Education
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APA CURRICULUM
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.
APA Designation Timetable
The APA 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 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 and become a Regular Member of NIPA before using the designation. The course outlines are subject to change.
Each exam consists of approximately 100 multiple choice questions relating to material covered in the appropriate text and study guide. A student earning a grade of 70% or more is assured of passing.
Because of the constantly changing laws and rules, study guides and most text materials are updated annually. Candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare for the national examination with current study materials. Using out-dated study materials will not adequately prepare candidates. Study materials may not be reproduced.
Course 1: Overview of the Retirement Field
Course 2: 401(k) Plan Administration
Course 3: Distributions
Course 4: Selected Topics in Retirement Plans
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