What is a CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor)?
A CRPC is a professional credential awarded by the College for Financial Planning to advisers who complete its retirement-planning coursework and pass the final exam. The designation indicates specialized training in retirement planning—building retirement income strategies, evaluating employer plans, tax issues in retirement, cash-flow modeling, asset management, and estate considerations—rather than broad, whole-life financial planning.
Key facts (concise)
– Validity and maintenance: The CRPC designation is granted for two years; holders must complete continuing education (CE) and pay renewal fees to remain active.
– CE requirement: 16 hours every two years (verify current rules with the program).
– Typical study time: Expect roughly 90–135 hours of coursework and exam preparation.
– Delivery and access: Training is offered online (live and on-demand), with a student portal that provides readings, videos, quizzes, and live-class access.
– Cost: The enrollment price cited for the program is about $1,350 (industry discounts may apply).
– Exam policy: Candidates must complete the program exam within the institution’s stated enrollment timeframes; additional attempts usually carry a fee (e.g., $100 per retake). Check the provider’s official rules for current deadlines and fees.
– Career impact: Graduates report higher earning potential (the program provider cites an average uplift) and some credit toward CFP education requirements.
What CRPCs do (role, in plain language)
A CRPC-certified advisor focuses on retirement-specific client needs: determining retirement income sources (Social Security, pensions, savings, employer plans), projecting retirement cash flow, advising on tax-efficient withdrawals, coordinating investment strategies for income and longevity risk, and integrating estate-transfer goals. The program emphasizes client-focused problem solving—how to build a retirement “road map” tailored to individual goals and constraints.
How the CRPC program is structured
– Materials: Written modules, streaming lectures, quizzes, and instructor sessions through an online portal.
– Topics covered: retirement income sources, personal savings and employer-sponsored plans, taxes in retirement, cash-flow planning, asset management, estate considerations, and other retirement-specific areas.
– Time expectation: Most candidates study 90–135 hours before sitting the exam.
– Exam window and retakes: Candidates must take the final exam within the provider’s allowed timeframe after enrollment; if you fail, additional attempts usually cost extra. Verify the exact timeline and fees before enrolling.
Checklist: Should you pursue the CRPC?
– I advise or plan to advise clients primarily on retirement issues.
– I want a focused credential (retirement) rather than a general planning credential.
– I can commit ~100 hours of study over a few months (or more intensive study over weeks).
– I’m prepared to pay the course fee and any exam/retake fees.
– I will meet ongoing CE requirements (16 hours every two years, verify current rule).
– I want partial credit toward CFP coursework (the course can exempt some CFP program requirements).
If most answers are yes, the CRPC may fit your goals; confirm details on the provider’s site before enrolling.
How long will it take? (practical planning)
– Typical estimate: 90–135 hours total study.
– Example study plan: 12 weeks × 8.