Certified Retirement Counselor

InFRE created the CRC in 1997 to help enhance the retirement preparedness of the American Worker by advancing recognition among retirement planning professionals of the need for a retirement specific certification program that

Based on original research and analysis by a team of retirement practitioners and in partnership with one of the leading financial planning universities in the country, the CRC is a one-of-a-kind certification designed to enable financial professionals like you meet the increasingly complex challenges facing today’s retirees. The CRC program was developed over a two-year period in accordance with the academic guidance of the Center for Financial Responsibility at Texas Tech University. The CRC Test Specifications address retirement planning and income management issues from multiple perspectives—including those faced in both private and government sector employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Accreditation

Why did InFRE seek accreditation for the CRC Certification?

Who Should Become a CRC

The CRC is specifically designed for retirement-industry professionals who want to inspire immediate confidence that they are knowledgeable, accomplished, and skilled. Ideal candidates for the certification include:

- Retirement planners
- Retirement advisers
- Retirement consultants
- Plan administrators
- Employees of plan providers, such as

- Marketing and communications
- Field representatives
- Employee education and trainers
- Retirement counselors seeking career advancement or ongoing industry knowledge

The CRC certification is also beneficial to staff members in the benefits, human resources and/or finance departments of government agencies (federal, state, municipal) and private corporations whose responsibilities include guiding employees concerning their retirement planning.

How to Become A CRC

How can you earn the CRC certification? Go to Become a CRC Candidate.

Eligibility Requirements

What are the Certification Education, Experience and Background Check Requirements to meet before the CRC Certification can be obtained? 

About Examinations

Want to know more about the examination process? See About Exams.

State Insurance and CFP^® Continuing Education Credits

InFRE CRC curriculum and other courses are approved to meet your state insurance license and CFP^® continuing education requirements. Click here to learn more information.

CRC Renewal

What are the Annual Renewal Requirements for keeping the certification current?

Current CRC's

InFRE’s Directory of Current CRC Certificants lists individuals who currently hold the CRC certification.

Compliance Departments

The California Insurance Code now defines the CRC certification as exempt from rules limiting the use of a “senior designation.” In practical terms, that means CRC certificants are free to use their CRC certification in their communications with the public (assuming an advisor’s internal compliance department also approves such usage). With this new exemption, the CRC certification can now be used in all 50 states! More information about the California decision can be found here.

If you are an advisor and restricted by your current employer or broker/dealer from using your CRC mark, please contact us for help. We are happy to work with your Compliance/Advertising Review Department to provide the documents they need to approve the use of the CRC. View the current list of approved broker/dealers here.

Have a Complaint?

If you are concerned about the professional behavior of a certificant, you may file a Certificant Complaint.

CRC Program Policies

If you want to learn more about CRC policies go to the CRC Program Policies manual