Shane W. McCormick - Education

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)

CFP® professionals develop their theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a curriculum approved by CFP Board. Topics of study include the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management and insurance. Upon successful completion of the prerequisite coursework, CFP® practitioners must pass a comprehensive two-day, 10-hour CFP® Certification Examination that tests their ability to apply financial planning knowledge.

CFP® professionals must have three years minimum experience in the financial planning industry prior to earning the right to use the CFP® certification marks. As a final step to certification, CFP® practitioners agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, known as CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility. CFP Board also performs a background check during this process, and each individual must disclose any investigations or legal proceedings related to their professional or business conduct. To maintain the CFP® certification, CFP® professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits every 24 months.

MASTER PLANNER ADVANCE STUDIES (MPAS®)

Individuals who hold the MPAS® designation have completed a Master of Science degree with a major in personal financial planning. The program consists of 36-43 semester credits and delves deeply into personal financial planning or investment-related content using research-based coursework and real-world case studies. Graduates of the program are required to demonstrate critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving techniques. Additionally, individuals must complete assignments, projects, research, and papers and meet all graduation requirements for the Master of Science degree.

All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process. Designees renew their designation every two-years by completing 40 hours of content-specific continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.

CERTIFIED EXIT PLANNING ADVISOR (CEPA®)

CEPA professionals must complete a comprehensive five-day course offered by the Exit Planning Institute. They must pass a four-hour proctored exam covering topics such as business valuation, value enhancement, exit options analysis, transaction structuring and tax planning. Prior to entering the CEPA program, advisors must have at least five years of experience working with business owners in a professional capacity. Every three years CEPA’s must complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education to maintain their certification.

ACCREDITED WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISORS (AWMA®)

Individuals who hold the AWMA® designation have completed a course of study encompassing wealth strategies, equity-based compensation plans, tax reduction alternatives, and asset protection alternatives. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

CHARTERED RETIREMENT PLANNING COUNCELORS (CRPC®)

Individuals who hold the CRPC® designation have completed a course of study encompassing pre-and post-retirement needs, asset management, estate planning and the entire retirement planning process using models and techniques from real client situations. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

All AWMA® and CRPC® designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process. AWMA® and CRPC® Designees must renew their designation every two-years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.