Accreditation

The SPARK Education Committee recognizes individual proficiency in the retirement savings plan industry with two professional designation programs:

SPARK APRC The SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Consultant (ARPC) designation is awarded to sales and marketing professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge required to provide employers and employees with plan information.
 
SPARK APRS The SPARK Accredited Retirement Plan Specialist (ARPS) designation is earned by administrative and record keeping professionals who have demonstrated their proficiency in plan operations.

The following important information contains the requirements for SPARK accreditation:

You earn accreditation by successfully completing course work and examinations.

The ARPC designation requires:
  • Completion of the core online curriculum of the U.S. Defined Contribution Plans Overview Course
  • Attendance at an interactive 1-day classroom session

The ARPS designation may be satisfied in one of the following ways:
  • Completion of the core online curriculum and attendance at an interactive 2-day classroom session
  • Completion of the 5-day classroom program, of the U.S. Defined Contribution Plans Overview Course
  • OR
  • Completion of an examination for those candidates who already hold a Certificate of Completion for the U.S. Defined Contribution Plans Overview Course.
As an accredited professional, you must maintain your continuing education by attending one of the following:
  • Semi-annual online presentations on current trends in the industry
  • A SPARK conference
In addition to the knowledge and skills gained through SPARK educational programs, your accreditation also entitles you to:
  • The right to publish your designation on business cards, stationery and other professional documents
  • Verification of your designation on the SPARK website
  • Online access to a resource manual with automatic semi-annual updates
  • Discounts on all SPARK educational programs

More than 900 retirement services professionals have been accredited through SPARK. Click here for a list of those who have agreed to have their names published.

For information concerning accreditation and courses, contact:

Valerie Henry
Professional Development Solutions, LLC
101 Camden Road
Narrangansett, RI 02882
(401) 284-0734
Email : vhenry@profdevsolutions.com