C(k)P® Designation Overview - Student Application & Certification Process
The C(k)P® Certified 401(k) Professional Designation represents the pinnacle of achievement for the professional Retirement Plan Advisor, recognizing a combination of substantial practical retirement plan management experience, and the completion of a comprehensive and highly specialized educational program. To earn the right to use the C(k)P® designation requires more than just academic aptitude. A financial professional must have demonstrated real world application of the core competencies taught in the classroom.
C(K)P® Designation Program:
The C(k)P® Designation or Certified 401(k) Professional Designation is administered by The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education. The C(k)P® Designation identifies individuals who have been authorized to use the C(k)P® Designation certification marks in the USA by identifying financial professionals who have the knowledge and experience to favorably affect the outcome of corporate retirement plans.
C(k)P® Designation holders have:
- Demonstrated competency and experience in the retirement field
- Completed a rigorous and unique education course work experience
- Agreed to adhere to a code of conduct and ethics.
The education course work includes classroom, online, and live online instructor led courses, as well as periodic assessments, an exam and a case study. The conduct and ethics codes embrace the core values of integrity, diligence, fairness, and objectivity.
The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee sets the standards for the Certified 401(k) Professional Designation. Designation candidates are expected to develop a high degree of knowledge and ability in the following study areas:
- Technical Competence
- Optimizing Plan Outcomes
- Management and Business
- Sales & Marketing
The prerequisite* to use the C(k)P® Designation on marketing materials consists of personally having:
- 10 plans under management/advisory
- $30 million of assets under management/advisory
- 3 years of experience in the defined contribution industry.
*The requirements regarding the practical component of the C(k)P® Designation are waived for professionals who are not financial advisors. The practical prerequisite may also consider the application of work experience and demonstration of the core competencies.
