What is the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS) Credential?
To better serve his clients, Don has pursued extensive education throughout his career, equipping him to offer relevant and timely advice in an ever-changing market. One notable achievement is earning the Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS®) credential—a reflection of his commitment to excellence. Don is proud to apply this knowledge in service of his clients’ financial goals.
What is an MPAS credential?
The Master Planner Advanced Studies (MPAS) credential is a respected designation conferred by the College for Financial Planning designed for seasoned professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in personal financial planning. Individuals authorized to use the MPAS designation have a broad and deep knowledge of financial planning. MPAS designees can effectively identify, analyze, and recommend strategies that are appropriate for your diverse financial needs.
MPAS designees distinguish themselves by identifying opportunities and making comprehensive recommendations to meet a broad range of your financial goals — from saving for your children’s college education, to reducing taxes, to building a nest egg for your retirement. With all of the complex financial planning information available today, an MPAS designee can give you knowledgeable advice on the best strategies for your total financial needs. If you’re working with someone who holds both an MPAS and CFP, you’re not just getting advice — you’re gaining a valued advisor with the tools, training, and mindset to guide you through life’s most important financial moments.
Who Can Qualify?
To pursue the MPAS designation, candidates must have:
- A bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and
- A Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning (30 credits) from the College for Financial Planning itself.
Why It Matters
The MPAS designation signifies a high level of academic achievement specifically tailored to personal financial planning. Its maintenance requirements and public accountability measures underscore a commitment to ongoing ethical and professional excellence. Individuals who hold the Master Planner Advanced Studies℠ designation have earned a Master of Science degree with a major in personal financial planning. The program covers personal financial planning and investment-related content. While the CFP® certification is often seen as the gold standard in financial planning, signifying a well-rounded, ethical, and client-centered advisor, the MPAS® designation takes that a step further — emphasizing advanced, graduate-level mastery in complex financial planning topics.
Together, these credentials reflect a professional who is not only well-versed in the core aspects of personal finance (investments, retirement, tax, insurance, estate planning) but also trained to critically evaluate and tailor sophisticated strategies for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and multi-generational families.