Press Release

ASPPA Launches Refreshed Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course

Issued by ASPPA [American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries]

Apr. 16, 2026

ASPPA is pleased to announce that it has launched a refreshed and updated Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course.

“Our team focused on content and design with this refresh. The course brings a more modern, engaging environment with opportunities to apply the latest guidance and rules. Members can expect more of this format for future ASPPA programs,” Karen Barley, MS Ed, Chief Learning Officer of the American Retirement Association, said of the update to the course.

What the Course Provides

The Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course provides a structured introduction to the core concepts of retirement plan administration. 

The Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course is organized into six fully interactive and concise online modules that have clear objectives, embedded knowledge checks, and scenario-based learning. To optimize flow of information and ease of use, there are no separate PDFs, and users won’t have to flip between tabs as they use the material.

The course provides real-world administration skills and are built around the work you do every day. Topics covered include:

• Plan design, eligibility, and enrollment
• Contributions and distribution rules
• Participant loan administration
• Compliance fundamentals and operational responsibilities

Now Even Better

The updated version reflects and incorporates current law and regulation. The SECURE 2.0 Act, the revised compensation limits and benefits thresholds the IRS sets, the updated rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs), the latest guidance from the Department of Labor — they are all there.

And the updated course now only takes 4-5 hours of seat time to complete!

What You Can Earn

With the Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course, you can earn:

• 10 continuing education (CE) points towards ASPPA, NAPA, NTSA, and PSCA relevant topics upon completion
• 10 CE points towards the Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent (ERPA) designation

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re building core expertise or preparing for an ASPPA credential for the first time, the Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course is where the journey starts.

Finding out More

More information about the Retirement Plan Fundamentals Certificate Course is available here.

More information about the full range of certificates and credentials ASPPA offers is available here.

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