The PRP Designation

What are the benefits of obtaining the PRP designation?

A PRP designee will gain access to:
  • A designee listing on PLANSPONSOR.com and in PLANSPONSOR magazine;
  • Free access to PLANSPONSOR's "Plugged In" series of Web-based presentations on current topics and regulatory developments;
  • Free subscriptions to PLANSPONSOR's NewsDash and PLANADVISERdash online news services;
  • Free PLANSPONSOR magazine subscription for designee and selected plan clients of the designee;
  • Free PLANADVISER magazine subscription for designee
  • Automatic nomination for PLANSPONSOR's annual Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year award;

What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining the PRP designation?

To earn the PRP designation, a candidate must satisfy requirements involving:
  • Professional experience,
  • Coursework,
  • Final examination,
  • Business character,
  • Continuing education.

Professional Experience - A successful candidate must have five years of direct retirement industry sales, service, and/or support experience. The PRP Advisory Board will evaluate each candidate's years of experience to determine whether they are of an appropriate nature.

Online Coursework - Prior to participating in instructor-led classes, a successful candidate must attend online Web-based courses hosted by PLANSPONSOR Institute, and designed to prepare candidates for the instructor-led training session and final examination.

Instructor Led Training Session - A PRP candidate must attend an instructor-led, multiple-day training session on dates and at a location predetermined by PLANSPONSOR Institute and, if applicable, a sponsoring organization. This instructor-led training is designed to be "interactive" and will feature case studies and group best practices exercises.

Final Examination - Each candidate must sit for a proctored, 100-item final examination held at the conclusion of the multiple-day training session, and obtain a passing score of 70% or better. Should a candidate fail to receive a passing score, retesting is possible at PLANSPONSOR-designated locations. A 60-day waiting period is required before retesting is permitted.An additional fee may apply.

Professional Reference - Each PRP candidate must submit a letter of reference that attests to his or her qualifications for certification.

Signed Ethics Statement - Each PRP candidate must sign the PLANSPONSOR Institute's PRP Code of Ethics to verify that the individual pledges to maintain a high standard of conduct, competency, knowledge, professionalism, integrity, objectivity, and responsibility in the practice of his or her profession.

Continuing Education - On an ongoing basis, PRPs must complete 12 hours of continuing education each year, on an anniversary-year basis. The requirement may be fulfilled by participating in PLANSPONSOR's Web-based presentations and conferences, or through industry-related conferences and courses approved by PLANSPONSOR Institute.

What is the location of the instructor-led training session?

The multiple-day, instructor-led training session will be held on dates and at a location predetermined by PLANSPONSOR Institute and, if applicable, the sponsoring organization.

What is the timeline for obtaining the PRP designation?

Typically, a PRP candidate will complete the designation program in four weeks. During the first three weeks, candidates must set aside time to attend two Web-based presentations. During the final week, candidates must attend a multiple-day (typically two-day) training session on dates and at a location determined by PLANSPONSOR Institute.

How does one enroll in the PRP designation program?

The enrollment process depends upon whether the candidate is part of a class that is sponsored by a financial organization, or is self-enrolled.

Organizational Enrollment

STEP 1 Potential candidates receive an invitation from their sponsoring organization to participate in its sponsored PRP designation program.

STEP 2 Interested candidates register by submitting their names, e-mail addresses, and other pertinent information to their sponsoring organizations.

STEP 3 The sponsoring organization remits the list of candidates' names and e-mail addresses to PLANSPONSOR Institute.

STEP 4 PLANSPONSOR Institute issues a welcoming e-mail to all candidates that provides information on

  • accessing the designation Web page,
  • how to fulfill requirements,
  • receiving study materials,
  • log-in information for the Web-based sessions, and
  • dates and location for the instructor-led training session.

Self-Enrollment
Candidates who wish to enroll on their own should e-mail prpinfo@plansponsor.com.

How may a financial organization sponsor a group of professionals for the PRP designation program?

A financial organization may sponsor a group of employees by contacting:
The PLANSPONSOR Institute - Independent Thought Leadership for the Retirement Plan Industry