CPA, JD, MSFS, MSM, CLU, ChFC, CFP, RFC, CFA, ChHC, RHU, FSS, RICP,
CASL, CAP, REBC RIA and the list goes on. It’s no wonder you (and me)
are confused. So, what designation should you look for when looking to
work with an agent or professional advisor? It all depends on what you
are looking to accomplish.
Let’s review some of the more commonly recognized designations.
CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter: If you are dealing
with life insurance and related products such as long-term care
insurance, disability insurance or annuities, this is the one to look
for. A CLU has completed a series of eight college-level courses
requiring 16 hours of exams covering topics such as risk management and
estate planning. A CLU is an insurance specialist.
CFP – Certified Financial Planner: This specialist is trained in comprehensive financial planning, which requires a series of seven exams.
ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant: This is similar to a CFP with training in overall financial planning. This designation requires the same course work as the CFP plus two electives such as executive compensation or macroeconomics.
LUTCF– Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow: This certification, which requires the completion of six courses, combines essential product knowledge with basic planning concepts.
RHU – Registered Health Underwriter: The RHU requires the completion of four courses on group and individual health insurance. This designation is the premier credential in the health insurance market. If you have questions about health insurance, the RHU is the professional with the expertise.
If you would like to learn more about these and other professional designations, go to The American College.
Let’s review some of the more commonly recognized designations.
CLU – Chartered Life Underwriter: If you are dealing
with life insurance and related products such as long-term care
insurance, disability insurance or annuities, this is the one to look
for. A CLU has completed a series of eight college-level courses
requiring 16 hours of exams covering topics such as risk management and
estate planning. A CLU is an insurance specialist.CFP – Certified Financial Planner: This specialist is trained in comprehensive financial planning, which requires a series of seven exams.
ChFC – Chartered Financial Consultant: This is similar to a CFP with training in overall financial planning. This designation requires the same course work as the CFP plus two electives such as executive compensation or macroeconomics.
LUTCF– Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow: This certification, which requires the completion of six courses, combines essential product knowledge with basic planning concepts.
RHU – Registered Health Underwriter: The RHU requires the completion of four courses on group and individual health insurance. This designation is the premier credential in the health insurance market. If you have questions about health insurance, the RHU is the professional with the expertise.
If you would like to learn more about these and other professional designations, go to The American College.