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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
What are the Prerequisites for CWS®?
- Must have 3+ years experience in the financial services industry
- Must have significant experience in a client-facing role, or a 4-year degree from an accredited school.
Where does the CWS® fit in my personal development or in my organization’s development program?
- For financial services organization senior leaders, line management, and 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?
- 2 day instructor-led class (GYB I) “Growing Your Business for Wealth Advisors" (Click here for GYB I agenda)
- Self-directed Study on 13 Wealth Management Issues
- 10 Study Guides and a Reference Guide – technical drill down, case studies, and discussion points with clients on each of 13 wealth management issues Click here to view the topics & objectives
- 2 textbooks for supplemental reading (Concepts for Professionals & Critical Concerns of Estate Planners by Roy Adams) (*You can find more information on these materials in our Cannon Store-click here):
- Wealth Management Advisors Audio Series CD’s(*You can find more information on these materials in our Cannon Store-click here):
- 10 interactive e-learning lessons (approximately 1 hour each)
- 4 technical tests – about 80 questions each
- 2 day instructor-led class (GYB II) – “Client Interaction Skills” Click here for GYB II agenda
- Cannon interviews - Interviewing Techniques, Presentation Skills
- CAPSTONE Project - The final project is all about applying what you have learned. For example, creating your detailed business plan or asking you to map out a plan for how you will surface each of the 13 wealth management issues that are pertinent to a client's specific situation - what will you say to those clients/prospects?
For more information on the program components, click here for Program Components.
How long does it take to complete all of the necessary training? Approximately 6 months – About 4 hours per week is typical. Click here to see CWS® Roadmap.
How is this different from CFP® and other technically-oriented certifications? This certification was created in response to the overwhelming requests from advisors for training that teaches them how to apply technical knowledge when interacting with clients and potential clients. The course is a "blend" of the key technical concepts and the application of that technical knowledge to work your book, grow your business, and improve your client interaction skills. The CWS® complements other certifications that teach technical.
What does the technical information cover? The technical information we provide in this program consists of the salient 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.
Prerequisites to CWS®
- Must have 1+ years experience in the financial services industry
- Must have significant experience in a client-facing role
- We strongly recommend you have one of the following:
- Series 6
- Series 7
- Series 65
- CPA License
- Attorney License
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
- Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
What CE Credits have been approved for the training? Click here to see CWS® CE credit grid
Who are the instructors that teach the CWS® sessions? Phil Buchanan, David Bell, Clark Brown, Larry Divers. (Click here for more information about our instructors.)
How much does the certification program of study cost? Please contact your Cannon Relationship Manager to discuss the various options and discuss developing a program that fits your culture
To download a CWS® Due Diligence Packet, click here
If you have further questions or are require more information, please feel free to contact Kristine Groft, CWS® Administrator by email kgroft@cannonfinancial.com or phone 706-389-7659 and she will be happy to assist you.
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