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BRYN MAWR, Pa., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to aid the thousands of financial planners questioning which advanced designation is the best fit for their practice, a new web site was launched today that provides professionals with an unbiased and interactive means of evaluating their educational options.

FinancialPlanningCertificationCenter.com, powered by The American College, allows planners and clients the opportunity to compare the Chartered Financial Consultant(R) (ChFC(R)) and Certified Financial Planner(R) (CFP(R)) designations. As both the owner of the ChFC(R) program and the nation's largest provider of CFP(R) education, The College is in a unique position to offer informed insight into the similarities and differences between these two certifications.

Visitors to the site will learn about the profound differences in content and delivery methods associated with these credentials. The site also provides information about the requirements for each certification and additional study options available to financial planners enrolled in these programs.

"No one certification has a monopoly on quality. We know that clients and the public are confused about programs, rigor and course work, and the Center is an excellent way to help financial planners and investors understand the important differences between these two flagship programs," noted Larry Barton, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of The American College.

The easy-to-navigate site features individual sections devoted to each designation. Descriptions of the programs, courses, and costs are all easily accessible. A section devoted to "Frequently Asked Questions" is also available. Some of the most innovative and unique features of the site are the "I Can Guide You" video options. These presentations help visitors to the site better understand each certification.

"Now more than ever, Americans need help creating and preserving wealth in order to create long-term financial security. Financial planners have an enormous obligation to provide their clients with the best advice and education is a critical part of this process," continued Barton. "This new website helps eliminate confusion about advanced designations so financial planners can make an informed choice and select the credential best suited to their business needs and the needs of their clients."

The American College is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for over 82 years. The American College's faculty represents some of the financial services industry's foremost thought leaders. For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP(R), CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM), and CFP(with flame logo)(R) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The mark ChFC(R) is the property of The American College and may be used by individuals who have successfully completed the initial and ongoing certification requirements for this designation.