Who is the CWS® designation for?
Financial Services Professionals and Institutions:

• Moving away from transaction-based business to consultative, comprehensive business and client service models
• Holding other professional designations and seek the “know-how” to realistically put their knowledge to immediate use
• Who have a strong functional expertise in one of more product lines (such as investments or insurance) and want to round out their ability to serve clients comprehensively

Candidates for the CWS® include:

• Financial Advisors
• Private Bankers
• Insurance Agents
• Full Service Brokers
• Registered Investment Advisors
• Independent Financial Planners
• Attorneys
• Certified Public Accountants

Where does the CWS® fit in my personal development or in my organization’s development program?

• For Financial Services organization senior leaders, line management, as well as product and strategy staff who must build the vision of the wealth management offerings and execute throughout the organization
• For Financial Service Professionals who do not have a professional designation
• For Financial Service Professionals who have technical designations but want to successfully implement previously obtained knowledge and skills
• For Financial Services organizations who want to set a higher level of professionalism and enhance their clients’ experiences with the organization while achieving substantial ROI
• For Financial Services Professionals interested in building competency and skills in working with the Affluent and High-Net-Worth markets

What does the Certified Wealth Strategist® program of study entail?
Six different educational formats blended together

• Instructor-Led Training: 
• Sales and Practice Management Skills (CWS® I) 2-days
• Client Interaction Skills (CWS® II) 2 days
• Reading Assignments including Case Studies and Self Assessments
• Audio Assignments (2-disc sets)
• Interactive eLearning Lessons
• Online Mastery Exams
• Capstone Project

How long does it take to complete all of the necessary training?
Approximately 4-6 months – about 4 hours per week is typical.

How is this different from CFP and other technically-oriented certifications?
The CWS® is different in several respects. First and foremost it is designed to help financial professionals become wealth strategists by familiarizing them with a focused suite of wealth management topics critical to a target market space (the affluent and wealthy). The program combines practice management, client interaction skills and rigorous academic knowledge.  Designees are able to provide strategic direction over a broad base of issues important to their clients and effectively utilize the resources of their firm.  Furthermore, the CWS® practitioner acts as a partner to help create wealth management plans and resolve gaps in the client's financial situation on an ongoing basis. The CWS® is not limited by a specific financial product but uses strategist tactics to guide the client’s financial decisions. 

What does the technical information cover?
The technical information we provide in this program consists of the topics that you must be knowledgeable about and conversant with in order to have effective conversations with your clients and potential clients and which position you to work comprehensively with their entire wealth management issues.
What are the prerequisites for CWS®?

• 3+ years experience in the Financial Services industry.
• 4-year degree from an accredited school(or significant years client facing experience).
• We strongly recommend you have one of the following:
  º Series 6
  º Series 7
  º Series 65
  º CPA License
  º Attorney License
  º Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
  º Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
  º CFP®

How much does the certification program of study cost?
$3200 per person *Please contact your Cannon Relationship Manager to discuss the various delivery options and pricing structures

What are the benefits of becoming a CWS®?
As a Certified Wealth Strategist®, advisors, managers, and leaders will gain:

• An advanced knowledge of the 13 financial issues specific to affluent and wealthy clients
• The ability to integrate critical financial concepts into everyday scenarios
• A proven practice management model designed to execute an unparalleled client experience
• The competence to assume the lead role in client analysis and interactions

If you have further questions or are require more information, please feel free to contact Cindy Hooper, CWS® Product Manager by email chooper@cannonfinancial.com or phone 706-389-7647 and she will be happy to assist you.

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