Introduction to Group Retirement in Canada

What is a finalist presentation? What is a defined benefit plan? What is a CAP?

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.  Finally, ethical considerations and responsibilities are examined from the perspectives of all parties involved in a group retirement arrangement.

Learning Objective

The Introduction to Group Retirement Plans in Canada 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 Introduction to Group Retirement Plans in Canada Course?

• Individuals needing a basic understanding of the group retirement business
• 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 20 hours. There are 11 modules - each of which 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.  

The Introduction to Group Retirement Plans in Canada 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 Introduction to Group Retirement Plans Course is not permitted.  You have three opportunities to pass a 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 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.

Introduction to Group Retirement Plans in Canada Course Modules 

Module Descriptions

Module 1: What is Retirement?
Module 2: Investments 101
Module 3: Government Programs and Individual Approaches to Retirement Savings
Module 4: Group Retirement and Savings Plans
Module 5: Plan Types:  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 a Capital Accumulations Plan (CAP), Guidelines for CAP Stakeholders
Module 12: Life Cycle of a CAP--Plan Sponsor Perspective
Module 13: Life Cycle of a CAP--Plan Sponsor Perspective (cont.)
Module 14: Ethical Decision Making in Group Retirement Plans

How to Register for the Course

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. 

About This Course

The content for this online course is taken from the Canadian Group Retirement Plans Online Primer Course developed by Dalhousie University under the stewardship of the group insurance industry, specifically for those selling group retirement products and services.  Unlike the Primer course, the Introduction to Group Retirement Plans in Canada does not include those modules addressing the specifics on the Life Cycle of a Capital Accumulation Plan Account covering prospecting, quoting/proposing/selling, implementation and service to termination from the insurer’s perspective.  If you work for a member company of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), and you need to meet the proficiency standards, you should view the information on the Canadian Group Retirement Primer on the CEBS Web site:  www.ifebp.org/canadianprimer.

We would like to acknowledge the CLHIA and the Member Companies of CLHIA for their financial support, sharing their vision and expertise and working with Dalhousie University to develop the course content and tests. 

Additional Links

Course Registration (online or pdf)
How to earn the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) Designation
Continuing Education Credit
Contact Information