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APR CURRICULUM

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.

Course 1: Overview of the Retirement Field
Course 2: Advanced Topics in Retirement Plans

APR Designation Benefits

As an APR student, you will experience a general survey of all types of retirement plans, and engage in advanced topics in retirement plans ranging from minimum coverage to lumpsum and minimum required distributions.

Potential APRs include:

• retirement plan personnel
• financial consultants/planners
• Registered Investment Advisors

Click here to download the Brochure and Registration form and enroll online in the exams today.

APR Designation Timetable
The APR designation 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 retaken. Any student who registers for an exam, and did not take it, or fails, may re-take the exam for a fee of $150. This fee only applies for two exam cycles from the date of the first attempt. Course outlines are subject to change.

Preparation Materials & Examinations
You do not need to be a NIPA member to sit for an APR examination. Student memberships are available to persons currently pursuing their APR designations. You may join NIPA as a Student Member when enrolling in an examination online or by faxing in the PDF enrollment form.

The APR examinations may be taken in any order, although it is recommended they be taken in sequence. To properly prepare for each of the examinations, students will need a 2009 study guide and the text materials cited in the study guide. All exam materials may be ordered when enrolling online or by faxing in the PDF enrollment form. Exam materials are not available without enrollment in an examination.

Each exam consists of 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 ever changing laws and rules, study guides and most text materials are updated annually. Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for their examination with current study materials. Using outdated study materials will not adequately prepare candidates. Study materials may not be reproduced without the written consent of NIPA.

Click here to view additional examination information and to learn more about the APR Designation.
Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding our APA/APR Designation Program.