The American College of Financial Services created the RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional) designation in 2012 to prepare and train financial advisors to help clients maintain their customary standard of living throughout a retirement which could last decades.  The RICP® designation curriculum consists of three courses (equivalent of 9 semester credit hours) and is committed to professional and ethical best practices.  The courses are:

• Retirement Income Process, Strategies, and Solutions
• Sources of Retirement Income
• Managing a Retirement Income Plan

Each course demands between 45 and 60 hours of study, followed by three separate proctored, closed-book exams.  To maintain this designation, the financial advisor must complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years.  You can visit designationcheck.com to ensure your advisor is credentialed and current.