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Remember, you must:
Register for this course online or [PDF] before you can start. |
What is a finalist presentation? What is a defined benefit plan? What is a CAP?
Find the answers to these questions and many more!
The Canadian Group Retirement Online Primer examines group retirement arrangements – how retirement income needs are determined and the role of employers in the provision of registered pension plans and other popular group retirement income arrangements including Group Registered Retirement Savings Plans and Deferred Profit Sharing Pension Plans. The basics of registered plans are addressed – legislative requirements, basic characteristics of DB and DC plans and key differences between the two types with a focus on those plans that qualify as capital accumulation plans. With this foundation, the course then examines in more detail the CAP Guidelines and their implications for plan sponsor, plan advisor and plan member roles and responsibilities. Considerable emphasis is given to the role of insurers through the life cycle of a group retirement plan account – from prospecting a new client, to quoting, proposing and selling the account, right through implementation, servicing, and termination if required. Finally, ethical considerations and responsibilities are examined from the perspectives of all parties involved in a group retirement arrangement.
Learning Objective
The Canadian Group Retirement Plans Primer is designed to provide a general introduction/overview, describe the scope and impact, introduce key stakeholders and terminology and provide an overview of basic design principles, programs, and regulatory framework of this business line. The course length and online testing methodology emphasize education (versus testing proficiency). The course content and testing are developed and revised by Dalhousie University.
Who should take the Canadian Group Retirement Plans Online Primer Course?
- Individuals needing to meet the Proficiency Standards and earn the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) Designation
- Individuals new to the area needing a basic introduction/overview
- Individuals needing a refresher course on group retirement plan policies and practices
Online Course Format/Testing
This is a self-paced online study course that can be accessed from any internet browser (home or work), any time, using a simple user name and password system. The completion time for the course is approximately 25 hours. There are 17 modules. Each contains approximately four to six learning objectives.
As you work through the course you will encounter Real Life Applications to add clarity to the concepts, Knowledge Builders to give you additional background and facts on aspects of the content and Check Your Knowledge questions to assess your learning progress. There also is an online Glossary of Terms. It is recommended that you take the modules in sequential order and that you finish the entire course before taking the test. You will have 180 days to take the course and pass the test.
You can access the test at any time using the same username and password provided for the course. If your company requires “supervised” testing, make sure you are aware of your company's policy when registering for an online primer course.
The online primer test is designed by Dalhousie University and is comprised of 50 questions utilizing the multiple choice and true/false formats. There is a 60 minute time limit to complete the test, and the pass rate is 70%. Test scoring is immediate. You are required to take the test without utilizing study notes or any other materials. Printing an online primer course test is not permitted. You have three opportunities to pass an online primer course test.
Reports of improper conduct relating to the course/testing process, including conduct during the test, will be investigated by the CEBS program. Such conduct may result in you being barred from taking further primer course tests or from receiving the Certificate of Completion.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the test, you will be awarded a “Certificate of Completion” from the CEBS program and Dalhousie University. Allow three weeks for delivery.
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Retirement Plans
Module 2: Investments 101
Module 3: Government programs and Individual Approaches to Retirement Saving
Module 4: Group Retirement and Savings Plans
Module 5: Registered Pension Plans
Module 6: Defined Contribution Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Module 7: Plan Types: Group Deferred Profit Sharing Plans
Module 8: Group Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)
Module 9: Non-registered Savings Plans
Module 10: Distribution Options by Plan Type
Module 11: Implications of Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) Guidelines for CAP Stakeholders
Module 12: Life Cycle of a Capital Accumulation Plan – Plan Sponsor Perspective
Module 13: Life Cycle of a Capital Accumulation Plan – Plan Sponsor Perspective (Continued)
Module 14: Life Cycle of a Capital Accumulation Plan Account – Prospecting
Module 15: Life Cycle of a CAP Account – Quoting/Proposing and Selling
Module 16: Life Cycle of a Capital Accumulation Plan Account – Implementing, Servicing and Terminating
Module 17: Ethical Decision Making in Group Retirement Plans
How to Register for the Course
There are two ways to register: through the designated “Company Supervisor/Test Administrator” at your organization, or complete the registration form (online or PDF). The fee for the online course and test is $275. Within three business days after receipt of your registration form and fee, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with login instructions, user name, password and any other pertinent instructions. Note: You must include the “insurance company priority code” or "other" code on all registration forms and communications.
Enrollment is open to individuals that work for CLHIA member and non-member companies.
Additional Links
Course Registration Online Form or [PDF]
How to earn the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) Designation
Company Supervisors and Test Administrators
Contact Information