ARPS - SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist
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Course Description
Purpose of the ARPS Designation
This ARPS Designation is designed to recognize proficiency in retirement plan administration, compliance, and participant education. It helps professionals support employers in managing qualified retirement plans and enables employees to effectively save for retirement.
- Establishes expertise in retirement plan administration.
- Covers plan design, compliance, and participant education.
- Helps professionals support employers in managing retirement benefits.
- Strengthens knowledge in investment structures and reporting requirements.
Key Topics Covered
The ARPS program includes coursework in:
- Retirement Plan Industry Overview – Understanding regulations and market trends.
- Plan Features & Design – Exploring different plan types and contribution structures.
- Participant Communication & Education – Strategies for engaging employees in retirement planning.
- Plan Activity & Accounting – Managing transactions and financial reporting.
- Plan Investments & Accounting – Understanding investment options and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Plan Reporting & Compliance – Navigating legal requirements and audits.
Cost
- Application Fee: $350 (waived if you purchase the online training course)
- Online ARPS Training Course (6 hours + manual): $850
- Exam Fee: $150
- Proctor & Certificate Fee: $30
- Total with training: $1,030
- Total without training: $530
Prerequisites
Yes, the SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) designation has specific prerequisites to ensure candidates have foundational experience in the retirement plan industry.
Prerequisites for ARPS
- Industry Experience – Candidates must have at least one year of experience in the retirement plan industry.
- Supervisor Recommendation – A letter of recommendation from a current work supervisor is required.
- Training Requirements – While optional, candidates can complete self-study online courses to prepare for the exam.
These prerequisites ensure that ARPS holders have real-world experience in managing retirement plans and advising clients.
Renewal Requirements
Yes, the SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) designation has renewal requirements to maintain active status.
ARPS Renewal Requirements
- Renewal Period: Certification renewal is required annually.
- Continuing Education: Must complete 10 hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
- Education Format: CE credits can be earned through courses, seminars, or workshops related to retirement plans.
Annual Fees
- Annual renewal fee: $150.
- Fee Waiver Option: The renewal fee is waived if the holder purchases two SPARK continuing education courses or the SPARK Annual Industry Review course.
Average Time to Complete Course
The SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) 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.
Exams
The SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) 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 SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) designation is issued by The SPARK Institute.
The SPARK Institute is a nonprofit, member-driven organization that serves as a leading voice for the U.S. retirement plan industry. It advocates for public policy, promotes best practices, and fosters innovation to improve retirement security for millions of Americans.
Founded by a coalition of retirement plan service providers, SPARK represents a wide range of stakeholders—including recordkeepers, investment firms, consultants, and technology providers—who collectively serve over 110 million participants in defined contribution plans like 401(k)s
