• Home
  • Curriculum
  • Pricing
  • Testimonials
  • FAQs
  • For Individuals
  • For Teams
ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)
  • Home
  • Curriculum
  • Pricing
  • Testimonials
  • FAQs
  • For Individuals
  • For Teams

Learn More About Earning the QKA® Credential

For Me
For My Team

Develop the technical skills needed to work with 401(k) plans.

Enjoy mobile-friendly training offered entirely online with a self-paced format.

Take advantage of supplemental material and additional resources, and benefit from incorporated knowledge checks and quizzes — designed to help you learn, retain and apply the information.

Demonstrate to plan sponsors, advisors and colleagues your grasp of 401(k) plans.

Curriculum

The Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA®) program advances knowledge gained in the Retirement Plan Fundamentals certificate course. The QKA® program has two parts — Plan Management, and Testing & Compliance — each comprises nine courses, a practice test and a final proctored exam. Candidates who complete the RPF certificate and achieve passing scores on both QKA® exams may apply for ASPPA credentialed membership with the QKA® credential.

Streamlined Content

Delivered in small chunks, making topics easier to learn and more accessible to less experienced professionals.

Real-Life Examples

Presented through real-life case studies and examples that enhance comprehension and knowledge retention.

Resource Materials

Supplemented with additional reference materials and brief quizzes to test and reinforce newly mastered concepts and information.

Self-Paced

Flexible study schedule, including practice tests and culminating in two proctored exams.

Read the QKA® Candidate Handbook
Plan Management
$630 with code SPRING2023QKA1

This package includes:


  • Nine (9) Courses

  • Practice Test

  • Final Exam

 

Plan Management Courses

Plan Types
Learn about different types of tax-preferred retirement plans. Provides a high-level overview of the plan types.

1 CE Credit
Plan Qualification
Learn about the ERISA requirements for qualified retirement plans, the types of plan documents, who governs plan qualification, and about the requirements for qualification and the implications of a plan being disqualified.

1 CE Credit
Employee Contributions
Learn the different ways in which employees may contribute their own money to a 401(k) plan or 403(b) arrangement.

1 CE Credit
Distributions
Learn the rules regarding the timing and form requirements of distributions, as well as the obligations of the participant and the plan administrator.

1 CE Credit
Participant Loans
Learn about participant loans, how to calculate the maximum loan amount available to a participant, and about refinancing rules.

1 CE Credit
Eligibility
Learn about the requirements for allowing employees to participate in retirement plans.

1 CE Credit
Vesting
Learn about the provisions and regulations related to vesting.

1 CE Credit
Employer Contributions
Learn the different ways in which employers may allocate contributions to their retirement plan.

1 CE Credit
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Explore a six-part scenario where a retirement plan committee and a plan manager explore some challenges and the solutions to overcome them with a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan.

1.5 CE Credits

 

Order
Testing & Compliance
$630 with code SPRING2023QKA2

This package includes:


  • Nine (9) Courses

  • Practice Test

  • Final Exam

 

Testing & Compliance Courses

Compensation
Learn the various definitions of compensation needed to operate a 401(k) plan.

1.5 CE Credits
Highly Compensated Employees
Learn what a Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) is and why it is important to be able to identify the HCEs within an organization.

1 CE Credit
Coverage
Learn the various methods of testing coverage and how a failed test may be corrected.

1 CE Credit
Testing Part 1
Learn about special tests that measure how much HCEs can put into a retirement plan compared to the amounts contributed by NHCEs. These special tests, known as the ADP and ACP tests, prevent 401(k) plans from disproportionately favoring the HCEs and owners of a company.

1 CE Credit
Testing Part 2
Build on your knowledge from Part 1 on the ADP testing methods and apply it to the ACP test. We will also delve into the available options when correcting a failed ADP or ACP test.

1 CE Credit
Top Heavy Plans and Key Employees
Learn how to determine who is a Key Employee, how to calculate if a plan is top-heavy, and how to calculate the amount of the top-heavy contribution.

1.5 CE Credits
Form 5500 & Government Reporting
Learn about Form 5500: what it is, the different types, those exempt from filing, schedules, SARs, and Form 8955-SSA. You will also learn about the filing and auditing process and fidelity bonds.

1 CE Credit
Plan Disclosures
Follow along as plan managers discuss disclosures pertaining to 401(k) plans with HR Reps and an Education Specialist fielding questions from participants.

1 CE Credit
Ethics
Gain an introduction to ethical scenarios, and learn the responses and actions necessary to protect your reputation as a 401(k) professional.

1 CE Credit

 

Order
QKA-1 Schedule
QKA-1 Package
QKA-1 Exam
QKA-2 Schedule
QKA-2 Package
QKA-2 Exam

Bulk Discounts Available!

For 10+ users, contact Tiffany Hanks at 703-516-9300 x 130.


Want expert coaching?

Our classrooms with Bob KaplanBob Kaplan, CFP, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA®, provide the tips and training you need to succeed.

Enrollment Instructions:

1.Purchase QKA-1 (Plan Management) and/or QKA-2 (Testing & Compliance)

2. Go to araeducation.learnupon.com

3. Type in your username and password

4. Type in the enrollment code for the classroom you wish to attend

Spring QKA-1 Virtual Classroom

Enrollment Code: Spring2023QKA1Bootcamp

Part 1: Wed., March 22 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 2: Wed., April 5 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 3: Wed., April 19 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET
Part 4: Wed., May 3 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET

Spring QKA-2 Virtual Classroom

Enrollment Code: Spring2023QKA2Bootcamp

Part 1: Thurs., March 23 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 2: Thurs., April 6 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 3: Thurs., April 20 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET
Part 4: Thurs., May 4 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET

Fall QKA-1 Virtual Classroom

Enrollment Code: Fall2023QKA1Bootcamp

Part 1: Wed., September 20 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 2: Wed., October 4 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 3: Wed., October 18 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET
Part 4: Wed., November 1 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET

Fall QKA-2 Virtual Classroom

Enrollment Code: Fall2023QKA2Bootcamp

Part 1: Thurs., September 21 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 2: Thurs., October 5 | 2 p.m.–2:50 p.m. ET
Part 3: Thurs., October 19 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET
Part 4: Thurs., November 2 | 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. ET


Additional Resources:

  • 2023 QKA-1 Recommended Study Schedule
  • 2023 QKA-2 Recommended Study Schedule
  • ASPPA CE Policy
  • ASPPA Examination Policy
  • ASPPA Exam Disciplinary Procedures
  • Credentialed Membership Application
  • Education Program Registration Form
  • ASPPA Exam Extension Policy
  • ASPPA Exam Extension Request Form

First Impressions of the New QKA® Program

  • I have been in the business for 10 years and have been afraid of taking the QKA exams because of the daunting study guides. I do not study well that way. But, these new online courses make it so much easier — and alleviate my anxiety about taking the exams. (I hate to fail.) The practical examples helped me understand the material and make me feel confident I can, in fact, take and pass the exams.

    Mayling Diaz, plan administrator, implementation manager, EJReynolds, Inc.
  • I finished my first QKA course yesterday. I thought it was fantastic! I took the Eligibility course, and the visual representations of the more complicated concepts were particularly helpful … kick-starting my memory of the details around the topic (e.g., eligibility dates & and the first-year vs. the second-year/plan year).

    Lorinda Gettel, learning & development specialist, The Standard
  • I’ve been trying to study DC-1 [the first course in the traditional QKA program] for a while now and purposely distract myself because the reading material isn’t engaging and is very dry. This course, however, was enjoyable and I feel more confident discussing a coverage failure with my client.

    Senior Technical Consultant
  • Coverage testing is a concept sometimes hard to learn. The course gave great examples and definitions of excludable and non-excludable employees.

    Plan administrator

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the QKA® program for?
The QKA® program is for people in client-facing and 401(k) administration roles that require a technical understanding of 401(k) plans. The QKA® program helps by teaching technical skills and communication to plan sponsors so retirement plan professionals can “Work Smarter.”

A typical QKA® works at a recordkeeper, Third Party Administrator (TPA) or consulting group as a client service manager, sales representative, relationship manager, account manager, compliance tester, plan administrator, team leader or other role that interacts daily with the technical aspects of 401(k) plans.

Is there a prerequisite to take the QKA® program?
There are no prerequisites to take QKA® courses. However, candidates who wish to apply for the QKA® credential must satisfy the prerequisites and complete an ASPPA credentialed member application.
What does it take to complete the QKA® program?
The QKA® program is a rigorous education program for retirement plan professionals. The 18 topical courses will take 1–2 hours each. The 18 courses are divided into two packages of 9 courses. Each package has a practice test and a proctored final exam.
What is the cost for the QKA® program?

Package

Price

Plan Management
Includes nine (9) courses, practice test, and final exam

$800

Order
Testing & Compliance
Includes nine (9) courses, practice test, and final exam

$800

Order

Bulk discounts available! For 10+ users, contact Tiffany Hanks at 703.304.1550 Ext. 130

How do I get started?
The QKA packages — which consist of online courses, practice tests and final exams — are available for order!
What are the prerequisites to earn the QKA® credential?
  1. Three years of experience working in the retirement plan industry
    Or (for those with less than three years of industry experience)
    Complete the Retirement Plan Fundamentals certificate course
  2. Pass both the Plan Management, and Testing & Compliance final exams
  3. Apply for the credential
How do I apply for the QKA® credential?
  1. Apply for ASPPA credentialed membership.
  2. Pay the ASPPA credentialed membership fee.
Once earned, how do I maintain the QKA® credential?
All ASPPA credentialed members must acquire 40 hours of continuing education (CE) credits (two of which must be ethics) within a two-year cycle, and renew their ASPPA membership annually.

QKA Handbook
What type of exam does a candidate need to pass to earn the credential?
QKA® exams are 75-question proctored exams.
Do I have to take the exams, 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 exams. However, we encourage all industry professionals to take the exams to confirm their mastery of the subject matter and to make them eligible to earn the credential.
Do I have to take the courses or practice test before sitting for the final exam?
While not required, we encourage all industry professionals take the associated courses to help hone their skills. The practice tests are designed to assess your readiness to take the final exam.
Can I purchase just the final exam(s)?
Your order includes a complimentary exam registration that is good for 180 days. The exams may also be purchased separately in the Marketplace.
When and where can I take the exam?
  • All ASPPA credentialed examinations, including QKA-1 and QKA-2, are delivered through an online proctoring examination system.
  • Since the exams are included in the Package purchase, candidates will not be immediately enrolled in their exam. This is to ensure sufficient time to complete the study modules.
  • Once ready to enroll in the exam, candidates should do so by clicking ‘Enroll’ on their exam within their Catalog in Learning Activities.
  • Candidates will then receive instructions via email to access their exam within the three business days following their enrollment request. Candidates will have three full months following the month of their enrollment to complete their examination.
How much CE will I earn?
QKA-1 9.5 CE
QKA-2 10 CE
How is my QKA® credential date determined?
Your QKA® credential date is based on your most recent QKA® credential approval date, including reinstatements.
Order

 

 

  • American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA)
  • 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22203
  • 703-516-9300
  • customercare@asppa-net.org
  • Curriculum
  • Pricing
  • Testimonials
  • Frequently Asked Questions

 Order

Bulk discounts available!
For 10+ users, contact
Tiffany Hanks at
703.304.1550 Ext. 130

Copyright © 2023 · American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) · All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use