Our credentials help us serve you

CIMA^® professionals provide objective investment advice and guidance to both individuals and institutions. CIMA^®  professionals apply state-of-the-art investment theory and integrate a complex body of investment knowledge systematically and ethically to assist clients in making prudent investment decisions.

The CIMA^®  certification identifies individuals who have met extensive experience and ethical requirements and successfully completed advanced investment management consulting coursework provided through The Wharton School, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Additionally, those who earn the certification must agree to meet ongoing continuing education requirements and adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice.

Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CIMA^® ” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst^SM.” Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) program was specifically designed for business advisors who work closely with owners of privately held companies to have value-added conversations around growth and exit. The program helps to effectively address all of the personal, business, financial, legal and tax issues involved in selling a business. The organizing principle of the program is Master Planning™, which is executed through the implementation of the Value Acceleration Methodology™ process.

CEPAs are an experienced group of advisors who have received this designation and are part of the Exit Planning Institute’s international community. The CEPA program is the most widely accepted and endorsed professional exit planning program in the world. 

Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.

The accreditation indicates the completion of diligent course study and testing, as well as the ability to evaluate an organization’s fiduciary practices and compliance, create comprehensive investment policy statements, conduct performance reporting and monitoring, and serve as a resource for education and assistance to help organizations meet their fiduciary obligations with greater confidence.

A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor^SM has in-depth knowledge of the needs individuals face both before and after retirement, and engages in retirement planning for a variety of important issues, such as sources of retirement income, employer-sponsored retirement plans, tax planning, retirement cash flow, asset management, estate planning and more.

Professionals who’ve attained the Chartered Financial Consultant^® certification have completed the most extensive educational program required for any financial services credential. Each ChFC^® has taken nine or more college-level courses on all aspects of financial planning from The American College, a nonprofit educator with the highest level of academic accreditation. They must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years, adhere to strict ethical standards and meet extensive experience requirements to help ensure you receive the professional financial advice you need.

AWMA^® designees have a broad knowledge of wealth management. They can effectively identify, analyze and recommend strategies that are appropriate for your diverse needs.

AWMA^® designees distinguish themselves by identifying opportunities not only in investment planning, but also by making comprehensive recommendations to help a broad range of your financial goals –from saving for your children’s college education to reducing taxes to building a nest egg for your retirement. With all of the complex financial planning information available today, an AWMA^® designee can give you knowledgeable advice on and strategies for your total financial needs.

Raymond James does not provide tax advice. Please discuss these matters with your tax professional.

The Accredited Estate Planner^® (AEP^®) designation is a graduate level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) to estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education professional reputation, and character.

Raymond James does not provide tax advice. Please discuss these matters with your tax professional.