Things to Note

Related Links : ASPPA Comments : Pension Alerts print page

Attention QPFC Candidates – Spring Exam Window Extended to July 31
The Spring 2008 examination window for ASPPA’s Plan Financial Consulting exams, PFC-1 and PFC-2 has been extended to July 31! The testing window now runs from May 15-July 31. Also, register by May 14 (final day to register for a Spring exam) and receive the early registration discount fee of $199/$225 (member/nonmember). [Register today]

ASPPA endorsed the Divided We Fail initiative
On January 24, 2008, ASPPA endorsed the Divided We Fail initiative, a national grassroots effort advocating cooperation among public policy makers to solve our nation’s long-term financial security and health care challenges. ASPPA joins a broad and diverse group of organizations, politicians and celebrities in supporting this effort. To learn more, go to htpp://www.dividedwefail.org

2009 E&E Program Changes
Announcement to ASPPA Membership: 2009 Education and Examination (E&E) Program Changes (ERPA Designation Impact) [more]

Be a part of it...
The ASPPA Professional Services Directory a brand new directory resource that will soon become the industry standard for those looking for qualified retirement plan professionals. Post your listing today!

New Recordkeepers Certification announced at the ASPPA Annual Conference
ASPPA has partnered with the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) to provide a certification program for recordkeepers. Acknowledging the need to support plan sponsors, investment advisors and investment managers in fulfilling their fiduciary obligations, ASPPA has established the standards of practice by which the certification will be based. Initially, Roland|Criss will conduct the independent audits and CEFEX will oversee delivery of the actual certification. A formal presentation of this new program will be given at a workshop session during The ASPPA 401(k) SUMMIT February 10-12, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. Information about this program can be found at http://www.cefex.org/.

ASPPA Partners with IPFW
On October 18, 2007, ASPPA announced that it was partnering with the Institute for Pension Plan Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) to provide education, specialized training and research for the retirement industry as a whole. [more] [Press Release] [Institute for Pension Plan Management]

Nominations for the Educator’s Award for 2008 are now being accepted.
Nominate an outstanding educator for the 2008 ASPPA Educator Award. Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2008. [more]

EA-2A Exam Writers - MSPA and/or FSPA Volunteers Needed
The EA-2A exam committee needs several volunteers to help with the preparation of questions for the November 2008 EA-2A examination. [more]

Approved Actuarial Qualification Standards
The American Academy of Actuaries’ Board of Directors recently approved the revised Qualification Standards, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2008. [Revised Standards] [Academy Sept. 20 Webcast]

CIKR to Represent Independent 401(k) Plan Recordkeepers
On June 5, 2007, a group of independent 401(k) plan recordkeepers announced the formation of a new organization called the Council of Independent 401(k) Recordkeepers (“CIKR” – pronounced “kicker”). CIKR’s mission is to educate and advocate on issues relevant to independent 401(k) plan recordkeepers. [press release]

ASPPA Comments to ASB on Actuarial Standards of Practice
On March 1, 2007, ASPPA submitted comments to the ASB’s third exposure draft, Proposed Revisions of Actuarial Standards of Practice (ASOP) No. 4; and the fourth exposure draft, Selection and Use Asset Valuation Methods for Pension Valuations. [comments]

CRUSAP Issues Final Report
The final CRUSAP (Critical Review of the US Actuarial Profession) report has been released by the CRUSAP task force. ASPPA's Leadership will be meeting with Leaders from the other US Actuarial organizations in late January to begin developing a strategy to evaluate the recommendations in the report. If you have comments on the recommendations in the report, please send them to president@asppa.org. To review the complete report [CRUSAP Final Report]