The Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®) designation teaches advisers techniques and best practices used to create sustainable streams of retirement income. The education covers retirement income planning, maximizing Social Security and other income sources, minimizing risks to the plan, and managing portfolios during the asset distribution phase. The designation includes three required, college-level courses that represent a total average study time of more than 150 hours. RICP® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator founded in 1927 and the highest form of academic accreditation.

The College of Financial Planning® awards the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) designation to applicants who complete the CRPC® professional education program, pass a final examination, commit to a code of ethics and agree to pursue continuing education. Continued use of the CRPC® designation is subject to ongoing renewal requirements. Every two (2) years the designee must renew their right to continue using the CRPC® designation by completing 16 hours of continuing education and reaffirming to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct.