Simply put, there are a lot of three and four letter acronyms and abbreviations for financial certifications out there. I have none. I served as an active duty member of the U.S. Navy for 10 years and have been a stay-at-home dad since. So, I’m self taught, and aside from the daily emails, newletters, and articles I read every day, the picture above is my personal library of personal finance and investing books.
Although I may seem to know a lot about personal finance (way more than I probably should), please remember that I am not ‘government certified’, and just to be sure there is absolutely no confusion, I have NOT completed any of the following certifications (with requirements and associated costs) or any others.
CAIA – Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
– $400 Enrollment Fee
– $1250 Level 1 Exam Fee
– $1250 Level 2 Exam Fee
– $350 For Annual Membership Fee
FRM – Financial Risk Manager
– $400 enrollment fee
– $1375 for a two part exam
– $195 annual membership
ChFC® – Chartered Financial Consultant®
– 8 Courses for designation through the American College ($5400-$360)
– $125 Annual Fee
– 30 Hours of Continuing Education every two years
CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
– $450 Enrollment Fee
– $3000 Exam Fees (3 exams at $1000 each)
– $275 Annual Fee
– 15 Hours of Continuing Education Annually
– Bachelor’s Degree or “Professional Work Experience” or Be a “Final Year Student”
– Own a Passport