CPC Modules
Module Syllabus
Overview
Module Requirements for the CPC Credential
How Does a Module Work?
Registration and Completion Deadlines
How to Prepare for a Module Exam
Transition Rules and Module Waivers
Overview
As the culminating designation for the nonactuary ASPPA member, the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) credential is intended as an opportunity for a successful candidate to demonstrate an ability to draw from his or her accumulated retirement plan knowledge and experience.
The modules will provide opportunities for analyzing and solving consulting problems that might be encountered in real-life client situations. In professional practice, more than one statutory provision or retirement plan consideration often applies and the pension consultant must be able to recognize and evaluate in depth each potential issue for his or her client.
Module Requirements for the CPC Credential
There are six core modules and three elective modules. Each candidate will be required to complete the six core modules and two of three elective modules.
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Core Modules |
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Elective Modules |
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- DOL Topics |
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- ESOPs |
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- Defined Benefit Topics |
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- Governmental & Tax-Exempt Plans |
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- Investments |
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- Nonqualified Plans |
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- Distributions & Loans |
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- Fiduciary Topics |
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- Related Groups & Business Transactions |
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*See the table below for a list of modules currently available for registration.
How Does a Module Work?
Each module is offered online through Blackboard distance learning software. The module includes study materials and an online exam. Once registered, a candidate will be provided with a Blackboard account. The study materials are available in PDF format and are available to download and/or print from within the candidate’s Blackboard account. While candidates must submit the online exam using the Blackboard software, a PDF of the exam is also included if candidates prefer working to print the exam and use the hard copy while performing the research needed to answer the exam questions.
Each module exam consists of 20 multiple choice or short answer questions, each worth 5 points. A score of 70 or above is required to pass the examination. Candidates will receive their grades immediately upon submission of the online exam.
The CPC modules are offered in 4 times a year, candidates have upto 3 months to complete the module. You do not have to submit the online exam once you begin it. You may log out of Blackboard and return at a later time to complete the exam. You must submit the exam before the completion date associated with the module you are registered for (see table below).
Upon successful completion of the module, a certificate of completion will be mailed to you. Please allow 4-6 weeks for receipt of your certificate.
If you do not pass the online exam, candidates can take the module in the following quarters. At that time, you will need to register and pay the registration fee. However, you are not prevented from completing other modules or taking the CPC proctored examination during this time, so if you are pursuing the CPC credential, you can continue your professional development by focusing on these other requirements.
To register, a candidate must have an account with ASPPA, to create an account please click here. Candidates can register online or download the registration form and send via mail or fax to 703.516.9308. The registration fee is $100 per module.
Once registered, a candidate will receive the Blackboard link and his/her login information via e-mail within 7-10 business days. Note: Candidates will not have access to the modules until the modules are scheduled to open; access will be provided on the first day of the testing period.
Modules Currently Available for Registration
1st Quarter (January 18 - March 30) Click on the module to register online
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Module Description
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Registration Deadline |
Completion Deadline |
| Distributions & Loans |
March 15
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March 30
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| Fiduciary Topics |
March 15
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March 30
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| Related Groups & Business Transactions |
March 15
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March 30
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| Nonqualified Plans |
March 15
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March 30
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| Investments |
March 15
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March 30
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| ESOPs |
March 15
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March 30
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2nd Quarter (April 1 - June 30) Click on the module to register online; access to the module will be provided from April 1.
How to Prepare for a Module Exam
A list of required reading and recommended resources has been provided in the syllabus for each module. This information should be referenced while completing the module. A candidate is welcome to use any other publications and sources available to answer these questions just as a consultant would use all available reference materials to ensure a client is provided with the correct answer. These outside resources may include but are not limited to The ERISA Outline Book, various answer books, and online services to which a candidate may subscribe.
Additionally, candidates are not prevented from discussing questions with colleagues and other professionals who may be able to assist in the learning process. Candidates should exercise care in discussing the examination with other individuals who may be planning to take the exam. While discussing the facts and principles involved in a question is certainly allowed, and often important in the learning process, the examination submitted must reflect the knowledge of the candidate.
While study time varies, the average candidate spends 15-20 hours preparing for and taking the module examination, including reading the required materials, reviewing the examination, performing research, and answering the questions.
Transition Rules and Module Waivers
Transition Rules for Candidates Who Meet Exam Requirements for QPA Credential
A candidate who has met the exam requirements for the QPA credential will receive credit for the DOL Topics and Defined Benefit Topics modules since this knowledge was previously tested and will therefore only have to complete four core modules and two of the three elective CPC modules, in addition to the CPC proctored exam.
Transition Rules for Candidates Who Have Passed C-3 or C-4 Examinations
A candidate who has passed the C-3 exam only (not C-4) will receive credit for the DOL Topics, Defined Benefit Topics, Investments, Distributions & Loans and Fiduciary Topics modules. These candidates will need to complete the Related Groups & Business Transactions module, two of the three elective modules and the proctored CPC examination, in addition to the QPA exam requirements to obtain the CPC credential.
A candidate who has passed C-4 only (not C-3) will receive credit for the DOL Topics, Defined Benefit Topics, Related Groups & Business Transactions and the two elective modules. These candidates will need to complete the Investments, Distributions & Loans and Fiduciary Topics modules and the proctored CPC examination, in addition to the QPA exam requirements to obtain the CPC credential.