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
Defined Benefit Administration Certificate
Overview
The course covers contributions, applicable deadlines, calculations for termination and retirement benefits, and other critically important aspects of these plans.
Who It’s For
The DB-A Certificate Program is designed for individuals who provide administrative support to defined benefit plans.
Content
Read the DB-A Study Guide and pass the Assessment.
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) Specialist (QKS®) Credential
Overview
Managing and selling defined contribution (DC) plans.
Who It’s For
Salespeople, wholesalers, client relationship managers, and other client-facing professionals in the retirement plan industry that is not compliance based.
Content
14 online modules, a practice exam, and a final proctored 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 QKC® 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 QPA™ exam
Cash Balance Specialist (CBS®) Credential
Overview
A comprehensive journey into the world of cash balance plans.
Who It’s For
For plan consultants, TPAs, and administrators who engage with cash balance plans.
Content
15 online modules, a practice exam, and a final proctored 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.
Qualified Pooled Plan Professional (QP3™) Credential
Overview
Understanding and navigating the structure and operation of MEPs and PEPs
Who It’s For
Experienced retirement plan professionals, including plan administrators, relationship managers, and QKA® holders
Content
12 self-paced modules, a practice exam, and a final proctored exam
Tax-Exempt and Governmental Plan Consultant (TGPC) Credential
Overview
Certification for consulting and advanced administration of 403(b) and 457 plans
Who It’s For
Account managers, compliance testers, team leaders
Content
Take RPF first, complete the TGPC online prep course, then pass the exam
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.