The Value of Lifelong Learning
What happens if you add specialization to foundational knowledge?
The 2024 Designation Outcomes Study suggests multiple designations have a greater impact on business growth — and specializing yields the greatest benefit.
More Designations, More Results
According to the study, financial professionals who earn multiple designations from The College experience greater gains in business growth not only compared to peers with no designations, but also compared to peers with a single designation.
Compared to professionals with no designations
+45% Higher growth in client retention
+19% Higher growth in earnings
+9% Higher growth in production
Compared to professionals with a single designation
+6% Higher growth in client retention
+9% Higher growth in earnings
+5% Higher growth in production
Start Early to Fast-Track Productivity
Lifelong learning benefits you — and your firm — most when you start early in your career. That’s why many firms create custom learning journeys and encourage professionals to move from foundational to specialized designations. Multiple designations can have an even bigger impact on the rising generation of financial professionals.
Professionals under age 40 with multiple College designations report significantly higher growth in key business drivers over the past three years.
Compared to professionals under 40 with a single designation
+30% Higher growth in client assets
+20% Higher growth in earnings
+28% Higher growth in production
The Best Mix for the Best Outcomes
Becoming a specialist unlocks the door to offering additive services to your clients and greater earnings potential. Securing a specialized designation such as the Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) in addition to a foundational designation such as the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) can boost overall earnings significantly.
Doing the Math: ChFC® + RICP® = Higher Earnings
FUSE Research Network. The American College of Financial Services Designation Outcomes Study. 2024.
*Based on reported three-year growth compared to financial professionals with no designations.
**Based on reported three-year growth among advisors with both ChFC® and RICP® compared to ChFC® designees.
Learning Journey
Whether you're building your own personal career path or creating a learning journey for your firm, the sequence is up to you!
In the following pages, you’ll find our programs arranged in the order top individuals and organizations may choose, but the right path for you and your firm may vary.
Foundational Designations
Specialized Designations
A Legacy of Industry Leadership
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Visit TheAmericanCollege.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
Your Life's Work
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The American College of Financial Services provides equal opportunity to students and employees, regardless of race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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