RJ and Makay

Financial advising is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. But according to a recently published FINS article, a major key to success in this field is attaining recognized certification that signals to clients and colleagues alike that you are a serious professional committed to excellence.

Benefits of certification are threefold, according to Kevin Keller, CEO of the CFP Board. Keller claims that candidates achieve a sense of accomplishment in passing difficult exams. These advisors oftentimes perform well in all the major performance metrics such as client retention and satisfaction. And clients receive a higher quality of service from financial advisors who are certified.

Figures from the CFA institute indicate that registration for the Level 1 CFA exam increased by nearly a third in 2008, with the 2010 exam registration the highest in 41 years.