ARPC-Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant
Short Summary
ARPC – Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant
The ARPC – Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant designation is a specialized credential awarded by The SPARK Institute and The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU), recognizing professionals who help employers design, implement, and maintain effective retirement plans. It is tailored for sales and marketing professionals in the retirement plan industry who demonstrate proficiency in plan design, participant education, compliance, and fiduciary guidance. ARPC holders are equipped to advise on both defined contribution and defined benefit plans.
To earn the ARPC, candidates must document at least one year of full-time experience in financial services (with a minimum of 400 hours in retirement plan-related work), submit a supervisor recommendation, and pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam. Students may apply with faculty endorsement but must complete the experience requirement before using the designation. Continuing education of 10 hours annually is required to maintain certification, along with a renewal fee.
ARPC designees are recognized for their ability to guide employers through plan selection, compliance with ERISA and IRS rules, and participant engagement strategies. The designation is especially valuable for professionals working with 401(k), 403(b), and other qualified plans, and it complements other credentials such as ARPS, CRC, or CRPS. Though not widely held, the ARPC signals specialized expertise in retirement plan consulting and a commitment to ethical, informed service.
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Course Descripton
The Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation is designed for professionals specializing in retirement plan consulting, administration, and advisory services. It is issued by The SPARK Institute and The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU) and helps individuals demonstrate expertise in retirement plan design, compliance, and participant education.
Purpose of the ARPC Designation
- Provides technical knowledge in retirement plan design and administration.
- Helps professionals optimize plan features to improve employee retirement readiness.
- Covers compliance, reporting, and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Strengthens skills in participant education, communication, and engagement.
Key Topics Covered
The ARPC program includes coursework in:
- Retirement Plan Industry Overview – Understanding the structure and regulations of retirement plans.
- Plan Features & Design – Exploring different plan types, contribution structures, and investment options.
- Participant Communication & Education – Strategies for engaging employees in retirement planning.
- Plan Reporting & Compliance – Navigating legal requirements and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Retirement Plan Market & Sales Process – Best practices for advising employers on plan selection and implementation.
Specialization Options
While the ARPC designation provides a comprehensive retirement plan education, professionals can focus on specific areas such as:
- Plan Design & Optimization
- Participant Education & Engagement
- Regulatory Compliance & Fiduciary Standards
- Retirement Plan Sales & Consulting
The ARPC designation is recognized for its rigorous training and industry focus, making it a valuable credential for professionals managing corporate retirement plans and participant education
Costs
The total cost of earning the Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation varies based on training options and exam fees. Here’s a breakdown:
Cost Breakdown
- Application Fee: $350 (waived if purchasing SPARK Online ARPC Training Courses).
- Training Fees:
- SPARK Online ARPC Training Courses (6 hours with training manual): $850.
- SPARK Continuing Education Courses (per course): $150.
- Exam Fees:
- Non-refundable exam fee: $150.
- Proctor & certificate fee: $30.
- Annual Designation Renewal: $150 (waived with the purchase of two SPARK Continuing Education Courses).
Total Estimated Cost
- Without online training: $530.
- With online training: $1,030.
Prerequisites
The Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation has specific prerequisites to ensure candidates have foundational experience in the retirement plan industry.
Prerequisites for ARPC
- Industry Experience – Candidates must have at least one year of full-time experience in the financial services industry.
- Supervisor Recommendation – A recommendation from a current work supervisor is required.
- Training Requirements – While optional, candidates can complete online, on-demand training courses to prepare for the exam.
These prerequisites ensure that ARPC holders have real-world experience in managing retirement plans and advising clients.
Renewal Requirements
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Time to Complete Course
The Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation typically takes up to 12 months to complete. Candidates must schedule and successfully pass the Designation Exam within this timeframe.
Factors Affecting Completion Time
- Self-Paced Learning – Candidates can complete coursework at their own pace.
- Exam Scheduling – The 100-question multiple-choice exam must be taken within the 12-month candidacy period.
- Work & Personal Obligations – Professionals balancing full-time jobs may take longer.
- Study Resources – Access to online training courses can help accelerate completion.
Exam Details
The Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation requires candidates to pass one final exam to earn certification.
Exam Details
- Number of Exams: Candidates must pass one designation exam.
- Exam Format: The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Exam Duration: Candidates are given 2 hours to complete the exam.
- Testing Window: Candidates have up to 12 months to schedule and successfully complete the exam.
- Exam Delivery: The exam is online, proctored, and closed-book.
- Results Processing: Scores are available immediately after completing the exam.
Certifying Body
The Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation is issued by The SPARK Institute in collaboration with The Retirement Advisor University (TRAU). This certification is designed to recognize proficiency in retirement plan consulting, administration, and advisory services.
