The knowledge areas below are the basis for the Certified IRA Professional (CIP) examination.

I. Employer Plans – SEP and SIMPLE (11%)

1. Eligibility
2. Contributions
3. Portability
4. Distributions
5. Reporting
6. Plan establishment and maintenance
7. Employer tax benefits

II. IRA Documentation and Maintenance Requirements (15%)

1. Plan establishment and maintenance
2. IRA disclosure statements and notices
3. Beneficiary designation
4. Electronic documentation
5. Reporting and associated penalties

III. IRA Eligibility and Contribution Requirements (16%)

1. Contribution eligibility
2. Deductibility and other tax issues
3. Excess contributions rules and penalties

IV. Retirement Plan Portability (25%)

1. Transfers
2. Rollovers
3. Conversions
4. Recharacterizations

V. IRA Distribution Requirements (26%)

1. General taxation and withholding rules
2. Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
3. Death distribution rules
4. Penalties and corrective measures

VII. Miscellaneous (3%)