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 24 – May 17, 2020
Session 2: September 1 – November 22, 2020
Investment: $1,695
IRA Institute
Details on how to make a room reservation will be emailed once your IRA Institute registration is received. Attendees will pay for their own room and will need to guarantee the room with a credit card.
Investment: $1,799
Denver, CO – March 2-6, 2020
Optional CIP Exam: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2020
Optional CISP Exam: The CISP exam will not be offered onsite at the IRA Institute. Visit the ABA website for exam location.
Location: Grand Hyatt Denver
1750 Welton Street
Denver, CO 80202
303-925-1234
Room Rates: $199
Indianapolis, IN – May 11-15, 2020
Optional CIP Exam: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020
Optional CISP Exam: The CISP exam will not be offered onsite at the IRA Institute. Visit the ABA website for exam location.
Location: Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown
110 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-236-1800
Room Rates: $165
San Diego, CA – September 21-25, 2020
Optional CIP Exam: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2020
Optional CISP Exam: The CISP exam will not be offered onsite at the IRA Institute. Visit the ABA website for exam location.
Location: Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown
601 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2400
Room Rate: $199
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.