Education
High School/GED
Licenses
Series 6
Series 63
Series 65
Other Credentials
ChFC®
CLU®
LUTCF®
IBF Degrees
MSFS
IBF Designations
CFS®
Learn More →
Certified Fund Specialist
Deep, practical knowledge of mutual funds, ETFs, and managed portfolios.
CAS®
Learn More →
Certified Annuity Specialist
Fixed, variable, and indexed annuities. Accumulation and distribution strategies.
CIS™
Learn More →
Certified Income Specialist
Retirement income planning, withdrawal strategies, and distribution optimization.
Interested in earning an IBF designation? Explore all programs
At a Glance
IBF Designations
4
Member Since
2003
Other Credentials
3
Are you a financial advisor?
Join 30,000+ professionals
Build your expertise with IBF designations.
Explore Programs
Practitioner-Reviewed education since 1988
Profile verified · March 2026
Understanding Credentials
What makes an IBF-designated advisor different?
1988
Established track record
Founded by a practicing financial advisor who believed designations should teach practical skills, not just theory.
CE
Ongoing requirement
IBF-designated advisors maintain credentials through continuous education, keeping knowledge current.
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit education
Focused on advisor education and professional development. Content reviewed by practicing advisors and SMEs.