NAIFA, College for Financial Planning Join Forces to Create New State-of-the-Art LUTCF Designation Program

CENTENNIAL, CO--(Marketwired - Feb 19, 2014) - The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the College for Financial Planning have formed a partnership to create an enhanced, dynamic and interactive curriculum for NAIFA's renowned Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation, established in 1984.

"NAIFA is proud to enter into a new partnership with such an esteemed and accredited educational institution as the College for Financial Planning," said NAIFA President John F. Nichols, MSM, CLU. "CFFP will deliver best-in-class content on innovative learning platforms to help agents and advisors better prepare and grow in their careers. What makes this program so valuable and unique is its combination of classroom learning and field training. The ultimate winner will be the consumers who will be served by the NAIFA members who have graduated from the LUTCF program."

"The LUTCF program is perfect for new financial professionals interested in building a lasting educational foundation for their careers," said CFFP president John Sears. "The College constantly strives to provide diverse and relevant career development opportunities for financial advisors and we are honored to strengthen that commitment by partnering with NAIFA."

The new LUTCF curriculum will be delivered through a state-of-the-art, instructor-led, live webinar platform. This interactive approach will enhance the student experience by encouraging engaged program participation and allowing for real-time group learning exercises. The program will offer all-new content covering four practice specialties: life insurance and annuities, health and employee benefits, multiline, and financial advising and investments. Structured field activities will also be an important educational component.

"The LUTCF designation is one of NAIFA's crown jewels and a defining credential for agents, advisors and brokers," said NAIFA CEO Dr. Susan Waters, CAE. "NAIFA is committed to helping members grow their business, and the re-launch of a 21st century LUTCF program helps NAIFA advance our mission by meeting the needs of today's active agents in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Informed insurance professionals in the field help bring financial security to America's families and businesses."

Since the LUTCF credential was established 30 years ago, more than 50,000 designations have been conferred. The program previously was administered on behalf of NAIFA by The American College. That partnership is ending effective July 2015 (more information here).

NAIFA and CFFP will provide details on the new LUTCF program in September 2014, including information about the new course curriculum, program completion requirements, class scheduling, pricing and moderator recruitment. Registration for the new LUTCF program will begin after Jan. 1, 2015, and classes are scheduled to begin July 2015. Prospective designees will be required to be NAIFA members at the time of conferment.

About NAIFA: Founded in 1890 as The National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU), NAIFA is one of the nation's oldest and largest associations representing the interests of insurance professionals from every congressional district in the United States. NAIFA members assist consumers by focusing their practices on one or more of the following: life insurance and annuities, health insurance and employee benefits, multiline, and financial advising and investments. NAIFA's mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members. www.naifa.org

About the College for Financial Planning

Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning provides accessible and flexible degree, non-degree, and continuing professional education programs to students nationwide. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which has evolved into the world's most recognized and respected financial planning credential, with more than 60,000 professionals in the U.S. having earned the designation.

In addition to its CFP Certification Professional Education Program, the College offers three graduate degree programs that provide more in-depth knowledge of the finance industry. Professional designation programs are also available, with specializations ranging from asset management to retirement planning. The College for Financial Planning is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. More than 140,000 students have graduated from the College's programs. For more information, visit www.cffpinfo.com.