Advisors with a NAPA Firm Partner can add their code during checkout.
NAPA provides study materials to help individuals prepare for the CPFA® certification exam. The NAPA Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) Course, the resource guides, and the module assessments in each module are the preferred study materials for the examination.
The online interactive course includes:
Module 1: Fiduciary Management Under ERISA
In this module, you will explore the roles and responsibilities of a fiduciary under ERISA, identify actions that might establish a fiduciary relationship, identify required documentation for maintaining plan records, and identify elements of fiduciary best practice and fiduciary oversight.
Module 2: ERISA Plan Management I
In this module, you will explore the goals and objectives of the Plan Sponsor based on their business structure, plan design, budget, and other factors. Also, this module will get into detail with plan types and provisions, participant outcomes, and service provider selection.
Module 3: ERISA Plan Investment Management
In this module, you will learn about a fiduciary’s role in the area of plan investment, such as risk/return, asset classes, diversification of investments, QDIA rules, and allocation funds models. This module will also cover the investment policy statement; its creation, maintenance, and best practice; and finally, plan investment oversight strategies and procedures.
Module 4: ERISA Plan Management II
In this module, you will learn about liaison services – the daily activities required by plan administrators while interacting with service providers; duties, processes, and best practices as they relate to the retirement plan committee; and also, an advisor’s role in coordinating timeline and service providers during conversions.
Advisors with a NAPA Firm Partner can add their code during checkout.
FAQs
How much does the program cost?
NAPA CPFA® Exam
$405
$405
NAPA CPFA® Modules
$500
NAPA’s Broker-Dealer and RIA Firm Partners are eligible for volume discounts on
proctored exam. For more information please contact SAMTeam@usaretirement.org
NAPA Credentialed Maintenance Fees/NAPA Membership Dues
$75 with NAPA Firm Partner *
$665 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.
How do I obtain the CPFA®?
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 do I sign-up?
You can sign-up for the NAPA CPFA® by purchasing the education modules or going straight to purchasing the exam. If you have been invited to a CPFA™ virtual classroom, please reference your confirmation email or reach out to Customer Care.
How long does it take to earn the CPFA®?
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.
Are there any pre-requisites for taking the CPFA® or earning the designation?
No specific experience level is required, but if you are new to retirement plan sales, you might find it helpful to being with NAPA’s 401(k) Practice Builder Certificate Program.
How do I prepare for the NAPA CPFA® Exam?
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 and Assessment questions, 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.
Are there any ongoing 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 man Continuing Education (CE) credits are required to maintain my credential?
In general, you will need to complete 10 CE hours per calendar year, starting the year following when you earned the designation. For full details and information on CE, please read through the Candidate Handbook and the NAPA CE Policy.
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 CPFA® 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
