How to Become a Certified Financial Adviser
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for financial advisers is expected to increase 37% by 2016. There are about 400,000 financial advisers in the country. Financial advisers must meet specific qualifications, including earning a bachelor's degree and having certifications from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Here's a guide to becoming a certified financial adviser.
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Instructions
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How to Become a Certified Financial Adviser
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Earn a bachelor's degree in business or finance. Although employers will accept other degrees, candidates with a finance background are often given priority. Coursework in business and statistics is also desireable. Yahoo's college directory can help you narrow your search for a college by geographic location.
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Obtain the required licenses. The majority of states require certified financial advisers to have Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses. To schedule a testing date and request study guides, contact the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
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Decide whether you will also sell insurance, as many certified financial advisers do. Contact your state's insurance board.
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Apply for certified financial adviser positions. These are often listed at job boards like Monster or HotJobs. You can also contact financial companies such as Ameriprise or Charles Schwab directly. Local banks often have hire in-house financial advisers.
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Apply for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification once you have the bachelor's degree and two years of experience under your belt. Contact the CFA Institute to set up a testing date and time.
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Tips & Warnings
Update your resume. Having a resume tailored to the financial industry is important to securing interviews. If you just earned your degree, highlight coursework in finance, business and statistics. If you have any internships experience, also highlight these points. For samples of Certified Financial Adviser resumes, check out the Resume Resource.
Don't forget about passing a criminal background check. Many states require that individuals becoming certified financial advisers pass a criminal check. This will require submitting your fingerprints and Social Security information.
