Can anyone be a financial consultant?

One of the best ways to demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers is through earning certifications and licenses. A number of independent education institutions offer advanced and specialized financial advisor training.

While there is not a specific licensing requirement for financial advisors, they are generally required to have various securities licenses to sell investment products. These include the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65 licenses.

The most popular financial consultant programs available include:

• The American College of Financial Services (ACFS) offers many professional designations and degree programs:

  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

• The CFA Institute is considered the gold standard in developing professionals focused on investment management, especially portfolio managers and research analysts.

  • Chartered Financial Advisor (CFA), Certified in Investment Performance Management (CIPM)

• The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP) is widely regarded as setting the gold standard in the financial planning profession. CFP designees must complete a comprehensive program and commit to completing ongoing continuing education