NQPC™ - Nonqualified Plan Consultant
Short Summary
NQPC – Nonqualified Plan Consultant
The NQPC – Nonqualified Plan Consultant designation is an advanced credential awarded by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), designed for professionals consulting on nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) and executive compensation plans. It equips candidates with strategic knowledge in plan design, tax treatment, financing, compliance, and participant communication. NQPC holders are recognized for their ability to guide employers through complex compensation structures that fall outside ERISA-qualified plans.
The program includes two online courses—NQPC-1: Plan Fundamentals and NQPC-2: Advanced Plan Design—each with five interactive modules and a 50-question assessment. Topics span deferral elections, distribution triggers, Top Hat plans, IRC Section 409A, FICA timing rules, Rabbi Trusts, and Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI). Candidates must pass a 70-question proctored final exam within 2.5 hours. Certification requires 10 hours of annual continuing education and adherence to the ARA Code of Conduct. Completion earns a digital badge via Credly and listing in the NAPA Credential Check directory.
Earning the NQPC signals elite fluency in nonqualified plan strategy and implementation. Designees are often employed as financial advisors, plan consultants, product managers, or compensation strategists, and are valued for their ability to align executive benefits with business goals. The NQPC complements broader credentials such as CPFA, QKA, and AIF®, and supports career growth in retirement consulting, executive compensation, and plan governance.
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Course Description
The Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation is designed to equip professionals with expertise in nonqualified deferred compensation and executive compensation plans. Offered by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), the credential demonstrates a consultant’s ability to design, manage, and advise on nonqualified compensation strategies for businesses and executives.
Purpose of the NQPC™ Designation
The NQPC™ serves several key functions:
- Enhancing Expertise – Provides in-depth knowledge of nonqualified plan structures, tax considerations, and financing strategies.
- Strengthening Advisory Capabilities – Helps consultants guide employers in structuring competitive executive benefits packages.
- Improving Compliance & Risk Management – Ensures professionals understand IRS regulations and legal frameworks governing nonqualified plans.
- Expanding Career Opportunities – Recognized as a valuable credential in the retirement and benefits industry, helping professionals attract high-level clients.
Who Benefits from the NQPC™?
The designation is ideal for:
- Retirement plan advisors
- Financial planners & wealth managers
- Corporate benefits specialists
- Insurance & annuity professionals
- Tax & legal consultants
By earning the NQPC™, professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing strategic compensation solutions that help businesses retain top talent and optimize financial planning.
Cost
The Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation, offered by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), involves several costs associated with obtaining the credential. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated expenses:
Cost Breakdown
- Application Fee – Typically included in the course package.
- Course Fees – The program consists of two online courses:
- NQPC-1: Plan Fundamentals
- NQPC-2: Advanced Plan Design
- Each course includes five modules and resource guides.
- Study Materials & Books – Provided within the course package.
- Exam Fees – Covers the cost of the NQPC certification exam.
- Credential Membership Fee – Required for maintaining the designation.
Total Estimated Cost
The full NQPC™ package, including courses, study materials, and exam fees, is available for purchase through NAPA. You can find detailed pricing information on the official NAPA website.
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Prerequisites
No, there are no prerequisites for obtaining the Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation.
Renewal Requirements
Maintaining the Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation requires meeting continuing education (CE) requirements and paying renewal fees.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education – NQPC™ holders must complete 10 hours of CE annually to stay updated on nonqualified plan regulations, tax considerations, and industry trends.
- Membership Maintenance – Renewal requires maintaining active membership with the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA).
Renewal Fees
- The annual renewal fee covers credential maintenance, CE tracking, and access to updated resources.
- Additional fees may apply for late renewals or reinstatement if CE requirements are not met.
Average Time to Complete Course
The time required to complete the Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation varies based on individual experience and study pace. According to the NAPA Candidate Handbook, many successful candidates begin studying several months before the exam to ensure thorough preparation.
The program consists of two online courses covering plan fundamentals and advanced plan design, with each course including five modules. Since the exam is proctored and closed-book, candidates typically dedicate several weeks to months for study, depending on their familiarity with nonqualified deferred compensation plans.
Exams
The Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation exam is designed to assess a candidate’s expertise in nonqualified deferred compensation and executive compensation plans. Here are the key details:
Exam Format & Structure
- Number of Exams – One comprehensive exam.
- Format – Online, proctored, closed-book exam.
- Duration – Typically 90 minutes.
- Question Type – Multiple-choice questions covering plan fundamentals, tax considerations, and plan financing.
Testing Window & Scheduling
- The exam is available year-round, allowing candidates to schedule at their convenience.
- Administered through NAPA’s online testing platform.
- Candidates must complete the recommended online courses before attempting the exam.
Certifying Body
The Nonqualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™) designation is certified by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), an affiliate of the American Retirement Association (ARA). NAPA specializes in retirement plan advisory education, ensuring that professionals who earn the NQPC™ credential have expertise in nonqualified deferred compensation and executive compensation plans.
