NAIFA, College for Financial Planning Unveil Curriculum for New State-of-the-Art LUTCF Designation Program

CENTENNIAL, CO and FALLS CHURCH, VA--(Marketwired - Sep 8, 2014) - The College for Financial Planning (CFFP) and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) have joined forces to create an enhanced, dynamic and interactive curriculum for the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation.

Students in the LUTCF designation program, which was established in 1984, will master the fundamentals of risk management and life insurance, insurance and investment products, and risk management applications. The program is designed for insurance professionals looking to expand their practice, insurance support staff, and financial advisors seeking a broader understanding of the insurance industry.

At the helm of the new program is David Mannaioni, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CFP^®, a CFFP associate professor with 30 years of experience working for large, national insurance companies and managing his own financial planning practice.

Mannaioni designed the curriculum for the new LUTCF program under the supervision of NAIFA's LUTCF advisory board, who oversee the program.

"We're very excited about this opportunity to continue the proud traditions of the NAIFA LUTCF program by delivering current, relevant content using traditional classroom settings and state-of-the-art technology to ensure that every LUTCF candidate is able to master the material in a way that best fits their preferred method of learning," said Mannaioni.

The program will be delivered via the MyChoice platform, CFFP's state-of-the-art virtual classroom. The MyChoice platform features live, smooth, interactive classes that encourage group discussions and breakouts. Students may also choose to attend a ground-based classroom version of the program hosted in their local area and moderated by adjunct professors.

The program is split into three courses:

• Introduction to Practice Management and Life Insurance (including classes on developing a business plan, ethics, and life insurance prospecting and selling skills)
• Insurance and Investment Products (including classes on life insurance and annuities; mutual funds, disability income, long-term care, and health insurance; and property and casualty insurance)
• Risk Management Applications (including retirement and estate planning, special family situations, and presenting basic plans to individuals and business owners)

Each course will run for 8 weeks followed by a week for study and review and an exam. There are also fieldwork components as well as in-class assignments required throughout the program.

"With more than 50,000 designations conferred, LUTCF is the proven designation," said NAIFA President Juli Y. McNeely, LUTCF, CFP, CLU. "Like so many NAIFA members, LUTCF was my first designation, and it's the reason I'm in this business today. The program puts advisors on the right path in the sales process, and helps build knowledge and confidence that leads to successful careers. I consider LUTCF to be one of the best things I could have ever done to move me forward for the future."

Registration for the new LUTCF program will begin Jan. 2, 2015, and classes are scheduled to begin in July of 2015. Prospective designees will be required to be NAIFA members at the time of conferment.

The program's 3 core courses are $920 each; however, NAIFA members will be eligible for a 15 percent discount.

Since the LUTCF credential was established 30 years ago, more than 50,000 designations have been conferred.

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 financial 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.

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