The Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) program is a prestigious certification designed to provide individuals with advanced knowledge and expertise in the specialized field of pension consulting. Pensions play a critical role in retirement planning and financial security, and this certification is tailored to equip professionals with the skills needed to excel in this complex and vital sector. The CPC program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers pension plan design, compliance, administration, and ethical standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to succeed in roles that demand precision and proficiency in pension consulting.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) program, participants will be able to:

• Master Pension Plan Design: Develop a deep understanding of the various types of pension plans, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans, and learn to design plans that meet the specific needs of clients.
• Ensure Plan Compliance: Understand and navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing pension plans, including tax regulations and ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) requirements.
• Effective Plan Administration: Learn best practices for pension plan administration, including participant recordkeeping, reporting, and compliance testing.
• Ethical Pension Consulting: Demonstrate ethical conduct and professional integrity in all aspects of pension consulting, promoting transparency and trust.
• Pension Industry Trends: Stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the pension industry, including retirement planning strategies, investment options, and fiduciary responsibilities.

Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree

And/or

• 2 – 5 years of relevant work experience

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CPC, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIBM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

1. Foundations of Pension Consulting
2. Pension Plan Design and Types
3. Pension Plan Compliance and Regulations
4. Pension Plan Administration and Recordkeeping
5. Pension Plan Funding and Investment Strategies
6. Pension Plan Communication and Employee Education

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) certification is highly beneficial for professionals across various roles and industries, including:

• Pension Consultants: Those working directly in pension consulting roles, such as pension advisors and retirement planners, looking to advance their careers.
• Retirement Plan Administrators: Professionals responsible for the day-to-day administration and compliance of pension plans.
• HR and Benefits Managers: Individuals managing employee benefits programs and pension plans within organizations.
• Financial Planners: Financial advisors and planners interested in specializing in retirement planning and pension consulting.
• Investment Advisors: Those offering investment advice related to pension plans and retirement accounts.
• Compliance Officers: Professionals responsible for ensuring that pension plans align with regulatory requirements.
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners looking to optimize their employee retirement benefit programs.
• Students and Graduates: Individuals seeking to enter the pension consulting field and acquire foundational knowledge.
• Anyone Interested in Pension Consulting: Individuals aiming to enhance their skills and career prospects in the pension consulting industry.

Earning the CPC certification signifies your expertise in pension plan design, compliance, administration, and ethical pension consulting practices. Whether you are currently working in pension consulting or aspire to do so, this certification equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in roles that require advanced proficiency in pension consulting and retirement planning.