Credential

Qualified 401(k) Administrator

The Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) credential program provides the technical knowledge and skills retirement plan professionals need to implement and administer defined contribution (DC) retirement plans.

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What is the QKA?

The curriculum provides thorough training in 401(k) plan management and plan compliance and testing. Earning the QKA® credential proves that you have met the national standard for all professionals working with 401(k) retirement plans and demonstrates your competence in DC plan administration.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

401(k) plan administration is highly technical and complex and requires substantial training. And the stakes are high: every decision you make affects the financial futures of countless retirement plan participants. Are you prepared for this role?

What does this mean for your career?

Enter the QKA credential program. It takes you on a deep dive into the best practices and technical details of 401(k) plan administration. And the engaging, real-life case studies it features ensures the knowledge you gain isn't just theoretical but practical. Earning this credential ensures your ability to grasp, retain and apply what you’ve learned to your day-to-day role.
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Career Advancement and Recognition
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Professional Value and Security
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Opportunities for Growth

Who should enroll?

This program is designed for a range of retirement plan professionals. They include: administrators, account managers, implementation managers and anyone who deals with compliance.

For group discounts please contact us.

QKA Package Sale!

Use code: QKASPRING25 on either package to save big!

Sale ends March 21, 2025.

 

Hear From a QKA

“Being a Credentialed ASPPA member demonstrates my commitment to professionalism and high ethical standards in the retirement plan industry. Having a credential enhances my professional reputation, credibility, and advisor confidence.”

Julie Costello, QKA

Regional Vice President, MAP Retirement

Modules

Plan Types

Learn about different types of tax-preferred retirement plans. Provides a high-level overview of the plan types.

Plan Qualification

Learn about the ERISA requirements for qualified retirement plans, types of plan documents, who governs plan qualification and about the requirements for qualification and the implications of plan disqualification.

Employee Contributions

Learn how employees can contribute their own money to a 401(k) plan or 403(b) arrangement.

Distributions

Learn the rules governing the timing and form requirements of distributions, as well as participants' and plan administrators’ obligations.

Participant Loans

Learn about participant loans, how to calculate the maximum loan amount available to a participant and refinancing rules.

Eligibility

Learn about the requirements for allowing employees to participate in retirement plans.

Vesting

Learn about vesting-related provisions and regulations.

Employer Contributions

Learn about employers’ options for allocating contributions to their retirement plan.

Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans

Explore a six-part scenario in which a retirement plan committee and a plan manager explore some challenges associated with a Safe Harbor 401(k) plan and how to overcome them.

Resources

Detailed information on how to earn this credential

Guide to keep you on track

Everything you need to know about earning CE

Detailed document for taking any credential exam with ASPPA

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