Credentials

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ASPPA credentials are available to all professionals in the retirement plan industry. Focusing on specialization, ASPPA offers credentials designed for professionals in the financial (QPFC), administrative (QKA and QPA), consulting (CPC), actuarial (MSPA, FSPA), and associated (APM) areas of our industry. While no specific educational background is required to obtain an ASPPA credential, to qualify for a credential, a series of examinations are given. The following is an outline of each of the current credentials and their requirements:

Since 1966, financial professionals, retirement plan administrators, consultants, and actuaries have earned more than 8,000 credentials. If you have not already distinguished yourself with the ASPPA assurance of credibility and leadership in the retirement industry – why are you waiting?

• Increase your knowledge         • Advance your career

• Demonstrate your expertise    • Give yourself a competitive edge

• ASPPA Education & Professional Development Program Catalog
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• Credential Recognition Resource Guide

Qualified Plan Financial Consultant

The Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) credential is designed for financial professionals who specialize in retirement plans.  QPFCs have knowledge and experience in the investment side of qualified retirement plans and are usually financial advisors, investment sales professionals, marketing professionals and back-office support staff.

 Individuals with at least three years of investment-related experience or who hold certain licenses are eligible candidates.  Applicants must demonstrate competence in specific areas of qualified retirement plans through completion of the QPFC examination series offered by ASPPA.

Associated Professionals

Professionals working in retirement planning with degrees in law, accounting, actuarial science, financial science, insurance, or related disciplines may qualify to be an Associated Professional Member (APM). Professionals from these and other associated disciplines with a minimum of three years experience in pension-related activities are qualified to apply for APM memberships. No ASPPA examinations are required.

Qualified 401(k) Administrator

The Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) credential is offered for retirement plan professionals who work primarily with 401(k) plans. Applicants for the QKA credentials are from various professional disciplines. They typically assist employers and consultants with the recordkeeping, non-discrimination testing and the administrative aspects of 401(k) and related defined contribution plans.

Individuals with a minimum of two years of pension related experience who successfully complete ASPPA’s QKA examination series may apply for this credential.

Qualified Pension Administrator

The Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) credential was created by ASPPA to recognize professionals who are qualified to perform the technical and administrative functions of qualified plan administration. QPAs assist employers, actuaries, and consultants in performing functions such as determination of eligibility benefits, computation of benefits, plan recordkeeping, trust accounting and disclosure, and compliance requirements.

Candidates with at least two years of pension-related experience may apply for this credential after successful completion of the ASPPA QPA examination series.

Certified Pension Consultant

The Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) credential is conferred by ASPPA to benefits professionals working in plan administration, pension actuarial administration, insurance, and financial planning. CPCs work alongside employers to formulate, implement, administer and maintain qualified retirement plans.

Individuals with at least three years of plan consulting experience may apply to the ASPPA board of directors for CPC credentials. Applicants must demonstrate competence in specific areas of pension and related employee benefits consulting through completion of the CPC examination series offered by ASPPA.

Member, Society of Pension Actuaries

Applicants successfully completing the three examinations required for Enrolled Actuary status with at least three years of responsible actuarial experience may apply for the MSPA credential.

Fellow, Society of Pension Actuaries

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. Enrolled Actuaries completing these additional requirements may apply for the FSPA credential.