CF2 Disclosure

NACFF owns, protects and allows qualified individuals to use the certification marks CF2 and CF2 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL FIDUCIARY and Design (collectively “CF2 Certification Marks”). Only individuals who have passed the CF2 Exam, met all the related requirements, and recertified when required may use the CF2 Certification Marks. NACFF monitors CF2 Certified professionals’ use of the CF2 Certification Marks.

What is the National Association of Certified Financial Fiduciaries (NACFF)?

NACFF was created to provide financial professionals with the information, tools, and resources needed to ensure compliance with all DOL and ERISA Fiduciary rules and guidelines. We have taken it a step further by providing a comprehensive fiduciary training program and certification process that, upon successful completion, further grants authorization for qualified financial professionals to hold the designation of Certified Financial Fiduciary®. The NACFF’s mission is to develop a network of qualified professionals that strive to create a strong and safe environment where investors are assured that their best interest always comes first. NACFF certification activities are structured and managed to safeguard impartiality, confidentiality and avoidance of conflicts of interest. All program Policies and Procedures will be applied equally to all certification applicants, candidates and certified individuals.

What is a Certified Financial Fiduciary?

Certified Financial Fiduciary is a professional designation for financial professionals, namely, those who have successfully completed a rigorous training process established by NACFF and The American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA), have passed a Certification Exam, and who agree to uphold the highest moral, ethical and fiduciary standards of service when providing advice to potential or existing clients. Financial professionals who have earned Certified Financial Fiduciary certification can immediately and clearly demonstrate how they practice a fundamental obligation to always put their clients’ best interest first. Additionally, Certified Financial Fiduciary professionals are bound by the Certified Financial Fiduciary Code of Conduct which holds them to the highest standards of professionalism in the financial services industry. The Certified Financial Fiduciary certification mark coupled with the information and processes taught in the course make it easy for a financial professional to quickly demonstrate the added value and security they bring to potential and existing clients.

What are the criteria for successful completion of the program?

Successful completion of the Certified Financial Fiduciary Program is based on participation in a 1-day training course (in person, face-to-face or virtual via the web) or completing an equivalent program and passing the Certification Exam. Only those who participate and complete the educational program, along with passing the exam, are awarded certification.

What is the purpose of the Certification Program?

The purpose of the Certified Financial Fiduciary Certification Program is to ensure that professional advisors demonstrate competency to serve the public as a financial professional acting as a fiduciary with full knowledge of the applicable laws, rules and regulations.

What is the process for earning Certification?

Prior to being awarded Certified Financial Fiduciary certification, applicants must: 1. Meet one of the following prerequisites: a. Possess a professional financial certification/designation; or b. Professional financial license (securities, insurance, accounting, etc.); or c. A combination of education and experience deemed satisfactory by the NACFF Certification Committee. 2. Pass a full background check and be in good standing with all state and federal license requirements: a. NACFF will review FINRA’s BrokerCheck Report and reports from applicable licensing entities. Negative information may result in denial of an application. b. Applicants have the right to appeal such denials. 3. Successfully complete the NACFF one day in-person training, complete the NACFF online training course or a training program for financial fiduciary practice approved as equivalent. 4. Agree to uphold the Certified Financial Fiduciary Code of Conduct; and comply with all certification requirements including use of the Certified Financial Fiduciary certification marks and continuing education requirements that may change from time to time. 5. Complete the certification application and have the application approved to proceed to the exam. 6. Agree to the exam terms, including confidentiality of the exam content. 7. Pass the Certification Exam. Upon receipt of an application for certification, NACFF staff shall promptly review the application for completeness and payment of fees. Individuals submitting an incomplete application, or the wrong fees, will immediately be notified of such. Completed applications shall be processed in accordance with NACFF policies and procedures. Approved applicants will be provided information on how to complete the application steps including taking the Certification Exam and compliance with ethical policies.

Source: Certified Financial Fiduciary® Certification Program and Candidate Handbook (Aug. 2025)