A Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) is an elite financial designation that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of complex retirement planning issues. The CRPC designation is awarded by the College for Financial Planning, after a rigorous educational study program is completed.

It takes a great deal of dedication to complete the CRPC program and become a certified Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. This program dives into retirement income sources, personal savings and investments, income taxes and estate planning. All of these topics are covered in great detail, to prepare counselors for a wide range of retirement planning scenarios.

Receiving the CRPC designation allows individuals to join a special group of financial advisors and and equip them with the specialized knowledge and skills to better serve their clients. Along with this, will come increased earning potentials and opportunities to advance in their retirement planning careers. The College of Financial Planning reports that individuals with the CRPC designation bring in 9% more income than their peers without the designation.

In order to become a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, individuals must successfully complete five courses and the Capstone Course. The required courses include:

• Foundations of Retirement Planning • Social Security Planning • Retirement Plan Distribution Rules • Advanced Retirement Planning • Investment Planning and Risk Considerations

The Capstone Course is the final piece of the puzzle, the cornerstone of all of the acquired knowledge and skills. It is designed to evaluate the students’ intellectual capabilities to comprehend and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the program.

The CRPC designation is only granted to individuals who have met the educational and knowledge requirements as necessary for a successful Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. With this designation, individuals can earn the trust of their clients and help them better understand the complex world of retirement planning. Beyond that, the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor has the tools they need to extend sound retirement planning advice and set their clients up for successful financial futures.