Overview
The IRP course teaches the foundational knowledge that will help all new retirement industry employees.
Who It’s For
It is created for individuals who are brand new to the retirement industry looking to get quickly oriented and onboarded.
Content
The IRP courses cover the what, who, why, how, and where of the retirement industry, along with key features of retirement plan operations.
Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) Certificate
Overview
Broad base of knowledge; groundwork of retirement plan terminology
Who It’s For
Just starting out; new to the retirement plan industry; or beginning a path toward earning an ASPPA credential
Content
Six online modules
Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) Credential
Overview
Developing the technical skills needed to work with 401(k) plans
Who It’s For
Anyone in the retirement plan industry who works with 401(k) plans
Content
18 courses that will take 1–2 hours each. They are divided into two packages of 9 courses. Each package has a practice test and a proctored final exam.
Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC) Credential
Overview
Advanced defined contribution testing and plan design techniques
Who It’s For
Senior relationship managers, compliance testers and plan designers
Content
Earn your QKA first. Then pass the DC-3 exam.
Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) Credential
Overview
Advanced technical knowledge of defined benefit and defined contribution plan administration
Who It’s For
Retirement plan administrators who work on DB plans
Content
Earn your QKC first, then pass the DB exam
Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) Credential
Overview
Expert level knowledge in all the design, financial, and fiduciary aspects of plans
Who It’s For
Anyone with 3+ years of experience
Content
Earn your QPA first. Then pass the CPC proctored exam and 6 online modules. There are 4 core modules and 2 elective modules.
ERISA Outline Book (EOB)
Overview
An online reference book and a study guide on qualified plans
Who It’s For
Anyone
Content
ALL available online. You must create an ASPPA account if you do not have one already.
In light of the COVID-19 national emergency, Prometric announced the closure of all of its testing locations in the United States and Canada. If you have scheduled an exam that is affected, the American Retirement Association understands that Prometric will be reaching out to you directly about next steps. In the meantime, the ARA is temporarily pausing purchases of all proctored exams. Our ONLINE EXAMS are STILL available. Thank you for understanding and we appreciate your patience. We are happy to assist with any questions. Stay safe!