Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®)

Overview

The Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®) designation is crafted to help financial professionals thrive in serving affluent, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Beyond a certification, CWS® fosters a higher standard of professionalism, nurtures the confidence needed for meaningful client conversations, and provides the essential skills to navigate complex financial situations.

The CWS® curriculum focuses on three core competencies:

1. Technical wealth management expertise: In-depth knowledge of sophisticated wealth strategies, products, services, and solutions relevant to affluent investors, including estate planning, risk management, tax optimization, asset protection, and multi-generational wealth transfer.
2. Applying client interaction and relationship skills: Consultative, proactive communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building techniques tailored for high-net-worth clients, understanding their unique needs, values, and goals beyond investment strategies.
3. Creating scalable practice management routines: Developing efficient processes, systems, and practices for managing a wealth management practice, including client acquisition, leveraging technology to scale and personalize the client experience.

By emphasizing key areas like knowledge, client interaction skills, and practice management, CWS® empowers advisors to form stronger client relationships and represent their organizations at the highest level.

Who Should Become a CWS®?

Financial Planners/Advisors and Relationship Managers
The CWS® designation is designed for financial planners, advisors, and relationship managers who aspire to elevate their practice beyond technical expertise. While other designations emphasize technical knowledge, CWS® uniquely blends this expertise with the skills needed to build enduring relationships with affluent clients and grow a successful practice.

Imagine transforming client meetings into thoughtful financial life-coach interactions. Picture yourself navigating complex client scenarios with confidence, using advanced communication techniques and practical frameworks. With CWS®, you'll be prepared to engage clients at a higher level, turning your expertise into tangible results and establishing yourself as a trusted partner in comprehensive wealth management.

Financial Services Professionals
For financial services professionals seeking to expand their skill set and distinguish themselves in a competitive industry, the CWS® designation offers a powerful combination of technical expertise and client engagement skills.

Envision confidently addressing complex financial scenarios, delivering insightful advice, and navigating the intricate needs of high-net-worth clients with ease. The CWS® credential transforms industry challenges into opportunities for career advancement, professional recognition, and stronger client relationships, positioning you as leader within the financial services industry.

Curriculum Outline

Part 1: Sales and Practice Management

• Creating efficient business processes, systems, and activities
• Aligning service model to deliver on client value promise

Part 2: Wealth Issues and Conversations

• Understanding 13 core wealth management topics
• Developing technical expertise and communication skills
• Virtual learning, case studies, skill practice

Part 3: Mastering Client Engagements

• Applied client communication techniques
• Facilitating decision-making on complex issues
• Analyzing rational/emotional drivers of outcomes
• Participants will build skills around optimizing operations, mastering wealth concepts, and effectively guiding affluent clients through advice implementation.

Capstone Project and Exam

When the coursework portion of this program is completed, participants will be eligible to complete the CWS® Assessment.

CWS® Capstone Project

This is a two-part, self-reflection exercise.

1. Part One: Self-assessment based on five-level capabilities and maturity model and selection of five areas for improvement. *Approximately one to four hours of effort expected
2. Part Two: The creation of either a simple or a detailed project plan to address the initial five areas of change the participant identifies as the transformation starting point. *Approximately one to three hours of effort expected

CWS® Certification Exam

It is a 150 question, three-hour timed comprehensive exam covering all the material in the program. See Exam Details.

Qualifications to Apply for CWS®

• Three years of industry experience and a four-year degree from an accredited college or university
• Alternatively, five years of industry experience

Requirements to Earn the CWS®

• Complete Cannon's Certified Wealth Strategist® Program of Study (Part 1 – 3)
• Complete the CWS® application 
• Agree and sign the CWS® Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct Standards
• Pay the CWS® exam fee
• Pass the CWS® exam