My Qualifications

CAS® 
The Certified Annuity Specialist® (CAS®) designation is granted by the Institute for Business and Finance. The CAS® is available to financial professionals that demonstrate a specialized understanding of fixed and variable products with an emphasis on titling options and the estate and income tax ramifications of each. To obtain this designation, candidates must complete 6 modules, pass three exams, and write a comprehensive case study. Completion of the CAS® designation counts as 3 semester units towards the Institute for Business and Finance’s Masters of Science in Financial Services degree. After obtaining the designation, designees must complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years.

CFS®
The Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®) designation is granted by the Institute for Business and Finance. The CFS® is available to financial professionals that demonstrate a specialized understanding of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, real estate investment trusts, and unit investment trusts. This designation prepares the candidate to evaluate and compare financial measurements and benchmarks when constructing a portfolio. To obtain the designation, candidates must complete six modules, pass three examinations, and write a comprehensive case study. Completion of the CFS® designation counts as 3 semester units towards the Institute for Business and Finance’s Masters of Science in Financial Services degree. After obtaining the designation, designees must complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years.

CIS™ 
The Certified Income Specialist™ (CIS™), formerly known as the Retirement Income Specialist™ (RIS™), designation is granted by the Institute for Business and Finance. The CIS™ is available to financial professionals that demonstrate a specialized understanding of creating plans designed to provide a consistent stream of income to clients on a regular basis. Candidates study covered call writing, systematic withdrawal plans, bonds, and other fixed and variable-rate investment vehicles for retirement income planning, as well as conservative equity plays such as utilities and target retirement portfolios. To obtain this designation, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or 2,000+ hours of work experience in the financial services industry and they must complete 6 modules, pass three exams, and write a comprehensive case study. Completion of the CIS™ designation counts a 3 semester units towards the Institute for Business and Finance’s Masters of Science in Financial Services degree. After obtaining the designation, designees must complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years.

CTS™ 
The Certified Tax Specialist™ (CTS™) designation is granted by the Institute for Business and Finance. The CTS™ is available to financial professionals that demonstrate a specialized understanding of taxation basics, along with the specifics of income taxes, credits, deductions, and exemptions. To obtain this designation, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or one year of work experience in the financial services industry and they must complete 6 modules, pass three exams, and write a comprehensive case study. Completion of the CTS™ designation counts as 3 semester units towards the Institute for Business and Finance’s Masters of Science in Financial Services degree. After obtaining the designation, designees must complete 30 hours of continuing education hours every two years.