The ChFC^® designation has been a mark of excellence for almost thirty years and currently requires nine college-level courses, the most of any financial planning credential. Average study time to earn the ChFC^® exceeds 450 hours. Required courses cover extensive education and application training in financial planning, income taxation, investments, and estate and retirement planning. Additional electives are chosen from such topics as macroeconomics, financial decisions for retirement, and executive compensation. ChFC^® designees must meet experience requirements and adhere to continuing education and ethical standards. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest level of academic accreditation.

The CASL^® credential provides advisors with in-depth training on issues impacting seniors and those planning for retirement. The designation incorporates five required, college-level courses that represent an average total study time of more than 250 hours. Topics include investments, estate planning, health and long-term care financing, and financial decisions for retirement. CASL^® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the top level of academic accreditation.

The RICP^® designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more than 150 hours. RICP^® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest form of academic accreditation.

Since 1927, the CLU^® has been the respected risk management credential for advisors. Designees have completed eight or more college-level courses representing an average study time of 400 hours. Topics for required courses include insurance and financial planning, life insurance law, estate planning, and planning for business owners and professionals. Elective courses include such advanced topics as income taxes, group benefits, retirement planning, and health insurance. CLU^® designees must meet experience and continuing education requirements and must adhere to a high ethical standard. The mark is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with the top level of academic accreditation.