CRPS® – Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist
🧭 Overview
CRPS® – Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist is a professional designation offered by the College for Financial Planning® – A Kaplan Company. It is designed for financial professionals who specialize in creating, implementing, and maintaining retirement plans for businesses and their employees.
The CRPS® credential focuses on employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k), 403(b), and profit-sharing arrangements. It equips advisors with the knowledge to guide plan sponsors through fiduciary responsibilities, plan design options, regulatory compliance, and participant education. The curriculum is updated to reflect current legislation, including the SECURE Act 2.0.
📚 Requirements
- Online self-study program with OnDemand video lectures, reading assignments, and quizzes
- Closed-book final exam with a passing score of 70%
- Estimated completion time: 100–120 hours
- No formal prerequisites; suitable for financial advisors and retirement plan consultants
- Continuing education: 16 hours every two years
🤝 Community & Recognition
CRPS® designees are part of the College’s national alumni network and benefit from Kaplan’s continuing education platform. The designation is recognized by FINRA and widely respected among plan sponsors, broker-dealers, and retirement-focused advisory firms. Graduates may also earn credit toward the College’s Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning.
📜 Quick Facts
Issuing Organization: College for Financial Planning® – A Kaplan Company
Website: kaplanfinancial.com
Credential Focus: Employer-sponsored retirement plans, fiduciary compliance, plan design, participant education
Audience: Financial advisors, retirement consultants, plan sponsors
Continuing Education: 16 hours every two years
Related Designations: CRPC®, QPFC, CPC
