Purpose of this document

To provide an overview of the purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee

The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee was created to deliver the defining and distinguishing designation for Retirement Plan Professionals. This designation has taken shape in the C(k)P® Designation Certified 401(k) Professional. The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee is an independent body of professionals that sets the standards and policies for Retirement Plan Professionals. The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee oversees the standards and delivery of the premiere designation for Retirement Plan Professionals, the Certified 401(k) Professional, the C(k)P® Designation.

The foundation of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee is the Certified 401(k) Professional certification. The C(k)P® Designation distinguishes Retirement Plan Professionals who have met standards in experience, education, ethics and examinations.

Every Retirement Plan Professional who achieves the C(k)P® Designation has a minimum of three years’ experience in the financial services and/or retirement plan industry, undergoes an extensive background check, agrees to adhere to the standards of ethics and the disciplinary policies and has successfully completed the C(k)P® Designation Examination.

The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee is an independent body within The Retirement Advisor University which has been established by the Governance Committee. The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee makes all the final decisions regarding standards, evaluations, and qualifications pertaining to the C(k)P® “Certified 401(k) Professional” designation. This includes the creation of various committees to act as an agent of or on behalf of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee.

The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee consists of representatives from each of the following stake holder groups:

Members are appointed by the Executive Director of The Retirement Advisor University and serve a one year term with the exception of the chairman who serves a three year term.

Chairman of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee is a non-voting position except in the event of a tie. In the case of a tie, the chairman will have one vote. After articles are debated by members of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee, each member receives one vote. After voting is complete, the chairman will weigh the opinions, votes and decisions of The C(k) P® Standards & Certification Committee members and draft a formal decision on each article and item voted upon. The formal decision drafted by the chairman will be considered the final and official position of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee. Formal decisions will be presented at the next meeting of The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee or sent by email.