hardwork24

It has been posted before–I think there are four “premier” designations: CFA, CPA, JD, and MBA (as long as it is from a good school–maybe top 50).  These four are difficult enough that they mean something, but also broad enough that you can go in a lot of different directions.  (Full disclosure–I have the CPA, MBA, and working on CFA Level 3.  Would like to get JD, but refuse to go to Law School.)
I think the CFP is good for those who want to work in retail, or who want to provide comprehensive financial planning.  I definitely think that it ranks far behind the “Big 4”, but still has value to it.
I echo ddrobinett’s opinion on CIMA.
I took the CRPC once.  I started studying on Thursday afterrnoon, and took the test on Saturday morning.  I passed.  I got it because it was “highly recommended” for a job I wanted.  (Thank God I didn’t get it.  Don’t want it anymore.)  I let the designation lapse because I didn’t feel like paying $150 and doing CE for a largely worthless designation.