financial Services and pass a comprehensive examination. The courses cover topics such as financial planning process, risk management and insurance planning, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning and estate planning.

The cost to pursue the ChFC designation depends on which educational program you choose. It typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for tuition plus an additional fee for books and materials. The total cost can vary depending on your location and other factors.

Once you have completed all requirements for the ChFC designation including passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will receive your official certificate from the American College of Financial Services within 6-8 weeks after passing your exam.

11. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS).

A Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF). The CFS certification provides individuals with an understanding of the investment management industry, including portfolio management and analysis, asset allocation, investment products and strategies, retirement planning, and financial planning. It also covers topics such as taxation, estate planning, insurance and risk management.

The CFS certification requires successful completion of a five-course program that includes three core courses plus two electives. The core courses cover Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management; Financial Planning & Retirement Planning; and Asset Allocation & Risk Management. The two elective courses are chosen from a range of topics such as Taxation & Estate Planning; Insurance & Risk Management; International Investing; Alternative Investments; Derivatives & Options Strategies; and Investment Banking.

The CFS program typically takes six to nine months to complete depending on the individual’s schedule. To qualify for the CFS designation, candidates must pass all five required exams with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost of the CFS program varies based on the number of courses taken and whether or not candidates opt for additional study materials or exam preparation services. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 - $2,500 USD to become certified.

Do You Really Need a Account Planner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career aspirations and the industry you want to work in. If you are interested in a career as an account planner, then a certificate may be beneficial. Account planners are responsible for developing relationships with clients, understanding their needs and creating customized marketing plans that meet those needs. A certificate can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role.

A certificate program typically includes courses on topics such as market research, budgeting, strategy development, client relations and more. It may also include hands-on experience with real-world projects or internships with advertising firms. The certificate shows employers that you have acquired the necessary skills to be successful in the field of account planning.

However, if you do not have any previous experience or education related to account planning, then a certificate might not be necessary for success. Many employers will accept applicants without a certificate if they possess strong communication skills, creative problem-solving capabilities and general business acumen. Additionally, having a degree or other relevant qualifications can make up for not having an account planner certificate.

In conclusion, an account planner certificate can certainly be beneficial for those interested in pursuing this career path but it is not always required for success. Ultimately it is up to each individual to decide whether or not obtaining a certificate is the right choice for them based on their own unique goals and circumstances.

Related: Account Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Account Planner Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Account Planners?

Answer: There are several different certifications available for account planners, including Certified Professional Account Planner (CPAP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

2. How long does an Account Planner Certification take to complete?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to complete an account planner certification will depend on the specific type of certification being pursued. Generally, certifications can take between 6 months and 1 year to complete.

3. What is the cost associated with obtaining an Account Planner Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining an account planner certification will vary depending on the type of certification being pursued, as well as other factors such as location and study materials used. Generally, most certifications range from $500 - $2,000 USD.

4. Are there any prerequisites required before I can pursue an Account Planning Certification?

Answer: Yes, some certifications require that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience before they can pursue the certification. It is important to check with each individual organization offering a certification to determine what prerequisites may be required.

5. Is there a way to verify whether someone has obtained an Account Planner Certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations offering account planner certifications provide a list of certified professionals on their website or through a third-party verification service such as VeriPlan or CertVerify.