CLU: Chartered Life Underwriter. This is the premier credential for life insurance agents, and takes 2-5 years of study to obtain.

ChFC: Chartered Financial Consultant. This is the premier credential for financial planners, and takes 2-5 years of study (nine college level courses) and three years of experience to obtain.

CFP: Certified Financial Planner. Similar to the ChFC. Bachelor’s Degree and passage of a 10 hour examination are required.

CPCU: Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter. Equivalent to the CLU, but for property/casualty insurance. Requires nine graduate/post-graduate level courses, extra study of the code of ethics, and a minimum of three years of experience in the field.