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Designations and Degrees

Designations and Degrees

Practical academics for professional advancement.

Learn more about the programs available to you

In the increasingly complex world of financial services, the key to success is being better prepared than your competition. A professional certification or advanced degree from The American College of Financial Services will help. We offer real-time, practical knowledge, curriculum delivery that meets the demands of your hectic schedule, and a proven approach to education in financial planning, retirement coaching, insurance, philanthropic giving, and more.

Since 1927, The American College of Financial Services has helped more than 200,000 financial services professionals accelerate their careers. Our financial planning and insurance courses produce measurable results. Surveys show that our sales training can boost production by up to 40 percent. Holders of our financial planning designations increase their sales by as much as 51 percent.

Professional Designations & Certifications

WMCP^®

Wealth Management Certified Professional^®

A comprehensive overview of goal-based personal wealth and investment management unlike any other professional credential available today, WMCP^® helps advisors transform modern investment theory into applied knowledge that brings a new level of value to client relationships.

RICP^®

RETIREMENT INCOME CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL^®

In today’s changing environment, the need for current, effective retirement income planning is greater than ever. Enhance your skill set and gain the knowledge you need to deliver meaningful and sustained value to your clients in their retirement years.

CFP^®

Certification Education Program

The nation's best choice for advisors studying to become CFP^® professionals. Our expert faculty ensure you are thoroughly prepared for your exam and the rest of your career.

ChFC^®

CHARTERED FINANCIAL CONSULTANT^®

Advanced financial planning for every person and every need. With practical application-based content, you’ll be better prepared for greater success with the ChFC^®.

CLU^®

CHARTERED LIFE UNDERWRITER^®

Protect clients, their families and their business with the premier designation for insurance professionals.

FSCP^®

FINANCIAL SERVICES CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL^®

Gain the practical and ethical skills you need to build a successful practice. The FSCP^® offers the most complete skills training available today, with an emphasis on product knowledge and business marketing principles.

ChSNC^®

Chartered Special Needs Consultant^®

ChSNC^® designees have the specialized skills needed to help clients plan for the future with honesty, ethics, and compassion. A ChSNC^® can navigate the unique considerations of estate planning, special needs trusts, life insurance, tax deductions, healthcare issues, and more.

CLF^®

Chartered Leadership Fellow^®

Providing financial services managers with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve key organizational goals, such as recruitment and retention, setting performance standards, and developing business plans.

Master's Degrees & Graduate Programs

MSM

Master of Science in Management

The MSM degree program provides state-of-the-art advanced leadership education, knowledge, and skills to its students. This accredited program combines core leadership topics with the knowledge executives need to progress to the next level in thought leadership and influence within their organization.

MSFP

Master of Science in Financial Planning

The Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP) is an accredited graduate degree program that gives aspiring and active financial professionals the practical and relevant skills they need to improve the financial well-being of their clients.

AEP^®

ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER^®

Applicants for the AEP^® designation, granted by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils, must successfully complete two graduate courses through The American College of Financial Services.

CAP^®

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy^®

The CAP^® provides the knowledge and tools you need to help clients articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family, and society. Courses provide an insight into the process of philanthropic planning, including, but not limited to, tax, tools, and techniques.

Certificate Programs

Start with a course

Certificates are designed for students who have not yet been admitted to a master's program. They are awarded to those who complete three related courses in specific subject areas, such as business succession planning or estate planning and taxation.

Continuing Education

CE 128 Ethics in the Financial Services Profession

This course reviews timely and relevant ethical issues in the financial services profession. This course is for ethics credit towards Professional Recertification credit only. The proctored version for state CE is currently being reviewed for state insurance CE approval. *State CE pending.

IRA Success

Start With a Course

Rooted in applied knowledge and built on a robust learning platform, Ed Slott and Company’s IRA Success in an industry-first, 12-course program bringing together the expertise of America’s IRA Expert Ed Slott with The College’s unmatched pedigree in e-learning design and delivery.

Legacy Programs

CASL^®

CHARTERED ADVISOR IN SENIOR LIVING

Comprehensive education on the financial, psychological, and sociological issues facing older clients.

ChHC^®

CHARTERED HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT

Educating financial advisors on changes to the U.S. health care system following major updates to American health care regulations.

FSS^®

FINANCIAL SERVICES SPECIALIST

The FSS^® designation provided financial advisors with the core knowledge and skills they need to provide essential planning and advisory assistance.

REBC^®

REGISTERED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT

Incorporating benefits such as pensions, retirement plans, group medical plans, LTC, and executive compensation into financial plans.

RHU^®

REGISTERED HEALTH UNDERWRITER

A specialization in living benefits, including income replacement and risk management solutions for individuals, business owners, and professionals.

PhD

IN FINANCIAL AND RETIREMENT PLANNING

The part-time PhD in Financial and Retirement Planning, the only one of its kind, was sunset in 2018. The College will maintain academic support of any students pursuing this degree at the time it was sunset.

MSFS

Sunsetted in 2021, the MSFS provided expertise in the wealth accumulation process and the knowledge to help business owners develop compensation, succession planning, and retirement income strategies.