• 2019 National Conference
  • CPSP Designation

312-419-1863

psca@psca.org
PSCA PSCA
  • 2019 National Conference
  • CPSP Designation

About the CPSP Credential

Developed by some of the nation’s leading retirement plan and education experts at the American Retirement Association (ARA), PSCA and select Education Partners, the Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP) credential attests to current and future employers that you have the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate, design, implement, and manage a comprehensive employer-sponsored retirement plan strategy.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

PSCA Annual National Conference

For more than a half-century, the Plan Sponsor Council of America’s annual conference has been where the nation’s retirement plan sponsors have connected with peers and thought leaders for ideas, insights and inspiration.  This year the focus of this exceptional event is Tools, Techniques, and Takeaways – and promises to provide plenty of each.

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FAQ

How do I earn the Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP) designation?

To be eligible for the CPSP a candidate must have at least 2 years of experience in a plan sponsor role, pass the CPSP certification exam, and ascribe to the CPSP Professional Code of Ethics.

Is there coursework I have to complete in order to take the exam or earn the certification?

No. However, an optional nine module preparatory course is available. This is available at no additional charge for PSCA plan sponsor members, or through designated program distribution channels. Though the education is not required before taking the certification exam, it is highly recommended.

What content is covered?

The Certification course and exam cover:

  • considerations for retirement plan design,
  • defined contribution and other types of employer-sponsored retirement plans,
  • behavioral finance and employee/participant engagement,
  • fiduciary obligations and risk management,
  • investment concepts,
  • plan operations,
  • compliance issues, and
  • vendor management and selection.

What type of exam is the certification exam?

The CPSP certification exam is a 100-question online open-book exam. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.

What are the exam, education, and application costs?

The Certified Plan Sponsor Professional and Certification exam are available at no charge to all PSCA members through the generous support of our CPSP education partners. Individuals may also receive an enrollment code directly from a CPSP education partner or CPFA-certified advisor to grant them access to the education and exam.

How do I register for the education and the certification exam?

Registration will open April 1, 2019 on this site. Plan sponsors who register for the Plan Sponsor Council of America’s Annual Conference will be notified by email.

What happens if I don’t pass the certification exam?

Individuals who don’t pass the certification exam are allowed to retest after 15 days.

How do I maintain my certification?

PSCA believes it is essential for retirement professionals to stay up to date on the latest tax and legal requirements. Consequently, CPSP credential holders are required to complete 20 hours of continuing education over a two-year cycle.

In addition, there is a biannual $50 certification maintenance fee.

Remember that, in addition to the annual conference, PSCA members have access to a large array of educational course and up-to-date webcasts that certified individuals can take advantage of during their CE cycle.

Do I have to take the certification exam/can I just take the education?

Qualified plan sponsor candidates are free to take just the education program but we encourage all participants to take the certification exam to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter.

Education Partners

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    Plan Sponsor Council of America (PSCA)
    200 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3100
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    P: 312-419-1863
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    psca@psca.org

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