Credentials Boost Planners' Confidence and Client Base: Survey

Seven in 10 graduates of the College for Financial Planning saw an increase in their client base after earning their most recent financial credential, according to a survey released Monday by the college, a Kaplan company.

The credentials included certified financial planner, chartered retirement planning counselor and accredited asset management specialist.

On average, 80% of respondents said they had become more confident in speaking with clients after earning their most recent financial credential, with 91% of CFP certificants expressing greater confidence.

Sixty-nine percent of the college’s graduates reported being more satisfied with their financial planning career, including 82% with the CFP designation.

“The financial planning sector undergoes constant change, yet a consistent factor persists: Success for those who are a part of it, whether they are just starting off in a career or a tenured professional, hinges on financial education,” Dirk Pantone, the college’s president, said in a statement. 

“As these survey results demonstrate, financial education can lead to increases in confidence, technical knowledge and soft skills — all of which are necessary for better serving clients and helping them attain their goals.” 

The college conducted the survey, which explores the experiences, interests and viewpoints of professionals in the financial services industry, last summer among 951 recent graduates of the college’s Certification Professional Education Program, each of its 11 professional designation programs and its master of science degree programs.