Which Program Is for You?

LUTCF and FSS

Most advisors starting out in financial services need to learn fundamental sales, product, and client service skills. Other advisors may want to refresh their skills in certain product or service topics. The best options for these professionals are LUTCF or FSS courses. LUTCF focuses more on insurance, while FSS has some required courses specific to financial planning fundamentals.

LUTCF and FSS courses are designed to be interactive and are instructor led. The homework is practical, and students see almost immediate benefits in such areas as prospecting, meeting client needs, business insurance, product essentials, and more. Courses are offered in online webinars, online self-study, or in classes around the country hosted by local NAIFA associations.

There are two credentials in financial services that are most sought after: CLU^® insurance specialty and ChFC^® for advanced financial planners. CLU^® requires eight in-depth courses covering all aspects of life insurance and risk management. ChFC^®, the most rigorous financial planning credential, encompasses all of the content required to sit for the CFP Board exam plus an additional three courses. Many financial planning students start with the fundamental CFP^® certification program then advance to meet the additional requirements of the ChFC^®.

In order to sit for CFP Board's comprehensive examination, financial planners must complete an approved educational program. The American College is the leading educator of financial planners, and 65% of these programs at universities across the country use textbooks written by The American College faculty. Studying with The College gives you the best opportunity of success, as students who make A's on all of our courses have a greater-than-90% chance of passing the national comprehensive exam.

From retirement planning to specialized knowledge in philanthropy, additional designations can expand your knowledge base and your practice. Ranging from three to five courses each, the following programs are available:

• ChHC^® not just for health insurance products. The new healthcare law impacts tax rates on investments, personal financial planning, and a range of other critical issues for your clients.
• RICP^® the latest ideas for creating sustainable retirement income for your clients.
• CASL^® focuses on planning for seniors and retirement issues. It is the most rigorous academic program of its kind in the country and covers estate planning, investments, working with seniors, financing for retirement, health coverage, integration with government programs, and more.
• RHU^® provides the essentials of health insurance underwriting.
• REBC^® is focused on the broad array of employee benefits and executive compensation issues that companies face.
• CAP^® offers three courses in philanthropy, one of the hottest topics advisors are facing today. Specializing in this area is a relatively new field, so earning this credential can really set an advisor apart from the competition.

Two study tracks are available within the robust CLF^® designation in leadership. One is designed for agency heads in the field, the other for home office supervisors. Designees will master recruiting and retention, developing business plans, setting expectations and performance objectives, and building management and leadership skills. Courses are offered in a variety of interactive formats for maximum learning.

The College offers two accredited master's degrees, one in leadership and the other designed for sophisticated financial services practitioners. While there is a formal application and admissions process, many students like that there is no GMAT or standardized testing required to enter these programs. Both are very flexible programs that combine distance learning with self-study elements. You'll definitely want to speak with our graduate office at 610.526.1385 to learn more about these exciting programs!

Review answers to the questions we most frequently receive by choosing the type of program you're interested in from the groups below. Remember, if you ever have questions, please contact a Student Counselor anytime.