Professional Retirement Certification
The International Foundation for Retirement Education (InFRE) created the Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) certification 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
- demonstrates a mastery of subject matter,
- a commitment to the retirement planning profession,
- adherence to a code of ethics, and
- continuing education.
Based on original research and analysis by a team of leading 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 meet the increasingly complex challenges facing today’s retirees. The CRC® program was initially 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 of the CRC® by the National Commmission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)? The Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) certification was accredited September 1, 2009, and is one of only three of almost 100 financial designations that have earned accreditation.
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.
Register for the CRC® Program
How can you earn the CRC® certification? Go to Become a CRC® Candidate and purchase study materials here.
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.
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.
CRC® Program Policies
If you want to learn more about CRC® policies go to the CRC® Program Policies manual.
