ASPPA sponsors an examination series for actuaries to certify their professional competence in actuarial and consulting aspects of pensions. These examinations include advanced actuarial practice, financial and fiduciary aspects of qualified plans, and advanced retirement plan consulting. By completing these requirements, candidates establish that they are both Enrolled Actuaries with proven pension analytical skills and that they are qualified to provide actuarial and consulting for all retirement plan types.A minimun of at least three years of retirement plan related experience is also required.

The FSPA is ASPPA/ACOPA’s advanced Fellowship designation.  It represents the highest achievement within ACOPA for an actuary and the actuary who achieves this designation has shown a level of knowledge and understanding of the private pension system significantly beyond what is tested on the Enrolled Actuary examinations.

To earn the FSPA credential, candidates build upon a foundation of knowledge acquired by:

• Holding an Enrolled Actuary designation;
• Holding the CPC designation, or passing the CPC proctored examination and CPC modules; and,  
• Passing both the A-4 essay examination and an oral presentation.

Additionally, FSPA’s must be members of ACOPA in good standing.

For inquiries please contact ASPPACollegeofPensionActuaries@asppa.org.

Please review ASPPA's examination and module waivers.

Applying for ASPPA credentialed membership requires submission of the appropriate form and a letter of recommendation from each reference that verifies the necessary experience requirement. Applications are processed on an ongoing basis. The ASPPA Board of Directors approves new credentials once a month. Applicants are mailed scheduled approval date notices and notified by mail once the applications for credentials are approved. For more information about ASPPA membership please click here.