This page describes the program requirements for the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) credential. The PFS credential is granted only by the AICPA.

To qualify, an individual must:

1.      Be a member in good standing with the AICPA.

2.      Hold a valid and unrevoked CPA certificate issued by a legally constituted state authority.

3.      Sign a Declaration and Intent to comply with all of the requirements for credentialing and recredentialing.

4.      Download and save the PFS application. Complete the application and receive an evaluated score of at least 100 points. Email your completed application to PFS@aicpa.org, or print and fax your completed application to 919-490-4329.

5.      Pay a $550 PFS application fee, which covers initial certification and materials.

Initial certification by the AICPA is granted for a period of three years.

The PFS application process should take less than one hour to complete. We recommend that you follow the PFS Credential Handbook closely as you complete your application.