RPA 1 Retirement Plan Design (CEBS Course 3)
This is a required course for the RPA and CEBS designations.
Note: This course was revised in the 4th quarter of 2007.
This course focuses on individual retirement needs, employer-sponsored programs, and plan design considerations. The differences in defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) approaches are detailed. Additionally, an overview of various types of retirement plans, the primary provisions of Social Security, the fundamental characteristics of tax-qualified plans, and the workings of distinct types of DC plans are explained. The course examines prevalent retirement plan offerings in various labor market settings. An in-depth examination of 401(k) plans is provided, with additional coverage of the unique features of 403(b) and 457 plans found in the nonprofit and public sectors. Requirements mandated by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 also are included in the course.
Study Materials
- Learning Guide, includes Practice Exam on CD (PC only), $145.00.
- Retirement Plans, 10th edition, Everett T. Allen, Joseph J. Melone, Jerry S. Rosenbloom and Dennis F. Mahoney. McGraw-Hill, 2008. ISBN 978-0-07-337742-1, $172.00.
Note: The same text is used in RPA 2 Retirement Plan Management (CEBS Course 4).
May meet CE Credit Requirements
Click here for ACE Credit Recommendation.
Enrichment Reading:
401(k) Answer Book, 2010 Edition
2010 Pension Answer Book
Assignment Topics
- Private Retirement Plan and Social Security Development
- Understanding Retirement Risks
- Retirement Plan Design
- Defined Contribution vs. Defined Benefit Structures
- Overview of Defined Contribution Plan Structures
- Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans
- Foundations of 401(k) Plans
- 401(k) Practice Issues
- 403(b) Plan Issues
- Section 457 Plans