CFP - Certified Financial Planner
They must complete a course and pass a difficult exam
 

ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant
They have completed a 10 part course from the American College in Byrn Maur, PA.

• CFA - Chartered Financial Analyst
  From the Assoc. for Investment Management in Charlottesville, VA, must pass 3 exams, each given 1 year apart, and have 3 years experience.
   
• CIC - Chartered Investment Counselor
  From the Investment Council Assoc. of America in Washington DC, the candidate must first possess the CFA designation.

Investment Consultants

• CIMC - Certified Investment Management Consultant
  From the Institute for Investment Management Consultants, must pass an exam and have 3 years experience.
   
• CIMS - Certified Investment Management Specialist
  This is the next step after passing the CIMC exams. Additional work experience is required, along with updated exams.
   
• RFC - Registered Financial Consultant
  Designation awarded to applicants who pass a comprehensive exam that covers retirement planning and financial goal achievement through proper planning, saving, and asset allocation.
   
• RIA - Registered Investment Advisor
  Designation awarded to applicants who pass a comprehensive exam. Must be a RFC for at least 3 years to take exam.
   
• CIA - Certified Investment Advisor
  Must be a RIA for at least 2 years to take exam.

1. Financial Planners
2. Financial Proffesionals