A Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is What Exactly?
A professional certification known as "Chartered Financial Consultant" denotes the successful completion of a rigorous program that includes financial education, exams, and real-world experience. The American College awards Chartered Financial Consultant certifications following successful completion of seven compulsory courses and two elective courses. It is assumed that those who receive the accreditation are informed about finances and capable of giving wise counsel.
How a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Works
To be considered for the program, the applicant must already have a minimum of three years working full-time in the financial industry. Also, it is recommended that applicants have a degree related to finance or business before applying, as it will make the program much easier.
The ChFC degree program requires students to complete nine college-level courses or 27 hours of college credit in the field. Students must achieve mastery of more than 100 integrated advanced financial planning topics, including:
- Estate Planning
- Insurance Planning
- Retirement Planning
- Financial Planning Process and Environment
- Income Tax Planning
- Employee Benefits Planning
- Asset Protection Planning
- Estate Tax, Transfer Tax, and Gift Tax Planning
- Applications of Comprehensive Financial Planning and Consulting
There is also curriculum on how rules within those segments change in relation to small business planning, financial planning for households in the process of divorce, or for families who have special needs dependents. Exams for each course are proctored and closed-book, according to the standards of business and finance courses offered at any accredited university.
After Earning the Designation
Once the ChFC designation has been earned, there is also a requirement for continuing education credits to maintain the credential. Holders of the ChFC designation must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain the designation, as well as adhering to The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures.
An advisor who has received this credential may work with individuals to assist them with retirement savings, in particular for early retirement, and budget planning, or with companies to assess their investment strategies. There may be an expectation that the advisor remains continuously abreast of all financial laws at international, national, and local levels that might apply to the clients they work with and the financial activities they are involved in.
Why Chartered Financial Consultant Designation Matters
The curriculum to earn this professional designation is made up of courses designed to include a range of financial planning duties and responsibilities. This includes the practical application of the skills learned in real-life scenarios. According to the college, financial advisors who receive the designation may earn a higher income compared with industry peers who do not.
However, there is debate about whether or not this designation is on a par with or supersedes the certified financial planner designation, which is awarded and administered by the CFP Board, in terms of relevance within the financial industry. The CFP Board has contended that its designation includes adherence to a code of ethics and what it describes as a more thorough examination process for its applicants compared with the program and designation available through The American College.
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