CPC - Certified Pension Consultant
Short Summary
CPC – Certified Pension Consultant
The CPC – Certified Pension Consultant designation is the highest credential awarded by the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), designed for professionals who manage and consult on qualified retirement plans. It equips candidates with advanced expertise in plan design, compliance testing, fiduciary oversight, and operational administration. CPC holders are recognized for their ability to lead complex plan implementations and ensure regulatory alignment across defined contribution and defined benefit plans.
To earn the CPC, candidates must complete prerequisite ASPPA credentials (such as QKA, QKC, and QPA or CBS and DB-A), pass six CPC modules (four core and two electives), and successfully complete a 4.5-hour proctored essay exam. Topics include ERISA fiduciary duties, plan documents, coverage and nondiscrimination rules, distributions and loans, and ethics. Candidates must also have at least three years of plan consulting experience. Continuing education of 40 credits every two years—including ethics—is required to maintain the designation.
Earning the CPC signals mastery in retirement plan strategy and administration. Designees are often employed as plan consultants, compliance officers, actuaries, or senior administrators in TPAs, recordkeepers, and advisory firms. The CPC complements other retirement credentials such as CEBS, CRC, and CRSP, and is valued for its depth, rigor, and leadership emphasis in the qualified plan space.
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Course Description
The Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) designation, offered by the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), is designed for professionals specializing in retirement plan administration, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities. It equips holders with expertise in qualified plan consulting, plan design, and regulatory compliance.
Purpose of the CPC Designation
The CPC credential serves several key functions:
- Comprehensive Pension Knowledge – Covers qualified retirement plan design, compliance, and administration.
- Regulatory Compliance – Helps professionals understand ERISA, IRS regulations, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Strategic Pension Planning – Equips consultants with tools to optimize pension plans for organizations.
- Career Advancement – Recognized as a top-tier credential in retirement plan consulting and administration.
Topics Covered in the Course
The CPC program consists of core and elective modules covering key aspects of pension consulting:
- Plan Design & Administration – Covers qualified plan structures, eligibility, and contribution strategies.
- Compliance & Fiduciary Responsibilities – Explores ERISA guidelines, IRS reporting, and correction programs.
- Actuarial & Funding Strategies – Examines pension plan funding, valuation, and financial forecasting.
- Advanced Retirement Plan Consulting – Focuses on strategic pension planning and risk management.
Specialization Options
While the CPC designation provides a comprehensive pension education, professionals can further specialize in:
- Corporate Pension Consulting – Advising businesses on qualified plan compliance and cost-effective solutions.
- Actuarial Pension Strategy – Focusing on pension plan funding and valuation methodologies.
- Fiduciary Compliance & Risk Management – Managing fiduciary responsibilities and regulatory adherence.
The CPC credential is a recognized symbol of expertise, providing professionals with a competitive advantage in retirement plan administration and consulting
Cost
- Course Fees – The CPC program includes four core modules and four elective modules, with a package cost of $1,120.
- Study Materials – The program includes a PDF study guide and practice exam.
- Exam Fees – The proctored final exam costs $540.
- Continuing Education (CE) Requirements – CPC holders must earn 40 CE credits every two years, including two ethics credits.
- ASPPA Membership – Renewal requires maintaining active ASPPA membership.
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Prerequisites
- Exam Completion – Candidates must pass either of the following ASPPA exam series:
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- QKA®, QKC®, and QPA™ Exams, or
- QKA®, CBS™, QKC® Exams and DB-A Certificate.
- Industry Experience – While not explicitly required, the CPC designation is designed for professionals in retirement plan administration, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Application Submission – Candidates must register for the CPC program and verify that all requirements are fulfilled.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education – CPC holders must earn 40 CE credits every two years, including two ethics credits.
- Membership Maintenance – Renewal requires maintaining active ASPPA membership.
Renewal Fees
- The recertification fee varies based on membership status and CE requirements.
- Additional fees may apply for late renewals or reinstatement if CE requirements are not met.
Average Time to Complete Course
Candidates typically complete the program in several months, depending on their availability and prior experience.
Exams
- Number of Exams – The CPC designation requires one final exam.
- Format – The exam consists of essay and short-answer questions, designed to assess knowledge of qualified plan consulting, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Duration – The exam is 4.5 hours long.
- Testing Window – The CPC exam is offered twice a year, with upcoming dates on June 4, 2025, and November 18, 2025.
Certifying Body
The Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) designation is administered by the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). ASPPA is a leading organization dedicated to retirement plan education, compliance, and fiduciary responsibilities. The CPC credential is recognized for its expertise in pension consulting, plan design, and regulatory compliance.
