The Certified Business Financial Advisor
Program
CBFA™ Designation Program
Running a business during these difficult economic times requires financial efficiency, especially when it comes to controlling costs and managing cash flow. However, with the help of a knowledgeable financial advisor, there are many areas of finance that business owners can control.
Distinguish Yourself As A Small Business Financial Advisor
The Business Financial Association (BFA) developed the Certified Buisness Financial Advisor designation program (CBFA™) to educate accountants, attorneys, bankers, consultants, financial planners, and insurance agents in financial areas that most affect small business owners. The certification covers the following seven financial areas:
- Estate Planning
- Tax Planning
- Cash Flow Planning
- Debt Planning
- College Planning
- Retirement Planning
- Insurance Planning
By successfully completing the CBFA™ certification program, advisors can gain credibility, instill confidence in their small business clients, and differentiate themselves from other advisors. If you meet the pre-qualification criteria, you can enroll today in this unique and valuable certification program.
Pre-Qualifying Criteria
Anyone interested in obtaining the CBFA™ designation must complete an application and must meet certain pre-qualifying criteria before enrolling in the certification program. A combination of education and experience in the following financial fields is considered by the BFA when approving applicants:
- Attorney
- Accountant
- Banker
- Consultant ((business-related)
- Financial Planner
- Insurance Agent
- Investment Advisor
CBFA Designation Cost & Yearly Renewal
A CBFA designation cost is $697 and must be renewed every year. The renewal fee is $300 per year,
after the first year. To continue your yearly renewals, a designation holder must:
- Not be in violation of the CBFA™ Code of Ethics.
- Be current on your BFA renewal fee.
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education courses each year (beginning the year after your first renewal date).
Your CBFA™ designation and yearly renewals include:
- Access to all materials available on the BFA website, including money saving ideas library, newsletter
and all the implementation guides in the "PRODUCT" section of the BFA website.
- 24 hours of FREE Continuing Education credits (can be also used for CPA continuing education credits). A $300 value!
- Access to recorded webinars in the BFA Audio Library.
- CBFA™ Study Modules and additional reference materials in the BFA website.
- CBFA™ logo for your website, business cards, and letterhead.
- An impressive framed "Certification of Completion".
The CBFA Application and Certification Process
A CBFA™ candidate must 1) Complete an Application for Certification, 2) Pass a 100 question (90 minute)
open book examination, 3) Agree to abide by the CBFA™ Code of Ethics, and 4) Meet the 24 hour continuing
education requirements.
The Application for Certification asks each candidate to disclose whether they have been a party (or involved)
in any criminal, civil, governmental, or self-regulatory agency proceeding or inquiry.
The following conduct will bar a candidate from becoming certified:
- Felony conviction for theft, embezzlement, tax fraud, or other financial crimes
- Involuntary revocation of a financial or professional license or designation
- Felony conviction for any criminal activity (violent or non-violent)
- More than one personal or business bankruptcy
- A civil or criminal judgment for a financial service performed
Click here to download the CBFA Application
Please complete the application and fax it to 406-765-2060.
CBFA Program Outline
FAQ about CBFA Program
CBFA Code Of Ethics
Enroll in the CBFA Certification program