QPFC – Qualified Plan Financial Consultant
🧭 Overview
QPFC – Qualified Plan Financial Consultant is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), a sister organization to ASPPA under the American Retirement Association (ARA). It is designed for financial professionals who advise retirement plan sponsors and fiduciaries on plan design, investment strategy, and regulatory compliance.
QPFC holders demonstrate expertise in ERISA fiduciary standards, participant engagement, and plan optimization. The credential is ideal for advisors working with 401(k), 403(b), and other defined contribution plans who want to deepen their technical knowledge and fiduciary alignment.
📚 Curriculum & Requirements
- Four-module online course covering fiduciary principles, plan structure, investment oversight, and participant outcomes
- Closed-book, proctored final exam
- Continuing education: 10 hours annually
- No formal prerequisites, though prior experience in retirement plan advising is recommended
🤝 Community & Recognition
QPFC designees are part of the broader NAPA and ASPPA communities, gaining access to technical resources, policy updates, and peer networking. The credential is recognized by FINRA and widely respected among plan sponsors seeking fiduciary-aligned advisors.
📜 Quick Facts
Issuing Organization: National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA)
Website: napa-net.org
Credential Focus: Fiduciary standards, plan design, investment oversight, participant outcomes
Audience: Financial advisors, consultants, plan fiduciaries
Continuing Education: 10 hours annually
Related Designations: CPFA, CPC, QKA
