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The Certified Wealth Strategist® is a certification for professionals working in the affluent and high-net-worth market segments in the financial services industry.

Requirements

  • Complete an approved study program
  • Agree and sign the CWS® Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct Standards
  • Pay the CWS® exam fee
  • Pass the CWS® exam

Qualifications

  • Three years of industry experience and a four-year degree from an accredited college or university OR
  • Five years of industry experience
Why CWS®?

A Certified Wealth Strategist® is prepared to help clarify goals, create a strategy to realize them, and is capable of reshaping that strategy when circumstances change.

Every CWS®:

  • Understands their clients’ situation, future, feelings, and family dynamics—the big picture of where they need to be—and helps to reconcile any gaps.
  • Places these issues in the context of a wealth management strategy.
  • Forms reasonable and logical opinions for addressing financial issues and engages appropriate professional resources.
  • Acts as an emotional counselor, relying on a disciplined process to achieve client goals.
Certified Wealth Strategist® FAQs
Who oversees the CWS® designation?
What is the cost?
Who is an approved study program provider?
Are there any ongoing requirements?