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.
Plan Management
$800
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
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
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
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
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
1 CE Credit
Eligibility
Learn about the requirements for allowing employees to participate in retirement plans.
1 CE Credit
1 CE Credit
Vesting
Learn about the provisions and regulations related to vesting.
1 CE Credit
1 CE Credit
Employer Contributions
Learn the different ways in which employers may allocate contributions to their retirement plan.
1 CE Credit
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
1.5 CE Credits
Testing & Compliance
$800
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
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
1 CE Credit
Coverage
Learn the various methods of testing coverage and how a failed test may be corrected.
1 CE Credit
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
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
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
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
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
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
1 CE Credit
Exam Cram Information
Get the tips and training you need to succeed. Bob Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA®, Director of Technical Education at the American Retirement Association, offers four hours of expert coaching and motivation to help you master the content and improve your chances of passing the exam.
QKA-1 Exam Cram:
Part 1:
Monday, March 21
11:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Part 2:
Wednesday, March 23
11:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
QKA-2 Exam Cram:
Part 1:
Tuesday, April 19
11:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Part 2:
Thursday, April 21
11:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Bulk discounts available!
For 10+ users, contact Tiffany Hanks at 703-516-9300 x 130.
Timeline
Week 1
Plan Types
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 2
Plan Qualifications
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 3
Employee Contributions
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 4
Distributions
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 5
Participant Loans
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 6
Eligibility
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 7
Vesting
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 8
Employer Contributions
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 9
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
- Complete the online module
- Read the Resource Guide PDF
- Review the additional resources
Week 10
QKA-1 Virtual Exam Cram
- Pass the practice exam
- Study the feedback
- Retake the practice exam
- Enroll in your QKA-1 exam within your Catalog in Learning Activities
Week 11
QKA-1 Proctored Online Exam
Bob Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, director of technical education, offers four hours of expert coaching and motivation to help you master the content and improve your chances of passing the QKA-1 exam.
To learn more and sign up, click here.
Week 12
QKA-1 Proctored Online Exam
You should have received instructions via email on how to access your exam following your enrollment request.
YOU GOT THIS!
First Impressions of the New QKA® Program
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
|
$775 |
|
Testing & Compliance
|
$775 |
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?
- 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 - Pass both the Plan Management, and Testing & Compliance final exams
- Apply for the credential
How do I apply for the QKA® credential?
- Apply for ASPPA credentialed membership.
- 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.
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.
I’m already pursuing the QKA®, and I have passed the DC-1 exam. Can I switch to the new program?
To earn the credential, candidates must complete either the legacy program or the new program in its entirety. Because the curriculum in the legacy program is structured differently from that in the new program, you may not mix and match. Therefore, because you’ve passed the DC-1 exam, it is recommended you complete DC-2. However, you may still elect to switch to the new program — understanding you’ll lose progress gained — in which case you must complete both Plan Management, and Testing and Compliance packages.
Note: The legacy program (DC-1 and DC-2) will be available through June 30, 2021.
I've started the DC-1 program, but have not made much progress. Can I switch to the new program?
Yes, but you will have to start over and complete the new program in its entirety. The curriculum for the legacy (DC-1, DC-2) program is structured differently from the new curriculum, so you cannot mix and match. Should you elect to continue with the legacy program, it will be available through June 30, 2021.
How is my QKA® credential date determined?
Your QKA® credential date is based on your most recent QKA® credential approval date, including reinstatements.