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Recognition AND Credentials

See information below for important disclosures.

List of Awards AND Recognitions

Designations And Credentials

Awards & Recognitions

Barron's America's Best Independent Advisors

Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

The Barron’s America’s Best Independent Advisors ranking considers factors such as assets under management, revenue produced for the firm and quality of practice as determined by Barron’s editors. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition. Prior to 2019, the award was called the Barron’s Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisors.

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Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms

Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

The Barron’s 2023 Top 100 RIA Firms ranking is based on assets managed by firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning and other metrics. Advisors who wish to be ranked fill out a survey and Barron’s verifies that data with the advisors’ firms and regulatory databases. Barron’s uses a ranking formula to the data and considers factors such as assets under management, revenue produced and quality of practice. A fee was not paid to participate. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or were considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition.

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Barron’s Top Advisor Rankings by State (Massachusetts)

Years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

The Barron’s Top Advisor Rankings by State (Massachusetts) (also referred to as Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors) considers factors such as assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice and philanthropic work. According to Barron’s, “around 4,000” advisory firms were considered for this recognition in 2021, with about 1,200 firms receiving recognition.

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Boston Business Journal Largest Independent Investment Advisers in Massachusetts

Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

The Boston Business Journal Largest Independent Investment Advisers in Massachusetts (also referred to as Boston Business Journal’s Top 25 [Massachusetts]) ranking is based on each participating firm’s assets under management as of June 1, 2021. Only firms that choose to participate are ranked and included on the top 25 list. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition. This award is not indicative of future investment performance, nor does it represent client experience.

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Boston Business Journal Largest Private Companies in Massachusetts

Years: 2022

The Boston Business Journal Largest Private Companies in Massachusetts ranking is based on each participating company’s total revenue in 2021. Only companies that choose to participate are ranked and included on the list. Participation is not limited to companies providing financial services. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition. This award is not indicative of future investment performance, nor does it represent client experience.

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Boston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®

Years: 2022Years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

The Boston’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competition recognizes organizations displaying a commitment to human resource practices and employee enrichment. Only companies that voluntarily participate are considered for recognition. The competition assesses participating organizations based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more. Participation is not limited to companies in the financial services industry. In order to participate, an organization must have at least 10 employees; be in business for at least one year, complete the required surveys, and pay any applicable fees. Participants are then benchmarked against participants. Certain fees are assessed to participants requesting specific analysis and reports on their application. Participants are not required to pay any particular fee or purchase any particular analyses or reports. Award is not indicative of future investment performance nor represents client experience. For more, visit https://thebestandbrightest.com/events/bostons-2022-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for/winners/.

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Five Star Wealth Manager Award

Years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), selects award recipients based on the following 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria: (1) credentialed as a registered investment advisory representative or registered investment adviser; (2) actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years; (3) favorable regulatory and complaint history review; (4) fulfillment of their firm review based on internal firm standards; (5) currently accepting new clients; (6) and (7) client retention rates for one-year and five-year periods; (8) non-institutional client assets administered; (9) number of client households served; and (10) education and professional designations. Five Star Professional determines the final list of Five Star Wealth Manager award winners.

 

  • 3,923 candidates in the Boston area were considered for the 2023 award, with 578 of these candidates (15%) named 2023 Five Star Wealth Managers.
    • In 2022, 4,090 candidates were considered, of which there were 513 (13%) award recipients.
    • In 2021, 4,069 candidates were considered, of which there were 480 (12%) award recipients.
    • In 2020, 3,580 candidates were considered, of which there were 463 (13%) award recipients.
    • In 2019, 3,619 candidates were considered, of which there were 566 (16%) award recipients.
    • In 2018, 2,819 candidates were considered, of which there were 532 (19%) award recipients.
    • In 2017, 2,467 candidates were considered, of which there were 623 (25%) award recipients.
    • In 2016, 2,530 candidates were considered, of which there were 632 (26%) award recipients.
    • In 2015, 3,542 candidates were considered, of which there were 801 (23%) award recipients.
    • In 2014, 1,707 candidates were considered, of which there were 655 (38%) award recipients.
    • In 2013, 2,362 candidates were considered, of which there were 713 (30%) award recipients.
    • In 2012, 2,591 candidates were considered, of which there were 454 (17%) award recipients.
  • Wealth managers and/or their firms do not pay a fee to be considered for or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers.
  • The award does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients and it is possible that the recipient may have received unfavorable ratings from those surveyed.
  • The Five Star Wealth Manager award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance or investment success.
  • The inclusion of a wealth manager on the list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or any clients of the wealth manager.
  • Five Star Professional defines a “favorable regulatory complaint history” as a wealth manager who has not been subject to a regulatory action resulting in payment of a fine or a license being suspended or revoked; has not had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; has not individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; has not been terminated from a wealth management or financial services firm; has not filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; and has not been convicted of a felony.

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Forbes America’s Top RIA Firms

Years: 2023

The Forbes ranking of America’s Top RIA Firms, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.

 

SHOOK scoured the financial services industry for nominations and accepted advisors who met pre-determined minimum thresholds and acceptable compliance records. Nearly 42,643 nominations-advisors who met SHOOK’S thresholds-were received. 23,100 of these nominees have taken an online survey. For a list of all requirements to be considered for this award, click on the More Information link below.

 

SHOOK is completely independent and objective and does not receive compensation from the advisors, Firms, the media, or any other source in exchange for placement on a ranking. SHOOK is funded through various sources, such as conferences and research partners. Since every investor has unique needs, investors must carefully choose the right advisor for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions for how to choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience.

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Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors

Years: 2020 | Recipients: Liz Kesselman

The 2020 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors selection process was conducted by SHOOK Research. Candidates were evaluated with an algorithm based on the individuals’ revenue production for their firms, client retention data, assets under management by the individuals’ teams, review of the individuals’ compliance records, fee structure, breadth of services offered, professional credentials, years of service, community involvement and an interview (telephone or in person) with the award evaluators. Minimum eligibility criteria included: (1) at least seven years as a financial advisor; (2) working for current firm for at least one year; (3) individual is recommended by her firm; (4) completion of an online survey; (5) 50% of revenue production attributable to the individual; and (6) an acceptable compliance record as determined by the award’s evaluators. In total, 32,000 participants were nominated for this award; 14,190 were invited to complete the survey and partake in an interview, and 1,000 (7% of participants) were named to the final list. The award does not consider portfolio performance. Inclusion on the list of Top Women Wealth Advisors does not mean that the individual does not have any negative history on their regulatory compliance record.

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Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State

Years: 2022, 2023 | Recipients: Liz Kesselman

The 2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State selection process was conducted by SHOOK research. Candidates were evaluated through an algorithm based on the individual’s revenue production for their firm, client retention data, assets under management by the individual/individual’s team, review of the individual’s compliance record, fee structure, breadth of services offered, professional credentials, years of service, community involvement and an interview (telephone or in-person) with the award evaluators. Minimum eligibility criteria included: (1) at least seven years as a financial advisor; (2) working for current firm for at least one year; (3) individual is recommended by her firm; (4) completion of an online survey; (5) business that is conducted with individuals is evaluated; and (6) an acceptable compliance record as determined by the award’s evaluators. 38,314 nominations were received (10,250 women) 22,106 were invited to complete the survey and partake in an interview, and 1,697 were named to the list of which 54 professionals were named to the Massachusetts list. The award does not consider portfolio performance. Inclusion on the list of Top Women Wealth Advisors does not mean that the individual does not have any negative history on their regulatory compliance record. The award is not indicative of client experience or future investment performance. RWA Wealth Partners did not pay a fee to participate in this award. For more information on this award—including eligibility and evaluation criteria, information on the algorithm used to compare and rank participants, and compliance record review methodology—visit: Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State 2023 (forbes.com)

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InvestmentNews Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers

Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

The InvestmentNews Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers award is conducted in partnership with employee survey firm Best Companies Group. Winners are selected based on a two-part survey completed by employers and employees. Employers report their organization’s workplace policies, practices and demographics. Employees complete a survey designed to measure the employee experience in areas such as leadership and planning, pay and benefits, corporate culture and communications, and work environment. Scores from the employee survey represent three-quarters of the weight of the final rankings. Firms do not pay a fee to participate. To be eligible for the award, a firm must be a registered investment adviser or broker-dealer, have been in business for at least one year and have at least 15 full-time employees. In 2018, 50 firms were named to the list; in 2019–2022, 75 were named. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition.

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Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness®

Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

The Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness® program—in conjunction with scoring partner SynBella—surveys and evaluates each participating organization’s efforts in employee wellness. Participation is not limited to companies in the financial services industry. In order to participate, an organization must have at least 10 employees, be in business for at least one year, complete the required surveys and pay any applicable fees. Certain fees are assessed to participants requesting specific analysis and reports on their application. Participants are not required to pay any particular fee or purchase any particular analyses or reports.

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Pensions & Investments’ Best Place to Work in Money Management

Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Pensions & Investments’ “Best Places to Work in Money Management” award is conducted by research firm Best Companies Group (BCG). Participating firms and their employees complete surveys assessing corporate leadership, culture and communications, role satisfaction, work environment, relationship with supervisor, training, development and resources, pay and benefits and overall engagement. BCG analyzes the results and ranks participating firms, which must have an office in the United States, at least 20 employees and $100 million in discretionary regulatory assets under management and have been in business for at least one year. The award sponsor has not disclosed how many firms were surveyed or considered for this recognition, nor the percentage of total participants that ultimately received recognition. For more information and a complete list of recipients, visit www.pionline.com/best-places-work/10-years-success-and-record-100-winners.

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Designations & credentials

Accredited Behavioral Finance ProfessionalSM (ABFP®)

The Accredited Behavioral Finance ProfessionalSM designation is owned and issued by Think2Perform.

 

In order to attain the ABFP® designation, individuals must complete two courses in behavioral financial advice—”Behavioral Financial Advice and You” and “Behavioral Financial Advice and Your Clients”—and pass an examination.

 

In order to maintain the ABFP® designation, individuals must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Continuing education credits for one or more of the following professional designations CFP, ChFC, American College’s PACE program (CLU, CLF, RHU, CAP and CASL) can serve to maintain the ABFP® designation.

 

For more information on the ABFP® designation, visit: ABFP – Behavioral Financial Designation Program | CFFP – A Kaplan Company (kaplanfinancial.com)

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification. Visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/bfa

 

Think2Perform has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to Think2Perform regarding this certification.

 

These marks are marks of Think2Perform and are used herein for informational purposes only:

 

  • Accredited Behavioral Finance ProfessionalSM
  • ABFP®

 

RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with Think2Perform. Think2Perform has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of Think2Perform and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Accredited Estate Planner® Designation (AEP®)

The Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designation is owned and issued by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.

 

The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) partners with the American College of Financial Services to offer the AEP designation. Requirements for all applicants include active practice for a minimum of five years within the following disciplines, accounting, insurance and financial planning, law, philanthropy and trust services. The individual must devote at least a third of one’s time to estate planning. Applicants must hold one or more of the following professional credentials: JD (active law license required if this is the only credential with which you are applying), CPA, CLU®, CFP®, ChFC®, CPWA®, CFA, CAP®, CSPG, CTFA, MSFS, and MST. Applicants must obtain three professional references from individuals they have worked with on estate planning cases and assignments. Each applicant must be a current member of an affiliated local estate planning council. Additional requirements for applicants with 5-15 years of practice includes completion of two graduate courses provided through the American College.

 

The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process and does not review any material or information submitted by its employees to The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.

 

For more information on the AEP® designation and qualifications, visit: http://www.naepc.org/designations/estate-planners

 

http://www.naepc.org/assets/national/pdf/AEP_qualifications2.pdf

 

FINRA also provides information about this certificate program, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/aep

 

The Accredited Estate Planner® Designation and AEP® are marks of National Association of Estate Planners & Councils and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. National Association of Estate Planners & Councils has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of National Association of Estate Planners & Councils and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation is issued by the Fi360, Inc. and the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a division of Fi360.

 

In order to attain the AIF® designation, an individual must complete the AIF training requirements (an online training component that generally takes about 8 to 10 hours to complete); pass the AIF® exam; meet the AIF experience requirements; attest adherence to the AIF Code of Ethics; attest adherence to the AIF Conduct Standards; submit application; and pay required dues. It is estimated that it takes on average about 22 hours for an individual to complete the AIF training requirement and pass the AIF exam. In order to meet the AIF experience requirements, individuals must have either (1) minimum of two years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree, and a professional credential; (2) minimum of five years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree or a professional credential; or (3) minimum of two years of relevant experience. For purposes of AIF designation attainment, “relevant experience” is experience “which has been accrued in a non-clerical role within the financial services (or a related) industry.” Annually, AIF designation holders must complete 6 hours of qualifying continuing education, attest adhere to both the AIF Code of Ethics and the AIF Conduct Standards and pay required dues.

 

For more information on the AIF designation process, the AIF Code of Ethics and the AIF Conduct Standards, visit: https://fi360.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012759194-What-it-Means-to-be-an-AIF-Designee

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/aif

 

The Fi360, Inc. and the Center for Fiduciary Studies have sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation’s ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the Fi360, Inc. and the Center for Fiduciary Studies regarding this certification.

 

The mark AIF® is a mark of Fi360 and is used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of Fi360. Fi360 has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use this mark with the permission of Fi360, Inc. and the Center for Fiduciary Studies and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®)

The Accredited Wealth Management Advisor designation is owned and issued by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company.

 

In order to attain the AWMA designation, individuals must complete a course of study covering wealth strategies, equity-based compensation planning and tax reduction and asset protection planning. All individuals must also pass an end-of-course examination. In order to maintain the AWMA designation, individuals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

 

For more information on the AWMA certification process, visit: AWMA Designation | Everything You Need to Know | KaplanFinancial.com

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/awma

 

College for Financial Planning members must comply with the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct. The College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct can be viewed at Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct | CFP Board

 

The College for Financial Planning has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the College for Financial Planning regarding this certification.

 

The marks Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) are marks of the College for Financial Planning and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the College for Financial Planning. The College for Financial Planning has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the College for Financial Planning and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC®)

Certification for Long-Term Care, LLC created the CLTC® designation in 1999 and continues to hold the trademark.

 

In order to attain the CLTC® designation, individuals must pass a 100-question multiple choice online exam. Two programs are offered to prepare candidates for the exam. They may take a two-day Master Class which provides a comprehensive classroom-based training experience or online learning via eCLTC. Both provide the same material, but in different formats. Individuals have 120 days to successfully pass the exam from the initial date of registration. After passing the exam, the designation is valid for one year, after which an annual renewal fee must be paid. To maintain the designation, the individual must complete the CLTC renewal course or state mandated Long-Term care training every two years.

 

For more information on the CLTC® designation, visit: https://www.ltc-cltc.com/page/about-designation

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cltc

 

Certification for Long-Term Care, LLC has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to Certification for Long-Term Care, LLC regarding this designation.

 

The marks Certified in Long Term Care® and CLTC® are marks of Certification for Long-Term Care, LLC and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with Long-Term Care, LLC. Long-Term Care, LLC has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of Long-Term Care, LLC and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certified College Financial Consultant (CCFC)

The Certified College Financial Consultant designation is issued by the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants, LLC (AICCFC).

 

In order to attain the CCFC designation, the individual must hold a CPA, PFS, ChFCs, CFA, EA, CDFA, AFC, FPQP or have an MS in Taxation, LLM in Taxation or hold the Series 65 license. This is a self-study course that includes 9 modules with exams after each course and is designed to be completed in approximately 15 hours. A passing score of at least 70% must be received on all respective assessments. Designation holders must complete 4 hours of continuing education on an annual basis and the continuing education is provided through quarterly webinars hosted by the AICCFC. The candidate pays an initial fee for the course and an annual fee in order to earn the right to use the CCFC designation marks. In addition, the designation holder must adhere to a Code of Ethics founded on the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fair treatment, privacy, professionalism and diligence. The Code of Ethics can be viewed at https://www.aiccfc.org/codeofethics.

 

For more information on the CCFC certification process, visit:
https://www.aiccfc.org/

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/ccfc

 

RWA Wealth Partners does not review any material or information submitted by its employees to the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants.

 

The Certified College Financial Consultant designation marks is used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants, LLC and the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants, LLC has not passed on or approved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of the marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the American Institute of Certified College Financial Consultants, LLC in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)

The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designation is owned and issued by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, which was founded in 1993.

 

In order to attain the CDFA® designation, individuals must meet eligibility requirements.  Candidates must have either five years of relevant experience or a bachelor’s degree and three years of on-the-job experience. The relevant experience must include experience with financial planning or family law or experience with three or more of the following: the tax code, investment advisory or management, real estate, mortgage and reverse mortgage lending, life and disability insurance or providing financial therapy or coaching. The designation is an advanced program, and CDFA® candidates must be able to analyze pensions and retirement plans, recognize the tax consequences of different settlement proposals, understand the short-term and long-term effects of dividing property, and collect and analyze data, among other things.  To attain the certification, candidates must pass an exam of 150 multiple-choice questions with a  grade of 75% or higher. Three programs are offered to prepare candidates for the exam:  a text-based self-study program, a 10-module self-paced eLearning program, and a virtual classroom which includes weekly live calls, or candidates may choose to simply purchase and schedule the examination. The designation is valid for one year, after which a fee is required to continue its use.  In order to retain the designation, members must complete 30 hours of divorce-related CE credits every two years.

 

For more information on the CDFA® designation, visit: https://institutedfa.com/about-cdfa-course/

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cdfa

 

The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts determines whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts for this designation.

 

The marks Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and CDFA® are marks of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certified Equity Professional (CEP)

This certification requires three exams: basic (ECA Exam), intermediate (Level II), and advanced (Level III). Candidates must take and pass all three exams to be awarded certification. The ECA Exam teaches the fundamentals in equity compensation.  Candidates are introduced to the terminology and are given a basic understanding of policy, procedures and routine transactions.  In Level II candidates have an understanding of all aspects of plan administration, including roles of internal and external service providers. This includes familiarity with the specific code and regulatory provisions applicable to equity compensation programs and a thorough understanding of certain common equity compensation-related transactions and issues. In Level III, candidates have exposure to various types of plans and are expected to have the ability to identify, analyze, and help resolve complex problems, with particular skills in situations that require an understanding of the interaction among several technical areas. The candidates must also have an understanding of special equity compensation transactions and issues, such as related corporate governance. They must also have an in-depth understanding of advanced employee stock plan financing methods and certain complex tax and accounting issues CEPs are required to complete 30 hours of Continuing Education every two years.

 

For more information on the CEP credentialing process visit: https://www.scu.edu/execed/individuals/cepi/eca-cep/

 

The Certified Equity Professional Institute has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation’s ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process.

Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is owned and issued by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

 

In order to attain the CFP certification, professionals must first complete CFP Board Registered Coursework. Coursework typically takes between 12 and 18 months to complete and covers eight principal knowledge areas: professional conduct, financial planning, education planning, risk management and insurance planning, investment planning, tax planning, retirement savings and income planning, and estate planning. Professionals registering for coursework on or after January 1, 2012 also must complete a capstone course in which candidates develop a financial plan. However, licensed attorneys, certified public accountants, chartered financial analysts, chartered financial consultants, chartered life underwriters, doctors of business administration, Ph. D holders in the fields of finance, economics, business administration, and financial planning may qualify for “accelerated path qualifying credentials” that allows the individual to skip coursework and sit for the CFP examination. After completion of the CFP Coursework or qualifying for the accelerated path, the individual must pass the CFP exam. In addition to coursework completion and passing the CFP exam, the individual must have 6,000 hours of financial-planning-related professional experience or have 4,000 hours of qualifying apprenticeship experience. Individuals must also pass a background check conducted by the CFP and pay an application fee of $150, and an annual certification fee of $355. Every two years, individuals must complete 30 hours of continuing education to maintain their CFP status. Individuals also commit to be bound by the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct as a condition to attain the CFP designation. Individuals must also have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

 

For more information on the certification process, visit: https://www.cfp.net/get-certified/certification-process

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cfp

 

The CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct can be viewed at https://www.cfp.net/-/media/files/cfp-board/standards-and-ethics/cfp-code-and-standards.pdf?la=en&hash=AFC0087B53EDE26B2A478BD84DF7DDA3

 

The CFP Board has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the CFP Board regarding this certification.

 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

 

The marks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. has not passed on or approved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®)

The Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation is owned and issued by the Investment & Wealth InstituteTM.

 

In order to attain the CPWA certification, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or hold a CIMA®, RMA®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC® or CPA license; have at least five years’ experience in financial services; pass a background check; complete the CPWA educational program, which can be completed either in-person or online; pass the CPWA examination (135 multiple choice questions); and attest to their adherence to the Investment & Wealth Institute® Code of Professional Responsibility. The CPWA educational program takes an estimated six to nine months to complete and covers core topics of ethics, behavioral finance, family dynamics, tax planning, portfolio management; risk management and asset protection, charitable giving and endowments, estate issues and wealth transfer, planning issues for executives, planning for closely held business owners, and retirement management. Every two years, CPWA certification holders must complete 40 hours of continuing education, pay the certification renewal fee, attest to their continued adherence to the Investment & Wealth Institute® Code of Professional Responsibility, and report any regulatory actions or complaints.

 

For more information on the CPWA certification process, visit: https://investmentsandwealth.org/CPWA

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cpwa

 

CPWA certification holders must comply with the Investment & Wealth InstituteTM Code of Professional Responsibility. The Investment & Wealth Institute® Code of Professional Responsibility can be viewed at https://investmentsandwealth.org/getmedia/0a33326a-726f-4ae6-a78a-15594c3ffc88/01-170822-03-0545-Code-of-PR.pdf

 

The Investment & Wealth Institute has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process and does not review any material or information submitted by its employees to the Investment & Wealth Institute regarding this certification.

 

The marks Certified Private Wealth Advisor® and CPWA® are marks of the Investment & Wealth Institute and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the Investment & Wealth Institute. The Investment & Wealth Institute has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of Investment & Wealth Institute and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is a credential issued by a state or jurisdiction’s Board of Accountancy.

 

To locate and learn more about a state’s or jurisdiction’s Board of Accountancy, visit https://nasba.org/stateboards/ and select the appropriate state or jurisdiction.

 

To learn more about a state’s or jurisdiction’s CPA credentialization requirements, visit https://www.accountingedu.org/become-a-cpa/ and select the appropriate state or jurisdiction.

 

The state or jurisdiction Board of Accountancy has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable CPA ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the AICPA regarding this credential.

Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® designation is owned and issued by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Inc.

 

In order to attain the CSA certification, individuals must complete and submit a Candidate Information Profile; complete a Disclosure Questionnaire; pass the CSA examination (a three-hour multiple choice exam); pass a criminal background check; pass the Roles, Rules and Responsibilities Ethics Exam; and complete and submit the signed Certified Senior Advisors Application for Certification. Subject matter covered on the CSA examination includes: Anthropology and sociology; family and aging; health and wellness; lifestyle aspects; financial aspects; eldercare planning; legal aspects; end-of-life planning; and ethical issues. CSA certification holders must complete 30 credits of continuing education each year. Continuing education credits can be earned through combinations of the following: coursework, attending conferences, attending webinars, volunteer work, publishing articles in the CSA journal, delivering presentation, and re-taking the CSA exam. At least 3 of the CSA continuing education credits must be related to CSA ethics. Annually, CSA certification holders must sign and submit the CSA Disclosure Questionnaire and pay the annual fee.

 

For more information on the CSA certification process, visit: https://www.csa.us/page/BecomeCSA and for the CSA Certification Handbook visit csa_certification_handbook.pdf

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/csa

 

CSA Certification holders must comply with the CSA Code of Professional Responsibility. CSA Code of Professional Responsibility can be viewed at Foreword to the CSA Code of Professional Responsibility

 

The Society of Certified Senior Advisors has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable certification, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partnersdoes not participate in this process, nor does RWA Wealth Partners review material or information submitted by its employees to the Society of Certified Senior Advisors regarding this certification.

 

The marks Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) are marks of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate Program

The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® certificate is owned and issued by the CFA Institute.

 

CFA Institute Investment Foundations® certificate program is an online program designed to provide “a clear understanding of the investment industry, roles and responsibilities, and the vital importance of ethical conduct.” To earn the certificate, individuals must complete a curriculum of seven educational modules covering an overview of the industry, ethics and regulation, input and tools, investment instruments, industry structure, serving client needs, and industry controls. After completing the curriculum, individuals must achieve a minimum score on two mock exams. Passing the mock exams then allows the individual to take the final exam, which is 100 multiple-choice questions. Individuals who obtain a passing score on the final exam are awarded the CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate.

 

For more information on the CFA Institute Investment Foundations® Certificate visit https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/investment-foundations/exam, https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/investment-foundations and
https://www.cfainstitute.org/-/media/documents/factsheet/investment_foundations_fact_sheet_2019.ashx

 

RWA Wealth Partnersdoes not review any material or information submitted by its employees to the CFA Institute regarding this certificate program.

 

The CFA Institute Investment Foundations® is a mark of the CFA Institute and is used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the CFA Institute. The CFA Institute has not approved or disapproved the use of this term on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of this mark as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use this mark with the permission of CFA Institute and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)

The Chartered Financial Analyst designation is owned and issued by the CFA Institute.

 

In order to attain the CFA designation, professionals must pass three examinations, each of which tests specified subject areas. Individuals may study for these exams independently or in a class setting. Prior to taking the first exam, the Level 1 exam, candidates must have either a bachelor’s degree, forty-eight (48) months of full-time work experience related to investment decision-making or be in their final year of a bachelor’s degree program. Each candidate must also receive two letters of recommendation from professionals knowledgeable on the candidate’s work experience and professional character. Each candidate must also be a regular member of the CFA Institute. CFA designation holders are not required to complete continuing education requirements.

 

CFA Institute members must comply with the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct can be viewed at https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/ethics-standards/ethics/code-of-ethics-standards-of-conduct-guidance

 

For more information on the CFA certification process, visit: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/charter

 

FINRA also provides information about this designation, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cfa

 

The CFA Institute has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the CFA Institute regarding this certification.

 

The marks Chartered Financial Analyst® and CFA® are service marks of the CFA Institute (a Virginia Nonstock Corporation) and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the CFA Institute. The CFA Institute has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the CFA Institute and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)

The Chartered Financial Consultant® and ChFC® designation is owned and issued by The American College of Financial Services®.

 

It is an 8 course, 14-week online program that covers the financial planning process including the role and responsibilities of a financial consultant. Courses encompass risk management strategies including mitigating risks associated with human capital, insurance, property and wealth management. Other areas of study include income tax strategies and various retirement planning strategies, estate and gift-tax strategies, personal financial planning and behavioral finance. In addition to successfully completing all courses in this program, candidates must meet experience requirements and ethics standards and comply with The American College of Financial Services® Code of Ethics and Procedures. Also, to maintain this designation, individuals must complete 30 continuing education credits every two years. The American College of Financial Services’® Code of Ethics can be accessed at Ethics in Financial Services | Knowledge Hub | The American College of Financial Services.

 

For more information on the ChFC® designation visit https://www.theamericancollege.edu/designations-degrees/ChFC.

 

FINRA also provides information about this designation, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/chfc.

 

The American College of Financial Services® has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with the applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process and does not review any material or information submitted by its employees to The American College of Financial Services®.

 

The Chartered Financial Consultant® designation and ChFC® designation marks are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with The American College of Financial Services®. The American College of Financial Services® has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of the marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of The American College of Financial Services® in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Chartered Market Technician® (CMT)

The Chartered Market Technician® designation is governed by a Board of Directors of the CMT Association. The Board, in conjunction with the Executive Director and through various committees, oversees the activities of the CMT Association. The CMT Association is a credentialing and advocacy body and does not offer investment management or services.

 

The Chartered Market Technician® designation is the highest education for practitioners of technical analysis. Its philosophy is grounded in behavioral economics and extends beyond classical pattern recognition techniques to include quantitative approaches to market research and rules-based trading system design and testing. The CMT Association and CFA Institute follow a single Code of Ethics and Standards which they believe benefits the global financial community by setting high standards of education, integrity and professional excellence.

 

The marks Chartered Market Technician® and CMT® are marks of the CMT Association and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the CMT Association. The CMT Association has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, or has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the CMT Association and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

 

For more information on the CMT® program visit https://cmtassociation.org/enroll-in-the-cmt-program/.

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CrPC®)

The Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation is owned and issued by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company.

 

In order to attain the CrPC designation, individuals must complete a course of study covering retirement planning during both pre- and post-retirement phases, asset management, estate planning and retirement planning processes (modeling and techniques). All individuals must also pass an end-of-course examination. In order to maintain the CrPC designation, individuals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

 

For more information on the CrPC certification process, visit: CRPC Designation Course – CFFP (kaplanfinancial.com)

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/crpc

 

College for Financial Planning members must comply with the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct. The College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct can be viewed at standards-of-professional-conduct.pdf (cfp.net)

 

The College for Financial Planning has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the College of Financial Planning regarding this certification.

 

The marks Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM and CrCP® are marks of the College for Financial Planning and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the College for Financial Planning. The College for Financial Planning has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the College for Financial Planning and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ (CRPS®)

The Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist™ designation is owned and issued by the College for Financial Planning®—a Kaplan Company.

 

In order to attain the CRPS® designation, individuals must complete a course of study covering an introduction to ERISA and the fiduciary standard, employer-funded defined contribution plans, participant-directed retirement plans, retirement plan solutions for small-business owners, working with participants and administering compliant plans. All individuals must also pass an end-of-course examination. In order to maintain the CRPS® designation, individuals must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.

 

For more information on the CRPS® certification process, visit: CRPS Designation | Everything You Need to Know | KaplanFinancial.com

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/crps

 

College for Financial Planning members must comply with the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct. The College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct can be viewed at standards-of-professional-conduct.pdf (cfp.net)

The College for Financial Planning has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process, nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the College of Financial Planning regarding this certification.

 

The marks Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® and CRPS® are marks of the College for Financial Planning and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the College for Financial Planning. The College for Financial Planning has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the College for Financial Planning and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Equity Compensation Associate (ECA)

The Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) is the Certified Equity Professional Institute’s designation for individuals in equity compensation. An ECA is qualified in the fundamentals of equity compensation taxation, plan design, law, and very basic accounting, and can address these topics intelligently with equity plan participants.

 

The ECA exam is the first of the three tests that lead to a Certified Equity Professional (CEP) designation. An ECA is a prerequisite designation to the CEP. Preparing for the exam requires 40-50 hours of study time. The exam focuses on an understanding of the different forms of equity compensation, including the ability to differentiate between types of equity compensation; a working knowledge of equity compensation terminology; the ability to read and interpret plan documents; an understanding of transaction types and securities law requirements; and a basic understanding of equity compensation accounting. ECAs are required to complete 30 hours of Continuing Education every two years.

 

For more information on the ECA credentialing process, visit https://www.scu.edu/business/cepi/eca/

 

The Certified Equity Professional Institute has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation’s ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process.

Master Planner Advanced Studies™ (MPAS®)

The Master Planner Advanced Studies™ (MPAS®) designation is owned and issued by the College for Financial Planning®–a Kaplan Company.

 

The MPAS is a Master of Science degree “awarded to individuals who complete the College’s Master of Science degree with a major in personal financial planning.” Students pursuing this degree program must complete courses totaling 36 to 43 semester credits in personal financial planning subject matter. Course content includes both research-based study coursework and real-world case studies. Completion of assignments, research, papers and projects are required in order to earn this degree. In order to maintain the MPAS designation, individuals must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years.

 

For more information on the MPAS certification process, visit: mpas_publicitybrochure.pdf (kaplanfinancial.com)

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/mpas

 

College for Financial Planning members must comply with the College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct. The College for Financial Planning’s Standards of Professional Conduct can be viewed at standards-of-professional-conduct.pdf (cfp.net)

 

The College for Financial Planning is a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in financial planning and two Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degrees. The College for Financial Planning has been authorized to issue these degrees by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. For more information on the College for Financial Planning and its accreditation status, visit: Accreditation and Regulation (kaplanfinancial.com)

 

The College for Financial Planning has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation, ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the College of Financial Planning regarding this certification.

 

The marks Master Planner Advanced Studies™ and MPAS® are marks of the College for Financial Planning and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with the College for Financial Planning. The College for Financial Planning has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of the College for Financial Planning and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor

NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor is a membership category offered by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, Inc.

 

To become a NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor an individual must:

 

  • Be a fee-only financial advisor
    • NAPFA “defines Fee-Only financial advisor as one who is compensated solely by the client with neither the advisor nor any related party receiving compensation that is contingent on the purchase or sale of a financial product. Neither Members nor Affiliates may receive commissions, rebates, awards, finder’s fees, bonuses or other forms of compensation from others as a result of a client’s implementation of the individual’s planning recommendations.” https://www.napfa.org/membership/our-standards
  • Be subject to third-party ADV review
  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Currently hold the CFP® certification
  • Submit a sample comprehensive financial plan or participate in a peer-reviewed dialogue with a third-party plan/per reviewer in order to demonstrate competency in comprehensive financial planning
  • Sign the NAPFA Fiduciary Oath, which can be viewed at https://www.napfa.org/mission-and-fiduciary-oath
  • Complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years

 

For more information on the NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor membership process, visit: https://www.napfa.org/membership/membership-categories/napfa-registered

 

The NAPFA has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable membership ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process nor does RWA Wealth Partners review any information or material submitted by its employees to the NAPFA regarding this membership.

 

The NAPFA has not reviewed or approved any descriptions of NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisor membership as presented on this webpage.

National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®)

The National Social Security Advisor (NSSA® Certificate) certificate program is sponsored by the National Social Security Association.

 

In order to attain the NSSA® Certificate an individual must complete a one-day in-person or virtual course covering the eight knowledge domains (history and future of social security; benefits calculation; eligibility and benefits calculation; benefit types; planning opportunities; public employees; Medicare; and taxes) or complete 19 separate on-demand modules covering the eight knowledge areas. After completion of the course or modules, individuals must pass a 75-question multiple choice assessment. NSSA® Certificate holders must complete 8 hours of qualifying continuing education every two years.

 

For more information on the NSSA® Certificate attainment process, visit: National Social Security Advisor (nationalsocialsecurityassociation.com)

 

FINRA also provides information about this certificate program, visit: https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/nssa

 

RWA Wealth Partners does not review any material or information submitted by its employees to the National Social Security Association regarding this certificate program.

 

The National Social Security Advisor and NSSA® Certificate are marks of the National Social Security Association and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the National Social Security Association. The National Social Security Association has not passed on or approved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented on this webpage. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of National Social Security Association and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

Personal Financial Specialist (PFS™)

The Personal Financial Specialist (PFSTM) credential is owned and issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), a not-for-profit corporation.

 

In order to attain the PFS credential, an individual must currently hold a valid, unrevoked CPA certificate, license or permit issued by a state CPA authority; must be a current member of the AICPA; complete 75 hours of personal financial planning education during the five-year period preceding the individual’s application for the PFS credential; have two years (or 3,000 hours of which 1,000 hours may be in tax compliance experience) of full-time business or teaching experience in personal financial planning; and pass either the PFS exam, all four of the AICPA’s personal financial planning certificate exams, the CFP® exam, or pass the ChFC® exam. Personal financial planning education covers the CPA/PFS Body of Knowledge which includes the following topic areas: personal financial planning process; professional responsibilities; fundamental financial planning concepts; estate planning; charitable planning; risk management planning; employee and business owner planning; investment planning; retirement and financial independence planning; elder, special needs and chronic assistance planning; education planning; and special situations. Annually, PFS credential holders must complete 20 hours of continuing education in areas included in the CPA/PFS Body of Knowledge.

 

For more information on the PFS credentialing process, visit: https://www.aicpa.org/membership/join/pfs-eligibility-requirements.html

 

The PFS Handbook can be viewed at pfs-credential-handbook.pdf (aicpa.org)

 

FINRA also provides information about this certification, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/pfs

 

The AICPA has sole responsibility for determining whether an individual is acting in conformance with applicable designation’s ethical and professional standards. RWA Wealth Partners does not participate in this process nor does it review any material or information submitted by its employees to the AICPA regarding this credential.

 

The marks Personal Financial Specialist and PFSTM are marks of AICPA and are used herein for informational purposes only. RWA Wealth Partners, LLC is not affiliated with of the AICPA. AICPA has not approved or disapproved the use of these terms on this webpage, nor has it reviewed or approved any descriptions of these marks as presented. Employees of RWA Wealth Partners use these marks with the permission of AICPA and in accordance with applicable terms of use.

This webpage describes the criteria for each industry award or recognition received by Adviser Investments or RWA Wealth Partners that may appear on our websites or in other marketing materials used by RWA Wealth Partners. In addition to the specific descriptions and criteria described for each award above, please keep in mind that unless otherwise specifically stated, the following provisions apply to all awards and recognitions above:

 

  • Awards and recognitions do not evaluate client experience and are not indicative of such.
  • Awards and recognitions do not evaluate investment performance of client portfolios and are not to be construed as indicative of such.
  • Awards and recognitions are not indicative of future investment performance of client portfolios.
  • Awards and recognitions generally only consider and recognize participants that choose to participate.
  • Awards and recognitions are often based on information supplied by the participants—such information should not be assumed to be verified by the sponsor of the award.
  • RWA Wealth Partners does not pay any fees to participate in any of the awards or recognitions listed below.
  • Award/recognition criteria presented reflects the criteria applicable to the most recently received version noted in the line titled “Years.”