Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC)

>Is QPFC for you?
>How will you benefit from QPFC?
>Do I qualify for the QPFC Credential Program?
>How do I get started?
>Required Examinations

QPFC is the professional credential for financial professionals who sell, advise, market or support qualified retirement plans. The QPFC program will provide an understanding of general retirement planning concepts, terminology, distinctive features of qualified plans and the role of retirement plan professionals. QPFC is not an entry-level credential. You will be expected to have knowledge of investments, securities rules and selling techniques prior to the start of this program.

Developed by ASPPA and the University of Michigan, QPFC offers a comprehensive education program and a serious credential that will benefit the plan sponsor community.

Is QPFC for you?

• Do you sell investments for qualified retirement plans, including Registered Reps, RIAs, Insurance Agents, Investment Brokers, Wholesalers and Mutual Fund Reps?
• Do you advise on investment strategy or asset management related to qualified retirement plans?
• Do you offer participant advice?
• Do you provide technical training?
• Do you provide sales or marketing support?

How will you benefit from QPFC?

Stand Apart…

Over the past 40 years, ASPPA has earned a reputation for top-tier credentialing through rigorous and fair testing, comprehensive curricula, and practical study materials. An ASPPA credential lends instant creditability and recognition of expertise.

Consult With Confidence…

The QPFC program is designed for serious financial professionals. This credential will prepare you for the ever-changing market arena, as well as providing an extensive referral network and partnership opportunities for expanding your business. Candidates who earn the QPFC credential will have access to ASPPA’s 6,100+ member directory, as well as newsletters and legislative representation – ensuring that you will be kept abreast of trends and regulatory changes within the retirement industry.

Build Your Knowledge…

Building on your retirement plan knowledge, this program will pinpoint “need-to-know” issues as well as reinforcing your understanding of practical topics, such as:

• Qualified plan techniques
• Marketplace and industry trends
• Investment products, pricing models and fee disclosure
• Distribution planning and rollovers
• Fiduciary issues and responsibilities

Do I qualify for the QPFC Credential Program?

In addition to passing the required exam series, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Series 6, 7 or 65 license issued by the NASD and two letters of reference demonstrating at least two years of retirement plan related experience; or
• State-life or annuity insurance license and two letters of reference demonstrating at least two years of retirement plan related experience; or
• Investment Advisor Representative or Registered Investment Advisor credential and two letters of reference demonstrating at least two years of retirement plan related experience; or
• Two letters of reference demonstrating at least three years of investment-related experience in connection with retirement plans.

How do I get started?

Create an account with ASPPA.

If you do not have an account set up with ASPPA please visit https://router.asppa.org/eseries/scriptcontent/index_create.cfm. Once you have created an account you will be able to register for examinations. You do not need to be a member of ASPPA to take an ASPPA examination.

Register for RPF examinations.

The RPF exams are open-book non-proctored exams (more information on the study guides needed is listed below under Step 4). The registration fee for each 2008 RPF exam (RPF-1, RPF-2) is $160. To register for the RPF examinations please visit https://router.asppa.org/eseries/scriptcontent/custom/meetingsearch.cfm?MEETING_TYPE=EXAM. Once you pay online you will have access to the exam(s) within your online account. To take the exam, log in using your ID and password (these are generated when you create an account). You may exit and return to the exam at a later date, but exams must be completed by December 15, 2008 (Midnight, ET). Please note that there are two versions of each of the RPF exams (example: RPF-1 version 1 and RPF-1 version 2). If you fail one version you may register and pay to take the second version in the same calendar year.

Register for PFC examinations.

The PFC exams are proctored exams that are available during 2 exam windows each year (please refer to the Education Calendar for specific dates. Register online for the PFC examinations. After you register for the exam, approximately six to eight weeks prior to the beginning of the exam cycle, you will receive an “eligibility” confirmation email directing you to schedule an appointment at a Prometric testing center. It is the candidate’s responsibility to schedule his or her appointment with Prometric to take the exam. The PFC-1 and PFC-2 exam registration fees vary depending on early/regular registration and member/nonmember pricing. Please refer to the examination deadlines and fees page online for specific registration deadlines and fees. Candidates will receive immediate score and feedback upon completion of a PFC exam at a Prometric testing center.

Order Study Materials.

You can order study materials online utilizing the new E&E bookstore at http://store.asppa.org. You can also use the 2008 ASPPA Publication Order Form to order by phone, fax or mail. The order form can be found online at http://www.asppa.org/resources/res_pubs.htm. Publications to order:

• RPF-1 & RPF-2 examination study materials
• PFC-1 examination study materials
• PFC-2 examination study materials
• 2007 PFC-1 and PFC-2 Practice Examinations are also available for purchase for $25 each
• 2007 Webcourses are also available. Please visit http://www.asppa.org/webcourses for additional information.

Apply for the QPFC designation!

After you have completed the required examinations and have met the requirements for the QPFC designation you can apply for ASPPA’s QPFC credential. By having the QPFC credential you are now a credentialed member of ASPPA. Download the ASPPA credential form at http://www.asppa.org/credentials/cred_apply.htm and submit with payment and required letters of reference. Once you are awarded the credential from the ASPPA Board of Directors you will need to maintain 40 hours of ASPPA CE credit for every two-year period. If you currently are an ASPPA credentialed member you can add an additional credential by downloading the ASPPA Credential Addition or Upgrade form at http://www.asppa.org/credentials/cred_apply.htm.

If you would like to learn more about QPFC, click here to sign up for updates.

For questions contact ASPPA via email at educasppa@asppa.org.

Required Examinations

The QPFC credential requires successful completion of four examinations:

• Retirement Plan Fundamentals 1 & 2 (RPF-1 & RPF-2)
• Plan Financial Consulting 1 & 2 (PFC-1 & PFC-2)
• Exam Waivers
  

Candidates who have already passed ASPPA’s Pension Administrator exams, Parts 1-3 (PA-1, PA-2, PA-3) will be exempt from taking the RPF examinations. If you are unsure if you completed the PA exam series please email educasppa@asppa.org.