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The PFS Point System
Experience
Life-Long Learning
Examination
Examination Resources
The Multiple Entry Point System (MEPS) has been introduced for the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential to offer greater flexibility in obtaining the credential, while simultaneously preserving the integrity and position of the PFS credential in the marketplace.
The point system for the PFS credential is consistent in format with other AICPA specialty credentials and makes the credential more accessible to a broader range of practitioners, including those who hold certain credentials from other financial planning organizations.
To obtain the PFS credential under the Multiple Entry Point System, a candidate must:
· Be a member in good standing of the AICPA
· Hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority
· Agree to comply with the requirements of certification and recertification
· Pay a $550 application fee
· Earn at least 100 points under the multiple entry point system
The PFS Point System
To be awarded the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential, a candidate must accumulate 100 total points. Total points will earned in three distinct areas and will be weighted as follows:
|
|
Minimum Points |
Maximum Points |
|
Experience |
25 |
50 |
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Life-Long Learning |
25 |
60 |
|
Examination |
15 |
40 |
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Experience
To be awarded the PFS credential, the candidate must earn a minimum of 25 points for personal financial planning experience within the five-year period preceding the application for credential date. The maximum number of points that can be earned over five years is 50. The actual number of points earned in this category will be determined by a combination of the number of hours of experience and the type of experience.
· Personal financial planning experience will fall into six areas of service:
· Personal financial planning process
· Personal income tax planning
· Risk management planning
· Investment planning
· Retirement planning
· Estate planning
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Life-Long Learning
To be awarded the PFS credential, candidates must also earn a minimum of 25 points for life-long learning within the five-year period preceding their application date. The maximum number of points allowed over a five-year period is 60. The following types of life-long learning activities are eligible for points:
· Continuing professional education
· Approved courses at an accredited university or college
· Other continuing education courses
· Trade association conferences
· Nontraditional learning methods, such as self-directed reading and on-the-job training
· Presenting
· Authoring
· Other designations and certifications
· Advanced degrees
· Committee service
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Examination
To be awarded the PFS credential, the candidate is also required to pass an examination. The following exams are eligible for points toward certification:
· AICPA Comprehensive PFS Exam (not currently offered)
· NASD Series 65 Exam
· NASD Series 66 Exam
· NASD Series 7 Exam
· Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam
· Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Exam
· Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Exam
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Examination Resources
We have created a useful Exam Licensing Guide to assist you in deciding which exam is most appropriate. For additional support as you contemplate your decision, we also make available our Business Model Selection Table and our Government Registration Requirements document. These aids will assist you in navigating the choices ahead. Learn More>>
For complete information about the PFS Point System, please refer to the PFS Credential Application Kit.
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