The Enquirer

Certified financial planner (CFP): Has taken a broad array of professional courses over a two- to three-year period and been tested on investing, insurance, taxes, retirement and estate planning.

Certified fund specialist (CFS): A shortened version of the CFP program for investment-only professionals who focus on assisting clients with setting up investment portfolios for retirement and estate planning using primarily mutual funds, unit investment trusts and annuities.

Certified public accountants (CPA): Their specialty is taxes, although in the last 10 years the securities laws have changed to allow accountants to make investment recommendations and even sell some securities.

Chartered financial analyst (CFA): A research specialist, also called a securities analyst, who rarely meets with individuals because they specialize in doing the in-house research for the investment bankers.

Chartered life underwriters (CLU): These are primarily life insurance salespeople.

Personal financial advisers (PFA): A new designation created by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors to compete with the CFP for fee-only planners who have at least five years' experience and have passed a series of exams to qualify for the title.

Registered investment adviser (RIA): This is the easiest title to get. It requires the completion of a complicated form to be submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission along with a $150 filing fee.

Registered representative (RR): This is the basic legal title given by the Securities and Exchange Commission to those who have passed the Series 7 licensing exam to become full-fledged stockbrokers.

Source: www.brookestephens.com