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CPSP™ FAQs


How do I earn the Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP)™credential?

To be eligible for the CPSP™, a candidate must have at least 2 years of experience in a plan sponsor role, pass the CPSP™ credential exam and ascribe to the PSCA/ARA Professional Code of Conduct.


Is there a prep course to help me study to earn the CPSP™Credential?

Yes, PSCA has created an 8 course education program to help plan sponsors learn what will be covered on the final exam.


What content is covered in the CPSP™ Education Program/Exam?

  • Course 1: Plan Types and Considerations for Plan Design
  • Course 2: Introduction to Plan Operations
  • Course 3: Behavioral Finance and Employee Engagement
  • Course 4: Your Fiduciary Duties
  • Course 5: Investment Concepts
  • Course 6: Vendor Management
  • Course 7: Advanced Concepts in Plan Operations
  • Course 8: Testing and Compliance

How do I get access to the CPSP™ Education Program and Exam?

PSCA offers two ways to enroll in the education program, either a self-paced course or you can join a virtual classroom. To get enrolled in the self-paced program or signup for the virtual classroom waitlist fill out this form.


How long does it take to complete the CPSP™ Education Program?

There are 8 courses in the program with a seat time of around 2.5 hours per course.


How many CE is provided by completing the CPSP™ Education Program

  • ASPPA CE – 16 hours
  • HRCI®/SHRM® - 24 hours*

*SHRM®/HRCI® designation holders can earn up to 24 hours of CE towards their SHRM®/HRCI® credentials when participating in a Virtual Classroom by completing all prep course materials and virtual sessions, or by completing the self-pace prep course materials and watching the optional recorded sessions in the Self-Paced Program.


Do I have to take the education program to take the exam?

No, plan sponsor learners are not required to take the education program to enroll in the exam, but it is strongly recommended.


Is there a cost associated with the CPSP™ Education Program or credential exam?

No, both are complimentary thanks to the generous support of our education partners.


What is the format of the CPSP™ Credential Exam?

The CPSP™ credential exam is a 70-multiple choice open book exam. Candidates will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam which is available on the PSCA Learning Portal. Once enrolled in the exam, candidates will have access for a 2-week period, if additional access is required, please reach out to our team.


I passed the CPSP™ Exam, how do I apply for the designation?

Congratulations, after passing the exam, you should have been presented with the application form to fill out. If you missed it you can complete the application here.


I am a current CPSP™ Holder. How do I maintain my designation?

CPSP™ credential holders are required to earn 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits each period. please refer to the CPSP™ Candidate Handbook for more detailed information. Also you can see our Detailed CE instructions.


Are there any on-going fees?

Yes, CPSP™ credential holders are required to pay a $175 annual credential maintenance fee beginning January 1 following the year the designation is earned. Credentials earned in December are deemed to be earned in the following calendar year for purposes of this rule.


Are there programs available to support the CPSP™ CE requirements?

Yes. You can earn CE by watching PSCA webcasts, which are held throughout the year, watching on-demand recordings of prior webcasts, attending Plan Sponsor Roundtables and by attending PSCA's National Conference (which on a standalone basis would generally fulfill the requirements).


I am an advisor - How do I review the CPSP™ education program before sharing it with my plan sponsor clients?

Please note: only plan sponsors and the other employer-based benefits professionals who meet the program requirements as articulated in the CPSP™ Candidate Handbook are eligible to take the exam and to earn the credential. Enroll in the Demo to see what the learning experience is like.


I am a service provider, how do I get my clients involved in the CPSP™ Education Program?

PSCA offers two ways to enroll in the education program, either a self-paced course or you can join a virtual classroom. To enroll in the self-paced program or signup for the virtual classroom waitlist fill out this form. If you would like to sponsor a virtual classroom, please contact our sales team