The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation has been around since 1982. Awarded by the American College of Financial Services in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, it’s similar to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
The primary difference between the ChFC and CFP, however, is that the ChFC requires a more extensive education and certification process. To date, there are more than 40,000 professionals who have earned this prestigious title.
Let’s take a closer look at what this financial certification is, what it takes to earn it, and how you may benefit from working with a ChFC.
What is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)?
The ChFC is available to any financial professional who wishes to help clients with complex situations. It may be a good option for bankers, realtors, stockbrokers, accountants, insurance agents, and others who work in the financial space.
Those who pursue the ChFC will be required to complete an education component, which consists of eight college-level courses.These courses include similar topics to the ones found in CFP education such as retirement, insurance, taxation, and investing.
All courses are available online in a self-paced format. While there is no comprehensive exam that covers all eight courses, ChFC candidates will have to pass an individual exam at the end of each course. In addition, they must adhere to The American College’s Code of Ethics, which includes this pledge:
“I shall, in light of all conditions surrounding those I serve, which I shall make every conscientious effort to ascertain and understand, render that service which, in the same circumstances, I would apply to myself.”
Find a Chartered Financial Consultant on Wealthtender
📍 Click on a pin in the map view below for a preview of Chartered Financial Consultants who can help you reach your money goals with a personalized plan. Or choose the grid view to search our directory of ChFCs with additional filtering options.
📍Double-click or pinch pins to view more.
Should You Hire a ChFC?
A ChFC has the expertise and depth of financial knowledge that may help you if you:
- Would Like Tax Planning Support for Your Business: As a business owner, there are many financial topics you need to understand, especially when it comes to taxes. Whether you’re an LLC, partnership, corporation, or proprietorship, a ChFC can help you with various tax income strategies. These include tax credits, deductions, capital gains and losses, annuities, and more.
- Have a Unique Family Situation: If you have a non-traditional family, it’s highly likely that you’re in need of specialized financial advice. A ChFC may be a great resource if you’ve gone through a divorce, have a special needs child, are in a LGBTQ relationship, or in a blended family.
- Hope to Make the Most Out of Your Investments: If you’re a high net worth investor or have a large portfolio, a ChFC can support your investment plan so you can maximize your income. They can guide you through investment strategies that relate to diversification, portfolio management, tax issues and securities markets. If you’re unsure of which retirement strategy is right for you, they may also assist you in choosing a SEP IRA, Roth IRA, nonqualified deferred compensation, etc.
- Wish to Prepare for Major Financial Milestones: Whether you’d like to retire early, fund your child’s college, pass on an estate or anything else, a ChFC can support you with your major milestones. They may give you some much needed peace of mind that you’re on track to meet them.
What Does it Take to Earn and Maintain the ChFC?
Those who hope to earn a ChFC designation must fulfill certain requirements set forth by the American College of Financial Services. Here’s a brief overview of what that they are.
ChFC Education Requirements
Before financial professionals sit for the ChFC, they must complete a series of eight courses. These are delivered via the new Personal Pathway™ model, which allows for optimal structure and flexibility. Even though it’s designed to be a 14-week learning path, ChFC candidates can choose to complete their coursework sooner.
Each course offers a variety of learning methods including webinars, discussion boards, multimedia lessons, and reading from digital textbooks. There is also a preparatory quiz that prepares candidates for the final exam at the end of each course.
Despite the fact the curriculum for the ChFC has been recently reduced, it still requires more coursework than any other major financial planning designation including the CFP. Fortunately, those who hold other designations like the CFP may earn credits for any coursework they’ve already completed.
ChFC Experience Requirements
Financial professionals with at least three years of relevant work experience within the previous five years may take the ChFC. This work experience may be in the fields of financial services, employee benefits, insurance, and healthcare.
ChFC Exam
As stated, there is no comprehensive exam. Instead, ChFC candidates take a proctored exam at the end of each course. Eight exams are distributed on the following topics:
- Financial Planning: Process and Environment
- Fundamentals of Insurance Planning
- Income Taxation
- Planning for Retirement Needs
- Investments
- Fundamentals of Estate Planning
- Personal Financial Planning: Comp. Case Analysis
- Contemporary Applications in Financial Planning
ChFC Continuing Education Requirements
Once a financial professional earns the ChFC designation, they are required to continue their education. This requires them to maintain at least 30 continued education credits every two years. A renewal fee must be paid as well.
FAQs
How can I confirm the financial professional I’m working with holds the Chartered Financial Consultant designation?
Visit the directory of ChFC credential holders on the American College of Financial Services website.
What if I have a complaint about the Chartered Financial Consultant I’m working with?
Visit the American College website for details on how to express your concerns.
Where can I learn more about other professional designations held by financial advisors and coaches?
Refer to this list of popular financial certifications prepared by Wealthtender to help you learn more about each designation. You’ll find a brief description of each certification, plus links to in-depth articles if you want to learn more about a particular designation.
Are you ready to enjoy life more with less money stress?
Sign up to receive weekly insights from Wealthtender with useful money tips and fresh ideas to help you achieve your financial goals.
About the Author
About the Author
Brian Thorp
Brian is CEO and founder of Wealthtender and Editor-in-Chief. He and his wife live in Austin, Texas. With over 25 years in the financial services industry, Brian is applying his experience and passion at Wealthtender to help more people enjoy life with less money stress. Learn More about Brian