NAPA Credential

NAPA Qualified 401(k) Specialist

The NAPA Qualified 401(k) Specialist (N(k)S™) credential - developed by some of the nation’s leading advisors and retirement plan experts - demonstrates your knowledge, expertise and commitment to selling and working with clients on defined contribution retirement plans.

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What is the N(k)S?

The N(k)S™ credential program provides education to expand skills and knowledge of 401(k) plans to ensure they are set up correctly and maintained properly throughout all stages.

Expand Your Role

Client-facing professionals who earn their N(k)S™ will be able to demonstrate knowledge of 401(k) regulatory requirements and communicate with plan sponsors, advisors, and participants about principles such as vesting and plan design options.

Proven Expertise

Drive Sales

Increased Skills & Confidence

Who should enroll?

Client Relationship Managers for Advisor Teams from these NAPA Firm Partners are eligible to take the N(k)S™ credential program. If you are not part of one of the eligible NAPA Firm Partners, you can take ASPPA’s Qualified 401(k) Specialist (QKS™) credential program.

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* For group pricing, please contact our Sales Team.

Modules and Learning Objectives

Plan Types

Describe the types of defined contribution plans
Identify the types of defined benefit plans
Explain the retirement plans tailored for small employers
Understand the features of 403(b) plans

Plan Qualifications

Describe the roles of the federal government in the oversight of retirement plans
Describe how ERISA impacts qualified plans
Explain the consequences of disqualification under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC)
Distinguish between different types of plan documents

Service Providers, MEPs, and PEPs

Explain the roles of various service providers
Differentiate between bundled and unbundled service models
Explain the fundamental concepts of Multiple Employer Plans (MEPs) and Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs)

Eligibility and Vesting

Describe the maximum eligibility criteria to a plan sponsor
Identify an employee’s eligibility and entry date for a plan or portion of a plan
Explain the consequences of using class exclusions
Explain vesting and forfeitures

Contributions

Describe the types of employee contributions that may be made to a plan
Describe the types of employer contributions that may be made to a plan
Explain how compensation is defined and used for plan administration
Describe the timing of making employee deferrals and employer contributions
Understand the various contribution and deduction limits

Annual Administration and Nondiscrimination

Explain the annual plan administration cycle
Explain the top-heavy requirements and key employees
Define highly compensated employees (HCES) and non-highly compensated employees (NHCES)
Identify the types of contributions included in the actual deferral percentage (ADP) and actual contribution percentage (ACP) tests
Explain to a plan sponsor the methods used to correct failed ADP and ACP tests
Summarize a plan’s coverage and nondiscrimination requirements

Distributions and Loans

Identify the different forms of distributions and the special rules applicable to each form
Understand the tax withholding requirements and the difference between Roth and pre-tax distributions
Summarize the hardship withdrawal rules
Identify participants who must take required minimum distributions (RMDs)
Define a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO)
Explain the rules and tax implications of Roth conversions
Discuss common loan provisions

Modules and Learning Objectives

Fiduciary Responsibility

Identify named fiduciaries
Explain the fiduciary standards and obligations for plan management
Identify the most common types of plan fee structures
Classify expenses as payable and not payable by plan assets
Describe the differences between the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFCP) and the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS)

Reporting and Disclosures

Identify which plans are subject to Title I of ERISA and the applicable reporting requirements
Determine which Form 5500 is filed based on the type and size of the plan
Explain the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Correction Program (DFVCP)
Summarize plan audit requirements
Describe participant notices/disclosures and when they are required to be provided

Adopting Plans and Tax Credits

Identify the timing rules involved in adopting retirement plans
Recognize the essential steps involved in adopting a retirement plan
Understand the different tax credits available for employers when a new plan is established
Explain the significance of retroactive contributions

Plan Design

Understand the different types of business structures
Explain the plan design process for both small and mid-large sized businesses
List considerations when formulating plan designs for both small and mid-large sized businesses

Takeovers, Conversions, and Plan Terminations

List various reasons why a plan sponsor may want to change service providers
Explain the process for transitioning to a new service provider as a plan sponsor
Differentiate between the terms take-over and conversion
Explain the termination process of qualified retirement plans

The Sales Process

Identify potential clients and opportunities through referral channels
Identify businesses that are ideal candidates for initiating new retirement plans

Ethics

Identify actions that may violate the American Retirement Association Code of Professional Conduct
Describe the circumstances that may result in an ethical dilemma and the steps that should be taken when confronted with one

N(k)S Candidate Handbook

Detailed information on how to earn this credential.

NAPA CE Policy Guide

Everything you need to know about earning CE.

NAPA Exam Policy

Detailed document for taking any credential exam with NAPA.

Who is the N(k)S program for?

What does it take to complete the N(k)S program?

What is the cost for the N(k)S program?

What are the prerequisites to earn the N(k)S?

Once earned, how do I maintain the N(k)S credential?

Do I have to take the exam, or can I just take the education program?

Learning is a worthy goal. Anyone can complete all or part of the education without taking the exam. However, we encourage all industry professionals to take the exam to confirm their mastery of the subject matter and to make them eligible to earn the credential.

Note: You cannot gain access to the education without buying the exam, so you will have access to it regardless of whether you choose to complete the exam or not.

Can I just purchase the final exam(s)?

When, where, and how long do I have to take the exam?

All NAPA credentialed examinations, including the N(k)S™, are delivered through an online proctoring examination system.
Because the exams are included in the package purchase, candidates will not be enrolled in their exam immediately. This built-in delay ensures candidates have sufficient time to complete the study modules.
Complete this form to request access to your proctored exam. Once enrolled you are committed to taking your exam within 90 days. This cannot be undone.
Candidates will then receive instructions via email to access their exam within the three business days after their enrollment request. Candidates will have three full months after the month of their enrollment to complete their examination.

How much CE will I earn?

How is my N(k)S credential date determined?

I'm a broker-dealer and I'm interested in approving this designation for my advisors. How can I obtain additional information?

Do I need broker-dealer approval to use the N(k)S on marketing materials?

How can I confirm my N(k)S credential status?

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About

NAPA Qualified 401(k) Specialist

What is the N(k)S?

Expand Your Role

What does this mean for you?

Who should enroll?

Curriculum

Exam Crams

Enrollment Code: FallNKSExamCram25

Modules and Learning Objectives

Modules and Learning Objectives

Resources

FAQ