Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent Program (ERPA) - How does an organization become a provider for ERPA CE credits?
How does an organization become a provider for ERPA CE credits?
The potential provider must give the IRS a written outline and/or textbook for the program(s).
In order to become an approved ERPA CE provider, the program must:
- Be developed by individuals qualified in retirement plan matters;
- Provide current subject matter;
- Have instructors, discussion leaders, and speakers who are qualified with respect to program content;
- Have some means for evaluation of technical content and presentation;
- Provide certificates of completion to successful participants; and
- Maintain records to verify the participants’ attendance and successful completion for 4 years.
Generally, the course description/program should include the following:
- Scope and purpose of the program;
- A general outline of the program;
- Information about the instructor, discussion leader or speaker;
- Each program/course title;
- An indication of when/where the program will be held;
- Number of CE hours that will be given for each course/session/meeting;
- Type of program/course (webcast, conference, meeting, etc.);
- Who will be attending the program/course;
- Indication that a majority of the subject matter includes Federal tax matters relating to retirement plans; and
- General talking points.
Acceptable programs for ERPAs must directly enhance a practitioner’s understanding of qualified retirement plans or relate to ethics.
Acceptable fields of study:
- plan document requirements,
- plan operation and administration,
- filing requirements (Form 5500); and
- IRS programs (the Determination Letter program and the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System).
Unacceptable fields of study:
- programs not directly related to qualified retirement plan matters such as personal development, personal investments, office management, general computer software or sales-oriented presentations for office equipment and other system applications.
For further information on the ERPA CE sponsor program, see:
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 2012-08-03
