• This course begins with the basic plan qualification requirements including plan document requirements.
• Explores the different types of qualified plans then delves into specific qualification requirements and concepts including eligibility, participation, highly compensated employees, key employees and top-heavy plans.
• Discusses contributions and allocations, deductibility of contributions, vesting and forfeiture issues.
• Reviews plan amendments, plan terminations and annual reporting requirements (Form 5500 filings).
• Candidates will learn about the ASPPA Code of Professional Conduct and be able to identify ethical dilemmas that may be faced by retirement plan professionals.

It is presumed that a candidate sitting for the DC-1 examination will have the knowledge of material covered in the Retirement Plan Fundamentals (RPF) series. Please refer to the DC-1 syllabus for specific learning objectives, exam topic weightings, etc.

Exam Details

The DC-1 examination consists of 65 multiple choice question and candidates have two and 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 e-mails will be sent to candidates beginning approximately eight weeks prior to the opening of an exam window.  The eligibility e-mail 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.

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

• To qualify for early registration, registration forms accompanied by the early registration fee of $199 for members and $230 for non-members must reach the ASPPA office no later than April 19 for the spring examinations and September 27 for the fall examinations.
• To qualify for final registration, registration forms accompanied by the final registration fee of $269 for members and $295 for non-members must reach the ASPPA office no later than May 12 for the spring examinations and October 29 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 fax or mail your order form and payment. 

The required reading for the DC-1 exam is: 

• Defined Contribution Plan Series Volume I: Plan Qualification and Compliance Basics, 3rd Edition. Arlington, VA: ASPPA, 2009 by Ilene Ferenczy, CPC. Available for $265 (Please note: the 2009 textbook is the required text for the 2010 exam)

Supplementary Study Materials

The study tools below are not required preparation for the DC-1 examination. They are offered as additional study aids.

• 2009 DC-1 Practice Exam* – available for $35 [order online or use the publications order form]
• 2010 DC-1 Practice Exam – available for $35 ([order online or use the publications order form] 
• Defined Contribution Administrative Issues - Basic Concepts (DC-1) Webcourse -now available! Individual (only one login for an individual) - includes all 7 modules: $325/access period. For more information, click here.

*Note: the content in the 2009 Practice Exam is valid and can be used as a study tool for the 2010 exam.

It is the candidate’s responsibility to review all of ASPPA’s exam policies and procedures which can be found on ASPPA's Candidate Corner.

Required Reading & Supplementary Study Material References & Errata

For updates to ASPPA’s publications and examinations please click here. Stop by regularly as new updates are posted. It is recommended that the candidate check the errata before preparing for and sitting for an ASPPA examination.