Professional Designations

Rachel E. Carter, C(k)P®, CPFA®, NQPA®, ChFC®, CRPS®, RICP®

Rachel holds the designations of 

  • Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
  • Certified 401(k) Professional (C(k)P®)
  • Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® (CPFA®)
  • NonQualified Plan Advisor® (NQPA®)
  • Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® (CRPS®)
  • Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)

But what do these designations mean?

Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) 

The Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) program prepares you to meet the advanced financial planning needs of individuals, professionals and small business owners. You’ll gain a sustainable advantage in this competitive field with in-depth coverage of the key financial planning disciplines, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments and estate planning. The ChFC® requires three years of full-time, relevant business experience, nine two-hour course specific proctored exams, and 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Holders of the ChFC® designation must adhere to The American College’s Code of Ethics.

Certified Plan Fiduciary Adviser® (CPFA®) 

The Certified Plan Fiduciary Adviser (CPFA) credential demonstrates your knowledge, expertise and commitment to working with retirement plans. Plan advisers who earn their CPFA demonstrate the expertise required to act as a plan fiduciary or help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities. The CPFA Coursework covers four key areas: ERISA Fiduciary Roles and Responsibilities, ERISA Fiduciary Oversight, ERISA Plan Investment Management, and ERISA Plan Management. In order to maintain your credential(s), you must earn 20 CE credits every two-year cycle. Two (2) of the 20 CE credits must be on ethics/professionalism topics.

Chartered Retirement Plans SpecialistSM or CRPS® 

Individuals who hold the CRPS® designation have completed a course of study encompassing design, installation, maintenance and administration of retirement plans. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations. All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process.

Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.

Certified 401(k) Professional C(K)P® 

The C(k)P® Designation or Certified 401(k) Professional Designation is administered by The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education. The C(k)P® Designation identifies individuals who have been authorized to use the C(k)P® Designation certification marks in the USA by identifying financial professionals who have the knowledge and experience to favorably affect the outcome of corporate retirement plans.

C(k)P® Designation holders have demonstrated competency and experience in the retirement field, completed a rigorous and unique education course work experience, agreed to adhere to a code of conduct and ethics. The education coursework includes classroom, online, and live online instructor-led courses, as well as periodic assessments, an exam and a case study. The conduct and ethics codes embrace the core values of integrity, diligence, fairness, and objectivity.

Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) 

The RICP® designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more

than 150 hours. RICP® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with an 85-year heritage and the highest form of academic accreditation.