Credential Recognition Resource Guide

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As the premier education provider for retirement plan professionals for over 40 years, ASPPA credentials are widely recognized and respected throughout industry.

In light of recent state and financial institution requirements, firms have recently become more restrictive on which credentials employees are “allowed” to list on their business cards.

We are confident the ASPPA credentials will satisfy all approval procedures, and most information required for credential recognition review is outlined in the ASPPA Education and Examination Program Catalog.

Credential examiners should feel free to submit any questions regarding requirements for ASPPA credential approval to kszatkowski@asppa.org

Available ASPPA Credentials:

QKA – Qualified 401(k) Administrator
QPA – Qualified Pension Administrator
CPC – Certified Pension Consultant
QPFC – Qualified Plan Financial Consultant
MSPA – Member, Society of Pension Actuaries
FSPA – Fellow, Society of Pension Actuaries

Those who wish their credentials to be made available for public confirmation should opt-in to ASPPA’s Professional Services Directory.

Course Study Materials:

ASPPA course study materials are available for purchase at http://www.asppa.org/resources/res_pubs.htm. Electronic copies may be provided for the sole purpose of granting approval of ASPPA credential usage.

Course Syllabi:

Required for QKA:
RPF-1 and RPF-2
DC-1
DC-2

Additional courses required for QPA (once a QKA):
DC-3
DB

Additional courses required for CPC (once a QPA):
C-3
C-4

Additional courses required for QPFC (after RPF-1 & -2):
PFC-1
PFC-2

Experience Requirements:

All of the ASPPA credentials require corresponding work experience of 2-3 years, and some require additional licenses or credentials as described in program catalog.

CE Requirements:

ASPPA’s CE guidelines can be found at www.asppa.org/education/ed_conted.htm. Each member must complete 40 CE hours in a two year period to maintain their credential.

CFP, ChFC and CLU Credits:

Successfully completed ASPPA examinations have been approved for CFP credit by the CFP Board. Credits through PACE have also been approved for ChFC and CLU designations for the successful completion of the following activities:

Examinations Administered by Prometric:

In addition to the examination descriptions in the program catalog, additional information can be found under Candidate Corner.

Academic Credit:

Most ASPPA examinations have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). For information on specific examination recommendations, visit http://www.asppa.org/archive/education/2004/2004-12-10-ace.htm.

Professional Code of Conduct:

Professional standards apply to members as outlined in attached program catalog.