ASPPA vs. NIPA

[Gadgetfreak]

Just polling the folks on this forum. As a TPA business owner, If you could only pick one of the two organizations for membership, which would it be and why? Thanks in advance.

[Bri]

I kinda look at NIPA designations as "what do THOSE EVEN mean?" compared to ASPPA ones, but I also haven't been consulted to be a TPA owner before.

[Bill Presson]

I've been an ASPPA member since 1989 and I'm very partial to them. I've been active in a lot of different areas. I was also a NIPA member from 1990 through 2022. Never felt I got as much from it.

[Gadgetfreak]

I was active in ASPPA in the past, but not so much anymore. I don't attend conferences and don't pay for their webcasts. I also feel I am finished with my formal educational aspirations regarding credentials. I saw some perks on NIPA: Membership Categories & Benefits - National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA). I might actually save enough money to make the membership cost inconsequential. They also have similar training modules for my staff. In fact, NIPA seems to have more options (at least with their certificates). I just don't know if they are as "prestigious". I could get credential reciprocity, but I don't know which credentials are more prestigious - an I certainly wouldn't advertise both. Thanks.

[RatherBeGolfing]

I have heard that NIPA has a good group for owners/management, but I can't speak to it first hand.  I never got much out of ASPPAs counterpart.

Depending on how many credentialed folks you need pay for, NIPA is less expensive.

ASPPA has an edge in education and credentials.  

ASPPA's advocacy / government affairs tip the scales for me.  I put a lot of time into it, but I also get a lot out of it.

[Retired, but still reading]

As an owner - you ought to be in ASPPA.  For staff, it depends on where they're at - NIPA might provide an milder on-ramp, but it's been awhile ...

If you're an owner, you ought to join or start a study group - cost is zero or minimal and payback is huge!

[Gadgetfreak]

Interesting, because I have heard great things about the NIPA owner's group and conference. I haven't seen as much with ASPPA.

[PamR]

I know NIPA exists but I have no idea what credentials they offer.  I have been a member of ASPPA since 1989 and I've always thought of NIPA as an ASPPA want to be, smaller and not as prestigious.  I imagine NIPA is less expensive, but there is likely a reason for that.....

 

[Paul I]

FYI, ASPPA has Benefits Councils around the country and accessible in most metropolitan areas.  Some are active and others not so much.  If you are near an active ABC, it likely offers local programming and educational opportunities that are in-person (=interactive, better learning experience) and that are less expensive.  ASPPA membership is not required to participate in an ABC.  It is worth checkout. 

You can learn more here: https://www.asppa.org/about/abcs

[thepensionmaven]

Totally agree with Bill Presson.