The investment and planning industry is full of less recognized designations that are often misrepresented to attract new clients. While none of these designations are bad things, they should be considered bonus designations for a college planning professional. These designations include the MBA, CLU, CIMA, CFA, and any type of insurance license.
Additionally, you need to be aware of designations created by larger investment firms and awarded only to their employees. Designations as Section 529 Plan Specialist may have only required an individual to complete a day-long class, and are as much a marketing ploy as a real credential.