The Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFATM) credential — developed by some of the nation’s leading advisors and retirement plan experts — demonstrates your knowledge, expertise and commitment to working with retirement plans.

Plan advisors who earn their CPFATM demonstrate the expertise required to act as a plan fiduciary or help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities.

Become CPFATM Certified

Purchase Study Modules
Register for the Exam

Pricing

 

Online Modules

Proctored Exam
NAPA Member
$775
$390
Non-NAPA Member
$1,025
$390
Check Credential Status

FAQs

How do I obtain the CPFATM?
You can obtain the NAPA CPFA® by successfully passing the NAPA CPFA® Examination, which consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. The exam is proctored and delivered online through YouTestMe. Learn more about the YouTestMe platform here.

You’ll have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. It can take up to three business days before you are delivered your results. This gives the team time to review your proctored exam.

How long does it take to acquire the CPFATM?
It depends on your skill and knowledge, but the Prep Course should only take you about 10 hours. If you are enrolled in a Virtual Classroom, the timing will depend on the time from sign-up until the Live Bootcamp.
Is there any specific experience requirement?
No specific experience level is required, but if you are new to retirement plan sales, you might find it helpful to begin with NAPA’s 401(k) Practice Builder.
What do the CPFATM study modules cover?
The CPFATM Coursework covers four key areas:

  1. Fiduciary Management Under ERISA
  2. ERISA Plan Management I
  3. ERISA Plan Investment Management
  4. ERISA Plan Management II
How do I prepare for the NAPA CPFA® Examination?
To study for the examination, candidates may purchase the online Prep Course or have an invite to a Virtual Classroom. The Prep Course contains:

  • Course Reading Material
  • Case studies based on real life situations.
  • Test your knowledge questions and Assessments which mimic the questions found on the exam.
  • Additional resources for continuous learning
When can I register for the exam?
Pending a purchase of the exam you will be registered within 3 business days.

If you are in a Virtual Classroom, you will have 60 days to register for the designation exam from the date of the live event. This will be available via a course in your Course Catalog from the learning management system. Questions about exam registration can be directed to rpa@usaretirement.org.

If I fail the exam, when can I take it again?
An exam retake may be purchased 30 days from your last attempt.
How much does it cost?
NAPA CPFA® Exam
$390 for NAPA Members

NAPA’s Broker-Dealer and RIA Firm Partners are eligible for volume discounts on proctored exams. For more information, please contact SAMTeam@usaretirement.org

NAPA CPFA® Modules
$775 for NAPA Members
$1,025 for Non-Members

NAPA’s Broker-Dealer and RIA Firm Partner members whose compliance departments have approved CPFATM are eligible for complimentary distribution of the CPFATM online modules. For more information, please contact SAMTeam@usaretirement.org

NAPA Credentialed Maintenance Fees/NAPA Membership Dues
$72 with NAPA Firm Partner *
$610 with no NAPA Firm Partner affiliation **

* Please Note: If you currently hold other designations in other American Retirement Association organizations and add a CPFATM to your current designations, your dues will be different than above. Contact Customer Care with questions.

** Membership dues include your credential maintenance fee.

Are there any on-going fees?
If you are not an advisor/employee with a NAPA Firm Partner, you are responsible for the annual NAPA membership fees in order to obtain and maintain your credential ($610 Non-Firm Partner Member price. For pro-rated prices, please contact Customer Care).
How many Continuing Education (CE) Credits are required to maintain my credential?
Please read the NAPA CE Policy
How many CE credits are awarded for the CPFATM?
Upon successfully completing the online course or passing the proctored examination candidates will earn:

Online Course Ten (10) CE credits
Ten (10) ERPA CE credits
7.5 CFP CE Credits
Proctored Examination Ten (10) CE credits
Ten (10) ERPA CE credits
How do I sign up?

Register

How do I apply for my credential?
Once you’ve passed the exam, you will submit your credential application at www.napamember.org
How can I confirm CPFATM credential status?

Names appear on the NAPA Credential Check website in the beginning of the month following when your designation was approved. Example: Your application to earn the CPFA/QPFC is approved on November 10, 2021. Your name will appear on the NAPA Credential Check website sometime in the first two weeks of December

Check your CPFA Status!

In 2011, the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) was formed, quickly becoming the fastest-growing member association. Created by and for retirement plan advisors, membership is also open to other retirement industry professionals who support the interests of plan advisors. While the financial services industry is well represented in Washington by a number of trade associations that weigh in on issues affecting advisors, NAPA is the only advocacy group exclusively focused on the issues that matter to retirement plan advisors. This exclusive focus is what sets NAPA apart. For more information about NAPA, visit NAPA Net.

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