C3

[Guest 401kWorker]

Can anyone provide some ideas as to how much more difficult or how much more study is required for the C3 V's the C2DB ? Also is it worthwhile for an adminstartor to take this exam ? I have heard it is geared more towards consultants ?

[AndyH]

I would say the study time is at least double because the reading is brutal. It's hundreds of pages of prohibited transactions and then lots more of exemptions. But then you discover that all that reading is just a small portion of the material covered. But, I found the reading to be a great way to fall asleep.

I think you'd find the material to be very helpful from an administrative perspective. It teaches you to look at things more globally.

I think the C-4 exam was more consultant-oriented.

[Guest 401kWorker]

Thanks for your help, I am weighing up the pros and cons of finishing the C3 & C4 versus completing the NIPA APA designation with their courses 4,5 & 6. I found some old threads in regards to this but are there any fresh opinions on the differences between these two paths ? I am trying to relocate to Phoenix so perhaps given NIPA's membership concentration out West their APA may be more beneficial ?

[Sue H]

Dunno about NIPA but I think C3 was about comparable in effort to C2DB for me. Then again, I had to "unlearn" some of the things I did when administering DB plans in order to follow the methods being used in the study materials.

The weekend course was a huge help.

Not being in a direct administration position (I test benefits software) it's hard to keep in touch and the concepts C3 covered gave me a lot of insight into what people are doing "out there" and why.

Started readings for C4 but got sidetracked, guess that will have to wait for another year. Now THAT's a ton of reading!!!

Sue