The RPF course is divided into two parts, each part is designed to build upon the groundwork established by its predecessor while not duplicating content or presupposing knowledge or experience level. The objective of the Retirement Plan Fundamentals Course, Parts 1 and 2 (RPF-1 and RPF-2) is to give an individual beginning a career as a retirement plan professional a general background in qualified plans as a first step toward meeting the challenges of the profession. Individuals employed in the insurance, brokerage or financial consulting professions should find that the course imparts knowledge that will increase his or her ability to assist plan sponsors and further professional development.
Examination Details
The RPF exams are open-book online exams and each consists of 75 multiple choice and true/false questions. Upon completion of an RPF exam, you will receive an immediate score and feedback report. A score of 68 or more out of 75 is a passing score.
There are two versions of each exam. Candidates are only required to take one version. If you fail one version you can register, pay and take the second version in the same calendar year. For example, if you register for RPF-1 version 1 and you fail, you can register and pay for the RPF-1 version 2 exam the same calendar year. The RPF exams are available for review before taking the exam. To download the exam click on the exam of choice below;
Registration for the RPF exams is open from February to December 15. To register, a candidate must have an account with ASPPA, to set up an account click here. Candidates can register online or download the RPF registration form and send via mail or fax to 703.516.9308.
Once registered for an RPF examination, you can access your exam from the Access Exams and Quizzes link on the right side of this page. You may complete a portion of the exam, save it, and return to the exam at another time to complete it. 2009 RPF exams must be submitted online by December 15, 2009 (midnight, EST).
Exam Fees - The non-refundable registration fee for each RPF exam is $160.
Required and Supplementary Reading
The RPF study guide(s) are available for purchase through the the online bookstore or you can download the publications order form. The required readings for the RPF exams are:
- RPF-1 Study Guide: Retirement Plan Fundamentals Part 1 – 2009 Edition. Arlington, VA: ASPPA Available in PDF format for $165 and in bound book format for $199.
- RPF-2 Study Guide: Retirement Plan Fundamentals Part 2 – 2009 Edition. Arlington, VA: ASPPA Available in PDF format for $165 and in bound book format for $199.
Supplementary Study Tools
The study tool below is not required preparation for the RPF examination. It is offered as an additional study aid.
- RPF-1 and RPF-2 Webcourse – ASPPA has partnered with the Institute for Pension Plan Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) to offer these new webcourses providing introductory training for new employees. For more information, please click here
It is the candidate’s responsibility to review all of ASPPA’s exam policies and procedures which can be found in the ASPPA Program Catalog or on Candidate Corner.
RPF Assessments - Register online
New in 2009! ASPPA is offering assessment packages for the RPF-1 and RPF-2 examinations. Each assessment package contains Version 1 of the respective exam and an assessment exam. The assessment exam is a tool which measures a candidate’s knowledge PRIOR to preparing for and taking the RPF examination. The candidate receives a preliminary score with incorrect items identified. This assessment does not count towards meeting the RPF exam requirement. Some candidates may also wish to take the assessment exam to measure their readiness to take the RPF examination. Each package costs $200, and the candidate will receive immediate access to the RPF examination and the assessment exam through their ASPPA online account when ordered online. If ordered via fax or by mail please allow 7-10 business days for access. The assessment exam will not be sold separately.
Study Guide References & Errata
For updates to ASPPA’s publications and examinations please click here. Stop by regularly as new updates are posted.
RPF Certificate Program
ASPPA has designed the Retirement Plan Fundamentals certificate program to meet the needs of pension plan professionals. Successful completion of the RPF certificate program also counts toward the requirements for many of ASPPA’s credentialed memberships. The RPF certificate program exams are administered online in open book multiple choice format. Upon successful completion of the RPF-1 and RPF-2 exams, ASPPA will automatically issue the Retirement Plan Fundamentals certificate. Please note: you do not need to complete both examinations in the same calendar year.