The RFA^® Designation

Begin with the Best

Jump-start your career with the RFA^® – Commit to some of the most rigorous standards for ethics and continue learning to stay current with best practices.

The Registered Financial Associate (RFA^®) is a designation awarded by the IARFC to financial consultants who meet the high standards of education, experience, and ethics. The RFA is offered to Financial Professionals with less than three years of financial service industry experience or a Bachelor’s or graduate degree in financial planning from an institution offering a professional designation equivalent curriculum.
 

Experience

The RFA is available to recent graduates of an approved and vetted academic curriculum in financial services or financial professionals who have less than three (3) years of experience in the financial services industry.
 

Education

You MUST have ONE OF THE FOLLOWING to satisfy the education requirement:

• One of the following professional designations: AAMS^®,CPA, EA, LUTCF^®.
• A Series 65 Securities license or one of the following combinations: Series 6 & 63, Series 6 & 66, Series 7 & 63, Series 7 & 66.
• Life Insurance license.
• A Bachelors’ or advanced degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.

(An applicant can also meet the education requirement by completing the entire course requirements for one of the designations listed above.)

Licensing

Applicants must have all the required licenses necessary for their mode of practice.
 

Conduct

Applicant must have a sound record of business integrity with no suspension or revocation of any professional designations or licenses. Must be in good standing with all licensing bodies and organizations.

Ethics

Applicants must subscribe and adhere to the IARFC Code of Ethics.
 

Application and Fees  

Complete the application in its entirety and submit the appropriate application fee.
 

Continuing Education

All RFA^®  designated members must agree to devote a minimum of 40 units every two years of professional Continuing Education in the field of personal finance and professional practice management. Four units every two years must be devoted to ethics. Click here for more information on Continuing Education. 
 

Re-Certification

Annually provide assurance of continued compliance and operation.