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Which Industry Designation is Right for You?

Advisors and industry professionals know that training, certification and continuing education are important — not just for personal and professional growth but also because clients value it. In fact, according to industry research, 95% of plan sponsors value advisor credentials, and 90% are more likely to select an advisor with a credential (even as 91% are not sure what they mean). Financial Service Standards (FSS) put together what appears to be a comprehensive and unbiased guide to the many industry designations (even though they sponsor their own designation).

In a video introducing the guide, Sharon Pivirotto of FSS outlines the five decision factors in selecting the right designation:
• Goals and objectives of the professional
• Preferred format
• Timeframe
• Level of commitment
• Value received

Designations covered in the guide include:
401(k) 3(38) Adviser Certification
Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA)
Accredited Pension Administrator (APA)
Accredited Pension Representative (APR)
Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC)
Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS)
Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P)
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
Certified Pension Consultant (CPC)
Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)
Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP)
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS)
Fiduciary Adviser Certification
Global Fiduciary Strategist (GFS)
PLANSPONSOR Retirement Professional (PRP)
Professional Plan Consultant (PPC)
Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA)
Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)
Registered Fiduciary (RF)
Retirement Plans Associate (RPA)
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plan Consultant (TGPC)

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