How do I become a Certified IRA Professional (CIP)?

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Ascensus and the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) developed this nationally recognized designation exclusively for experienced professionals who have IRA compliance or operations responsibilities. To qualify to take the Certified IRA Professional (CIP) certification examination, you must meet the following prerequisites.

  • Have a minimum of two years of IRA compliance or operations experience or have achieved CIS II certification AND
  • Attend Ascensus’ IRA Institute Online, IRA Institute, or another approved prerequisite no more than 30 days before the examination date

OR

  • Have three years of IRA compliance or operations experience

Register for an Ascensus IRA Institute

IRA Institute Online

Session 1: February 25  – May 19, 2019
Session 2: September 2  – November 24, 2019

Investment: $1,695

IRA Institute

Investment: $1,799

San Antonio, TX – May 13–17, 2019

Optional CIP Exam: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019

Location: Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk
125 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-226-9000

Room Rates: $189

Book by contacting the hotel directly (remember to ask for the Ascensus room block). Attendees will pay for their own room and will need to guarantee the room with a credit card.

Alexandria, VA – September 23–27, 2019

Optional CIP Exam: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2019

Location: Embassy Suites Alexandria
1900 Diagonal Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5900

Room Rates: $239

Book by contacting the hotel directly (remember to ask for the Ascensus room block). Attendees will pay for their own room and will need to guarantee the room with a credit card.

Apply for CIP Examination

CIP Examination

To register for the CIP exam, visit our registration website.

Exam fee: $299

Exam retake fee: $299

Study Materials

IRA Institute Online

  • All study materials are contained within the online IRA Institute learning management system.
  • If a student would like to purchase any reference materials, additional manuals (listed below) are available at a 10% discount.

IRA Institute

  • Required reading and study materials will be available for use at the IRA Institute.
  • If a student would like to purchase any reference materials, additional manuals (listed below) are available at a 10% discount.

Reference Materials Available For Purchase

eResource Center

Ascensus offers a comprehensive online library of technical reference manuals and government source documents. Updated regularly, the eResource Center provides retirement and savings plan professionals easy access to current rules, compliance regulations, reporting requirements, and the latest industry information.

Additional Manuals

Note: IRA Institute attendees are not required to buy study materials.