Top 11 Planner Certifications

Certifications are an important way for planners to demonstrate their expertise, knowledge and experience in the profession. Having certifications can help planners stand out when they are competing for jobs and can also give them an advantage when negotiating salary or benefits. Certifications show that a planner has invested in their professional development, which is an attractive trait to employers. Additionally, certifications often require continuing education and ongoing training to maintain them, which ensures planners stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Planners and explain how they can help advance a planner's career.

What are Planner Certifications?

Planner certification is a process of verifying that an individual has the knowledge and expertise to provide financial planning services. It helps ensure that those providing financial planning advice are qualified to do so.

Planner certification is typically provided by professional organizations, such as the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board). To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethics.

The benefits of planner certification include increased consumer confidence in the quality of advice being provided by certified planners, increased credibility among peers and employers, access to continuing education opportunities, and career advancement potential. Additionally, obtaining planner certification can help protect consumers from individuals who may be offering financial advice without having the necessary training or qualifications.

Pro Tip: When considering a planner certification, look for one that is accredited by a reputable organization like the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. This will ensure that the certification is up-to-date and offers comprehensive training in financial planning topics. Additionally, make sure to research any potential certifications thoroughly to ensure you are getting the best possible education for your money.

Related: What does a Planner do?

Top 11 Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Planner (CPP)

Certified Professional Planner (CPP) is a professional designation for financial planners who have met the educational, experience and ethical requirements set forth by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. It is one of the most prestigious designations in the financial planning industry and is recognized as a symbol of excellence.

It typically takes three to five years to become a CPP. To qualify, you must meet certain educational, experience and ethical requirements. This includes completing an approved course of study in personal financial planning, passing an exam administered by the CFP Board and having at least three years of full-time experience in providing financial planning services or related services.

To obtain the CPP designation, you must submit an application to the CFP Board and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on your level of experience; however, it generally ranges from $200 to $500. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to complete additional continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain your certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPP designation can vary depending on your level of experience and how long it takes you to complete all requirements. In addition to the application fee, there may also be costs associated with taking courses or exams necessary for certification.

2. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a professional designation given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board). A CFP is a financial planner who has met certain educational, experience and ethical requirements as set forth by the CFP Board.

In order to become a CFP, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete CFP Board-approved coursework in financial planning topics, pass the comprehensive CFP Certification Examination and meet continuing education requirements. The entire process typically takes three to five years to complete.

To get started on the path to becoming a CFP, individuals should review the requirements outlined on the CFP Board website and then take steps to fulfill those requirements. This includes completing an undergraduate degree in any field as well as completing at least six college-level courses in financial planning topics such as investments, estate planning and risk management. Once these academic requirements are met, individuals can register for and take the comprehensive two-day CFP Certification Examination.

The cost of becoming a CFP varies depending on how long it takes you to complete all of the necessary steps. In addition to tuition costs for coursework and exam fees, there are also annual membership dues that must be paid once you become certified. The total cost will vary depending on your individual circumstances but generally ranges from $2,500-$5,000 USD.

3. Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)

Certified Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) is a professional designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to recognize financial advisors who have demonstrated expertise in retirement planning and wealth management.

The CRPC program consists of a comprehensive course covering topics such as retirement planning, investments, estate planning, taxation, and risk management. To obtain the CRPC designation, applicants must complete the course and pass an exam administered by the College for Financial Planning. The course can be completed either online or in-person and typically takes between six months to two years to finish depending on the individual's study schedule.

To become eligible for the CRPC program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in financial services or related fields such as accounting or law. In addition, they must meet certain educational requirements including having earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or having completed at least 30 hours of approved continuing education credits within the past two years.

The cost of obtaining the CRPC designation varies depending on how you choose to take the course. Online courses typically cost between $1,500 - $2,000 while in-person courses may cost up to $4,000. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $250 for taking the exam which must be paid before you can register for it.

4. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a professional designation given by the American College of Financial Services. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and competency in financial planning, insurance, investment, retirement planning, estate planning and taxation. The ChFC designation requires a minimum of three years of experience in the financial services industry as well as completion of nine college-level courses and examinations.

In order to obtain the ChFC designation, an individual must complete nine college-level courses and pass two comprehensive examinations. The nine courses are: Principles of Insurance Planning; Investment Planning; Income Tax Planning; Retirement Planning; Estate Planning; Financial Analysis & Decision Making; Employee Benefits & Compensation Planning; Risk Management & Insurance Planning; and Advanced Case Studies & Applications. Each course is offered online or through self-study materials.

The two exams required for the ChFC designation are administered by Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the United States. The exams cover all nine course topics and require a passing score of 70%. Once both exams have been passed, individuals must submit their application to the American College of Financial Services for review and approval before they can receive their ChFC designation.

The cost to obtain the ChFC designation varies depending on which study materials are used and whether or not an individual takes any preparatory classes. Generally speaking, it will cost approximately $1,000 - $2,000 to obtain the ChFC designation when taking into account all associated costs such as exam fees, study materials and application fees.

5. Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC)

Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE). It is designed to provide financial counselors with the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals and families make sound financial decisions. The AFC certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates competency in financial counseling, education, and coaching.

The AFC program requires applicants to complete a three-step process: 1) Pass an exam; 2) Complete two courses; 3) Submit an application portfolio. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as budgeting, debt management, consumer rights, credit reporting, retirement planning, insurance planning, investments, and estate planning.

The two required courses are the Foundations of Financial Counseling course and the Advanced Financial Counseling course. Both courses must be completed within 12 months prior to submitting an application portfolio. The Foundations of Financial Counseling course covers basic financial counseling concepts and strategies while the Advanced Financial Counseling course focuses on more advanced concepts such as debt management plans, bankruptcy options, foreclosure prevention strategies, tax planning strategies, investment analysis techniques, retirement planning options and estate planning considerations.

The cost of obtaining the AFC certification varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you choose to take them online or in person. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000 to complete both courses plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam. It usually takes about 6-12 months to complete all requirements for obtaining the AFC certification.

6. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)

Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) is a professional designation offered by the Institute of Business & Finance (IBF). It is designed to provide financial advisors with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage mutual funds and other investment products. The CFS program consists of three levels of certification, each requiring a different level of experience and education.

Level 1 requires completion of an online course, which takes approximately four weeks to complete. The cost for this course is $795 USD.

Level 2 requires completion of an online course, plus passing a series of exams. This takes approximately eight weeks to complete, and costs $1,195 USD.

Level 3 requires completion of an online course, plus passing a series of exams and completing an internship or supervised practice experience in the field. This takes approximately twelve weeks to complete, and costs $1,595 USD.

Upon successful completion of all three levels, candidates are awarded the CFS designation from IBF and are eligible for membership in the International Association for Certified Fund Specialists (IACFS).

7. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the areas of life insurance, estate planning, and financial planning. It is one of the most respected professional designations in the financial services industry.

In order to become a Chartered Life Underwriter, an individual must complete a series of courses and exams administered by The American College. This process typically takes two years or more, depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge.

The first step to becoming a CLU is to complete a program at The American College that includes three core courses: Principles of Insurance, Estate Planning, and Financial Planning. After completing these courses, individuals must take and pass seven additional examinations in order to receive their CLU designation. These exams cover topics such as life insurance products, taxation, retirement planning, investments, and risk management.

The cost for enrolling in the program varies depending on the individual’s prior experience and education level. In addition to tuition fees for the program itself, students may also be required to pay for textbooks and other materials associated with the coursework.

Upon completion of all requirements for the CLU designation, individuals will receive their certificate from The American College verifying their accomplishment. This certificate can then be used to demonstrate expertise in life insurance, estate planning, and financial planning when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within the field.

8. Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®)

Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM (CRPC®) is a professional designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. It is designed to recognize financial professionals who have completed a comprehensive program of study in retirement planning and possess the knowledge, experience and ethical standards necessary to provide competent advice on retirement planning.

To obtain the CRPC® designation, individuals must complete a series of coursework, exams and experiential requirements. The coursework consists of four courses: Foundations of Retirement Planning; Advanced Retirement Planning; Investment Strategies for Retirement Planning; and Taxation in Retirement Planning. Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study. Upon completion of the four courses, candidates must pass an exam administered by the College for Financial Planning. Candidates must also meet minimum work experience requirements and adhere to a code of ethics set forth by the College for Financial Planning.

The cost to obtain the CRPC® designation varies depending on how you choose to complete your coursework. Self-study options range from $1,000-$2,000 while instructor-led options range from $2,500-$3,000. Additionally, there are exam fees associated with taking each exam ($150 per exam).

In total, it can take up to 12 months or more to complete all four courses and pass all four exams required for the CRPC® designation.

9. Retirement Management Analyst® (RMA®)

Retirement Management Analyst® (RMA®) is a professional certification program offered by the Retirement Investment Institute (RII). It is designed to provide financial advisors, retirement plan sponsors, and other professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage retirement plans. The RMA® designation is earned after successful completion of a comprehensive course of study and a rigorous examination.

The RMA® program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Retirement Plan Management, Advanced Retirement Plan Management, and Retirement Plan Design & Administration. Each course takes approximately 25 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person. After completing all three courses, candidates must pass an exam administered by the RII in order to earn the RMA® designation.

The cost of the RMA® program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $1,000-$2,000 while in-person courses range from $2,000-$4,000. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $400 for those taking the exam online or $500 for those taking it in person.

Overall, it typically takes 3-6 months to complete the entire RMA® program depending on how quickly you are able to complete each course and pass the exam.

10. Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)

A Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) is a professional designation that provides financial advisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive financial planning services. This designation is issued by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC).

To become an RFC, applicants must have at least three years of experience in providing financial advice or services and must pass a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as retirement planning, estate planning, investments, insurance, taxes, and risk management.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete. It costs $325 to take the exam and there is no fee for retaking it if you fail. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded the RFC designation. To maintain your certification, you must complete at least 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

11. Certified Estate and Trust Specialist® (CES®).

Certified Estate and Trust Specialist® (CES®) is a professional certification program offered by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM). It is designed to recognize professionals who specialize in estate planning, trust administration, and related areas.

The CES® certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the field of estate planning or trust administration. Applicants must also pass an examination that tests their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as tax law, trust law, fiduciary duties, and other related topics.

The AAFM offers two levels of CES® certification: Certified Estate and Trust Specialist (CES) and Certified Estate and Trust Professional (CETP). The CETP designation requires more experience than the CES designation.

To obtain a CES® certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as proof of experience and education, letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues, a resume or CV, and payment for the exam fee. Once approved for the exam, applicants will be provided with study materials to prepare for the exam.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online exams cost $350 USD while in-person exams cost $400 USD. In addition to these fees, there is an annual renewal fee which is currently $125 USD per year.

It typically takes around four weeks to receive your results after taking the exam; however this can vary depending on when you take it and how quickly AAFM processes your application materials.

Do You Really Need a Planner Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not to pursue a planner certificate, the answer is going to depend on your individual situation and goals. Generally speaking, having a planner certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to become certified planners or advance in their current career. It can also help you stand out from other job applicants when competing for jobs in the planning industry.

That said, there are some potential drawbacks to getting a planner certificate as well. For one, it can be expensive and time-consuming to pursue such a credential. Additionally, if you don’t already have some experience in the planning field, then you may find that taking classes and studying for the certification exam is difficult and overwhelming. Finally, depending on where you live, there may not be any local opportunities available to obtain a planner certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you should get a planner certificate will depend on your particular interests and situation. If you feel confident that pursuing this credential will help further your career goals, then it could be worth investing the time and money into obtaining the certification. However, if you don’t have a clear idea of how it would benefit you professionally or if you lack prior experience in planning, then it may not be necessary at this point in time.

Related: Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Planner Certifications

1. What is a planner certification?

Answer: A planner certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of urban and regional planning. It can be obtained by completing an accredited program of study or passing an exam administered by a professional organization.

2. What are the benefits of obtaining a planner certification?

Answer: Obtaining a planner certification demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and the public that the individual has achieved a level of excellence in the planning profession. It also provides access to resources, information, and networking opportunities that may not be available without the credential.

3. How long does it take to obtain a planner certification?

Answer: The amount of time needed to obtain a planner certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and other factors such as work experience and education level. Generally speaking, most programs take between two and four years to complete.

4. What types of jobs can I get with a planner certification?

Answer: With a planner certification, you can pursue positions in urban planning, community development, transportation planning, environmental planning, land use planning, economic development, housing policy and more.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a planner certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have at least an undergraduate degree in urban or regional planning or related field before they can apply for the certification program. Additionally, some certifications require applicants to have prior work experience in their area of interest prior to enrollment as well as pass certain exams or tests before admission is granted.