Announcement to ASPPA Membership: 2009 Education and Examination (E&E) Program Changes (ERPA Designation Impact)

For over 40 years, ASPPA has been the premier educator for retirement plan professionals. This requires periodic review of courses and credentials to be certain we are serving the needs of our members along with the industry as a whole. Outside market forces also influence our direction, as they should.

Beginning in 2009, we are pleased to announce some new and exciting enhancements to ASPPA’s educational programs. These changes are the result of two primary factors:

• Introduction of the IRS’ Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) designation.
• Our desire to refresh and revitalize the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) program.

Outlined in the link below is a basic description of the changes that were approved by ASPPA’s Board of Directors at the October 2007 annual meeting.

See http://www.asppa.org/education/ed_faq.htm for an explanation of the 2009 program changes that were approved by ASPPA’s Board of Directors at the October 2007 annual meeting.

Whether you are in the process of taking exams to attain a credential, considering taking your first exam, or an existing credentialed member, we recognize the impact these changes will have and appreciate the fact there will be short term transitional issues. Please rest assured these changes are being implemented only after careful consideration of their long term benefits.

For those affected by the short term transitional issues, it’s important to recognize that there is ample opportunity in 2008 to complete the CPC credential under the existing requirements. It’s also important to recognize that the changes being introduced provide flexibility so future curriculum adjustments can be made more easily.

Informational Webcast on the 2009 E&E Program Changes

There was an informational webcast by ASPPA’s President, Sal L. Tripodi, APM, ASPPA’s CEO/Executive Director, Brian H. Graff, Esq., APM and E&E’s Co-Chair, Robert L. Long, APM on January 30th, 2007 at 2:00PM ET. To listen to the recorded webcast, please visit http://www.asppa.org/EEwebcast.

Conclusion

ASPPA’s Leadership and the Education and Examination Committee are very excited about these changes, and are confident that they will enhance existing ASPPA credentials and further our goal to remain the premier educator in the retirement plan industry.