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Credentials that specialize you

• Certified Financial Planner

  The main one. Degree, coursework, exam, thousands of experience hours and an ethics commitment.

• Chartered Financial Analyst

  Investment heavy. Useful if you want to manage portfolios rather than write plans.

• Certified public accountant

  Powerful combined with planning, especially for tax-heavy clients and business owners.

• Enrolled Agent

  A federal credential from the Internal Revenue Service that lets you represent taxpayers. No degree required.

• Chartered Special Needs Consultant and similar niches

  Planning for disability, divorce or inherited wealth are real specialties with their own training.