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NIPA is pleased to announce a more satisfying approach to its cornerstone educational program, the Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) designation. NIPA is adapting to the needs of members of the industry with this change while maintaining the integrity of the program.
NIPA has reduced the number of APA exams from six to four beginning with the December 2007 exams. The curriculum in the four new courses features comprehensive information on all aspects of plan administration. Below is a list of topics covered in each new course*:
APA Course 1 - Overview of the Retirement Field
Understanding IRS Communications
*Topics are subject to change. Please check back for the latest information.
The chart below also offers a summary on how the change will effect those currently in the APA exam rotation.
For those students who are taking courses in sequence:
| Current Course(s) Completed |
Credit Given for New Courses |
Additional New Courses Needed to Complete Designation |
Total Exams to be Taken |
| 1 |
None |
I, II, III, IV |
5 |
| 1, 2 |
I |
II, II, IV |
5 |
| 1, 2, 3 |
I, II |
III, IV |
5 |
| 1, 2, 3, 4 |
I, II, IV |
III |
5 |
| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
I, II, IV |
III |
6 |
Students who took courses out of sequence will get credit for the following:
| Current Course Completed |
Credit Given for New Courses |
| 2 |
I |
| 3 |
II |
| 6 |
III |
| 4 or 5 |
IV |
More information will be available in the coming months regarding these exciting changes!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact NIPA Headquarters at 800.999.6472 or via email at nipa@nipa.org.
Accredited Pension Administrator Program
The Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) designation is earned by the successful completion of four study courses and examinations covering all aspects of plan administration. The APA is maintained by annually completing 15 hours of continuing education and current NIPA membership. Potential APAs include pension administrators, retirement relationship managers, and ERISA Compliance specialists.
Accredited Pension Representative Program
The Accredited Pension Representative (APR) designation is earned by the successful completion of two study courses and examinations covering the fundamentals of retirement plans with an emphasis on defined contribution plans and investment philosophy. The APR also requires an NASD Series 6, 7, 65, 66, 24, or an insurance license, and is maintained by annually completing 10 hours of continuing education and current NIPA membership. Potential APRs include retirement plan personnel, financial consultants / planners, and Registered Investment Advisors
APA/APR Designation Timetable
The APA/APR designations must be earned within three years from the successful completion of your first exam. Exams passed more than three years prior to the successful completion of your last exam must be re-taken.
Study Material and Examinations
National examinations are given on the second Saturday of June and the first Saturday of December. The courses and examinations may be taken in any order, although it is recommended they be taken in sequence. To properly prepare for each of the APA or APR courses, students will need a current-year study guide and the text materials cited in the study guide.
APA candidates must pass the examinations for courses 1,2,3 and 4. The course outlines are subject to change.
Additional Information
GROUP TUITION
Save up to $40 per exam with NIPA's Group Tuition Program! Further information about this money-saving program can be found in the December 2007 APA/APR Brochure.
ONLINE STUDY GUIDES
New This Year! To gain access to NIPA's APA/APR Online Study Guides, you must register for an exam before access will be granted to you. If have registered for an exam and need access, please contact NIPA Headquaters at 800.999.6472 or via email at nipa@nipa.org.
EQUIVALENCES
Certain professional associations and educational institutions also have established accreditation programs. They present information regarding pension and employee benefit administration which NIPA recognizes as equivalent to some parts of the Accredited Pension Administrator accreditation program.
NIPA extends the following credit(s) for successfully completing the courses below. Click here to download a credit transfer form.
| CEBS: |
The International Foundations of Employee Benefit Plans
Credit for APA/APR Course 1 |
| CPC: |
ASPPA
Credit for APA
Course 1,2 and 4
APR Course 1 |
| CLU: |
American College
Credit for APA/APR Course 1 |
| CFP: |
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards
Credit for APA/APR Course 1 |
| EA: |
Enrolled Actuary:
Credit for APA Courses 1 and 4
APR Course 1 |
| QPA: |
ASPPA:
Credit for APA Courses 1 and 2
APR Course 1 |
| QKA: |
ASPPA:
Credit for APA Courses 1 and 2
APR Course 1
|
| RPA: |
International Foundation for Employee Benefit Plans
Credit for APA/APR Course 1 |
| CRSP: |
Institute of Certified Bankers
Credit for APA/APR Course 1 |
| CFP: |
All Certified Financial Planners receive 2 CFP Continuing Education Credits for APR Course 1 and/or APR Course 2. |
| |
APAs are also eligilble to sit for ASPPA's CPC exam. |
QPFC: |
ASPPA
Credit for APR Course 1
|
CONTINING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
The mandatory annual continuing education requirement for maintaining the APA designation is 15 hours of related topics and 10 hours for maintaining the APR designation. You must either be a Regular Member of NIPA or pay a maintenance fee to cover the expense of tracking and verifying your Continuing Education Credits.
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