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Professional Credentials

Memberships and Credentials
Retirement planning and benefits industry professionals qualify for membership in ASPPA-—the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries—in four areas: consultants and administrators, associated professionals, actuaries, and affiliate members.

To qualify for professional credentials, ASPPA offers enrollment in preparation courses followed by examinations. ASPPA welcomes all professionals interested in pursuing these credentials. No specific educational background is required.

Related Links
: Join ASPPA
: Professional Credentials
: Conferences
: Education & Exams

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Consultants and Administrators
Retirement plan professionals from a variety of disciplines may be qualified for this member classification. This is the path for individuals from: plan and trust administration, financial and benefit administration, benefits consulting and insurance, and investment management. Credentials developed by ASPPA for these professionals include: Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC), Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA), Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) and the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC).

Associated Professionals
Professionals working in retirement planning and holding degrees in law, accounting, actuarial science, financial science, insurance, or related disciplines are qualified to become an Associated Professional Member (APM). Professionals from these and other associated disciplines with a minimum of three years experience in pension-related employment are qualified to apply for APM membership status.

Actuaries
Member of the American Society of Pension Actuaries (MSPA) is the membership classification conferred on enrolled actuaries (EA). In addition, with the Society of Actuaries and the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries, ASPPA co-sponsors an educational program leading to enrollment to perform actuarial services under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, known as ERISA. Advanced educational programs qualify actuaries for membership as a Fellow of the American Society of Pension Actuaries (FSPA).

Affiliates
Individuals with a professional interest in retirement planning or the benefits industry are qualified to apply as Affiliates. Examinations are not required and no credentials are conferred on Affiliate members. While Affiliates are not subject to continuing education requirements and are not eligible to vote on member issues, this classification is ideal for individuals seeking acceptance in other membership categories while completing credential requirements.