NAIFA’s Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification is making a positive difference in the lives of many financial professionals who have taken the time to acquire it.

Just ask proud LACP holder, Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL. “If you work with life insurance or annuities, the LACP certification is a “no-brainer,” Holz shared with us recently. “It represents what your clients need from you as credentialed professional in these areas.”

Holz, President of Bryon Holz and Associates and past NAIFA Trustee, was an early recipient of the LACP; in fact, he was one of the very first. While he has earned numerous designations in the past, they denote academic knowledge.  “My LACP reflects both knowledge and experience, and focuses on the two areas of my practice that represent the bulk of my risk-based business,” he said.  “That makes it especially appropriate when presenting myself as a credentialed professional with my current and future clients.”

Already a seasoned advisor when he obtained the certification, Holz was surprised at what it did for his professional growth. “My experience with the LACP filled in some gaps that surprised me, areas that I had forgotten, or had little-to-no experience with,” he said.  “Even as a seasoned professional, the subject matter contained several topics that I was not very familiar with.  It was an opportunity to further complete and round out my life and annuity expertise with information I didn’t even realize existed.”

The LACP also increased Holz’s confidence in his ability to serve his clients, while enhancing his professional image.  “Having a lot of letters behind your name can help make a great first impression, which can be helpful in our profession,” he added.  “However, it’s what you do with, and for your clients that matters most.  Having my LACP indicates both the knowledge and experience to be able to back up what all of those letters mean.”

Holz’s broker-dealer is one of the largest independent BDs in the business and not an insurance-based firm. So, he was pleasantly surprised when it became one of the first firms to approve the use of the LACP certification.

“This surely reflects how solid and highly respected the LACP is,” he concluded. Given the ever-changing landscape of the insurance industry, particularly when it comes to the delivery of our products and services, it’s even more important to be able to distinguish yourself from the crowd.  Having the LACP helps you do this.  And like a fine car, it doesn’t only LOOK good; it represents great performance for clients, as well.”

The LACP is a fully accredited professional certification recognized by FINRA. Companies that support the use of LACP by their agents and advisors include Cambridge Investment Research, Country Financial, FSC Securities, Guardian, Kansas City Life, MassMutual, Nationwide, New York Life, Principal, Royal Alliance, and Western & Southern Life, and the list continues to grow.

The LACP exam can be taken from your home or office (no need to travel to a testing center) during the months of July and August. Apply and register today. Learn more about the LACP at https://tdc.naifa.org/lacp.