Certified 401(k) Professional - C(k)P ™ Certification Process

The C(k)P™ designation represents the pinnacle of achievement for the professional Retirement Plan Advisor, recognizing a combination of substantial practical retirement plan management experience, and the completion of a comprehensive and highly specialized educational program. To earn the right to use the C(k)P™ designation requires more than just academic aptitude. A financial professional must have demonstrated real world application of the core competencies taught in the classroom.

Pre-enrollment evaluation and program participation:
The time to earn your C(k)P™ designation varies but is expected to take one to two years, depending on your previous experience and proficiently in the field of retirement plan management. Training involves a blend of class room course work, self study, and online learning modalities. Program placement and duration is determined by such criteria as years of previous retirement plan experience, number of plans and assets under management and other contributing factors.

Each applicant’s starting placement in the program will be evaluated based on the student application prior to enrollment.

Pre C(k)P™ Certificate Program:
For candidates with entry level to moderate previous industry experience:
The Pre C(k)P™ Certificate program is the educational prerequisite for earning the C(k)P™ designation and takes approximately one year to complete. Completion of the Pre C(k)P™ program earns the candidate a Certificate of Completion, 401(k) Core Competencies from The Retirement Advisor University at UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education.

Upon completion of the Pre C(k)P™ program, the professional becomes a C(k)P™ designation candidate. Completion of the C(k)P™ designation program and completion of a practical prerequisite is required before a candidate can be awarded the C(k)P™ Designation. The practical requirement is based on real world retirement plan management, and specific experience parameters that have been established by TRAU.

C(K)P™ Designation Program:
For candidates with advanced previous industry experience:
Advisors with substantial previous retirement plan management experience may qualify to enter directly into the C(k)P™ designation program based on specific criteria which has been pre-determined by TRAU. The C(k)P™ designation program takes approximately one year to complete. Program completion requires a testing process and submission of a case study.

Upon completion of the educational and practical requisites of the C(k)P™, candidates are conferred the C(k)P™ Designation from UCLA Anderson Executive Education with rights to use the credentials on business cards and marketing materials.