• This course concentrates on basic administrative issues of defined benefit plans.
• As noted above further coverage of intermediate administrative issues is found in DB-A: Defined Benefit Administration Certificate program and advanced defined benefit plan topics are found in the Cash Balance module, CPC proctored and A-4 courses.
• Identifies ERISA law along with IRS, DOL, and PBGC regulations which provide a framework for the rules that govern qualified plan operations. These rules often apply to both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Covers the nature of the defined benefit promise and the fundamental difference from the defined contribution promise.
• Discusses the concept of the present value of an accrued benefit under a plan which takes into consideration pay and service history, maximum benefit limitations and / or top-heavy and lump-sum minimum thresholds.
• This course introduces various types of defined benefit plans and various types of benefit formulas, plan termination insurance (PBGC), Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and issues that must be dealt with when benefits become payable.
• This course also considers the importance of the defined benefit practitioner’s compliance with ASPPA’s Code of Professional Conduct which aims to further the ethical behavior of ASPPA members.

It is presumed that a candidate sitting for the DB examination will have the knowledge of material covered in the Pension Administrator (PA) or Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) series. Please refer to the DB syllabus for specific learning objectives and exam topic weightings.


Exam Details
The DB examination consists of 65 multiple choice questions and candidates have two and one half (2 ½) hours to complete it. Candidates will receive a grade immediately upon completing the exam. Exams are given at Prometric Testing Centers during the examination window, please refer to the Education calendar for dates. 

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.

Once registered, eligibility emails will be sent to candidates beginning approximately eight weeks prior to the opening of an exam window. The eligibility email has detailed instructions on scheduling your appointment with Prometric. It is the candidate’s responsibility to schedule an exam. We strongly recommend you schedule an appointment upon receipt of the confirmation letter as testing centers fill up quickly. To find a Prometric Testing Center visit www.prometric.com/asppa.

2012 Exam Fees - The registration fee is a non-refundable. 

• To qualify for early registration, registration forms accompanied by the early registration fee of $215 for members and $245 for non-members must reach the ASPPA office no later than March 12 for the spring examinations and July 9 for the fall examinations.
• To qualify for final registration, registration forms accompanied by the final registration fee of $289 for members and $315 for non-members must reach the ASPPA office no later than   May 1 for the spring examinations and September 12 for the fall examinations.

For more information visit the Exam Schedule & Fees page. 

Estimated hours needed to study - Study time depends greatly on the experience level of the student. The average candidate reports it takes 60-80 hours study time per examination.

Required and Supplementary Reading

All study materials can be ordered by using the online ASPPA Bookstore or downloading the Publications Order Form and following the instructions to phone, fax or mail your order form and payment. 

The required reading for the 2012 DB exam is: