Designations
CFP®
The CFP® designation stands for Certified Financial Planner™, and it is one of the most respected and recognized certifications for financial planners. It signifies that the person has met rigorous standards of education, experience, and ethics in the field of financial planning. (read more)
CHSNC®
The CHSNC® designation stands for Chartered Special Needs Consultant®. It is a specialized certification for financial professionals who focus on planning for individuals with disabilities or special needs and their families. This designation equips financial advisors with the knowledge and skills to address the unique financial challenges and considerations faced by these families. (read more)
CWS®
Certified Wealth Strategist®
The CWS® designation, offered by Cannon Financial Institute, equips professionals with a comprehensive framework to address the complex needs of clients, combining both wealth management and advanced financial planning strategies.
(read more)
CCPS®
Certified College Planning Specialist™ The CCPS® designation, awarded by the National Institute of Certified College Planners, certifies proficiency in advising families on college planning, including saving strategies, tax considerations, and financial aid. (read more)
CRPS®
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ The CRPS® designation is awarded by the College for Financial Planning. It certifies expertise in designing, implementing, and maintaining retirement plans for businesses and organizations, focusing on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement solutions. (read more)
APMA®
Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor℠ The APMA® designation, offered by the College for Financial Planning, focuses on portfolio creation, enhancement, and management. It emphasizes asset allocation, risk tolerance, and investment strategies to meet client objectives. (read more)
AIF®
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® The AIF® designation is awarded by Fi360 and represents expertise in fiduciary responsibility. It confirms proficiency in fiduciary practices to ensure that investment decisions are in the best interest of clients. (read more)
CRPC®
Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ The CRPC® designation, offered by the College for Financial Planning, is focused on retirement planning for individuals. It covers retirement income planning, asset management, and strategies for transitioning into retirement. (read more)
CPA®
Certified Public Accountant The CPA designation is granted by state boards of accountancy and indicates expertise in accounting, auditing, tax, and business consulting. CPAs are held to high ethical and professional standards and can represent clients in financial and tax matters. (read more)
Master of Taxation
The Master of Taxation degree is a graduate-level program focusing on advanced knowledge
EA
An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service by either passing a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three years.
Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. This means they are unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can represent clients before. (read more)
LTC
A tax consultant license enables a person to lawfully prepare personal income tax returns in the State of Oregon for a fee as a self-employed or independent tax practitioner. A tax consultant is considered to be at an experienced level for preparing personal income taxes and can work on their own or as an employee. (read more)
