Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA)
American Bankers Association
The CTFA certification demonstrates your expertise in the trust and financial advisor field while recognizing the growing client relationship skills necessary to be a successful wealth manager.
Format
Hybrid
Eligibility Calculator
Which aid programs apply to this program?
Skills developed through this program
- Knowledge of fiduciary principles, standards and responsibilities including the prudent investor rule
- Identify and interpret duties related to legal entity structures used to hold assets
- Develop financial plans including goals, risk tolerance, cash flow analysis and insurance needs
- Identify and interpret types of ownership interests including joint tenancy, community property and beneficiary designations
- Educate clients on estate planning including gifting techniques, transfer tax planning and business succession
- Consult and implement retirement strategies including IRAs, qualified plans and Social Security
Occupations this program prepares you for
Credentials this program stacks toward
No program pathways.
Detailed information about this program
Why pursue your CTFA designation? Consider these professional benefits and added value of certification: Career Enhancement Differentiate yourself with a credential that sets the standard of professional expertise in the wealth and trust industry. Learn more about the value of certification to you and your institution. Continuing Education (CE) Database CTFAs can identify relevant professional development options quickly and easily with the Certification Manager, which highlights programs that have been approved for CE credit. To earn the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation, candidates must: Meet the eligibility requirements; Submit completed application and fees for desired exam date; Pass the CTFA examination. Requirements You must meet the following eligibility requirements by the time that you take the exam. ABA will accept your application with education/training that is scheduled to be completed by your exam date. ABA certifications are based on U.S. laws and regulations. To be eligible, candidates must have U.S.-based experience to satisfy the experience requirement. Approved candidates may take the exam at U.S. test sites or via live remote proctoring. Experience Tiers The educational requirements to qualify for certification vary on the number of years of experience you have in the field. Option One: 3+ Years of Experience Option Two: 5+ Years of Experience Option Three: 10+ Years of Experience Professional Experience Wealth Management experience is defined as direct client interaction to deliver fiduciary services — planning and advice, asset management, trusts, estates, IRAs, qualified retirement plans, and custody services. Eligible Experience Ineligible Experience Account administration Investment management Tax, legal, financial, and estate planning services and solutions Fiduciary regulatory oversight with a state or federal regulatory agency Fiduciary compliance or risk management activities or roles These activities may be performed in an integrated or specialty-focused manner. Employee benefit trust Corporate trust Securities/trust operations Ethics Statement Each candidate must sign ABA Professional Certifications' Code of Ethics statement. Please note: you must furnish all pertinent information about any convictions or pleas of nolo contendere on the grounds of fraud, embezzlement, unfair or deceptive practices, securities law violations, misappropriation of property, fraudulent conversions or any civil or administrative action from which you have been previously found liable.
What you need to earn this credential
No requirements listed.
Eligible funding programs
No funding information available.
Scholarships
No scholarships listed.