Compliance
NARSSA's Credibility & Leadership in Social Security
- Rigorous Education: Curriculum meets QAS requirements and is recognized for CE in all states for CPAs by NASBA, for Enrolled Agents and PTIN holders by the IRS, for CFPs by the CFP Board, for the AIF/AIFA/PPC credentials by Broadridge Fi360, and for insurance CE by 46 state insurance licensing boards and Washington, DC. View state-specific insurance CE information and CPE credit approvals.
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FINRA Compliance:
- Materials Reviewed by FINRA: RSSA® materials and resources have been reviewed by FINRA to ensure they meet industry standards and provide accurate, reliable information for RIAs/Broker-Dealers.
- RSSA® Credential Included in the FINRA Professional Designations Database: The RSSA® credential is included in the FINRA Professional Designations Database. Note: FINRA does not approve or endorse any professional credential or designation.
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FINRA Firm Element CE for Broker-Dealers under Firm Element CE Category: Senior Investors: Our training program for the RSSA® credential is approved for the FINRA Firm Element Continuing Education (CE) requirements, specifically tailored to the Firm Element CE Category: Senior Investors. This ensures that our training:
- Addresses the Unique Needs of Senior Investors: Our CE programs focus on the specific financial needs and concerns of older clients, such as retirement income planning, healthcare costs, and estate planning.
- Covers Regulatory & Compliance Issues: We provide comprehensive training on identifying and preventing elder financial abuse, understanding regulatory requirements, and complying with FINRA rules designed to protect senior investors.
- Emphasizes Ethical Considerations & Best Practices: Our training reinforces ethical considerations and fiduciary responsibilities, ensuring that financial professionals act in the best interests of senior clients, promoting trust and integrity in financial advising.
- Enhances Advisor Competency & Communication: We equip financial professionals with effective communication strategies and practical applications to better serve senior investors, ensuring clear, understandable advice and fostering strong advisor-client relationships.
- By including the RSSA® credential and training in the FINRA Firm Element CE for Senior Investors, we demonstrate our dedication to providing top-tier education and compliance support for financial professionals working with senior clients. We also provide firms and organizations with on-site Social Security training and seminars to support their Firm Element initiatives. See details here.
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RSSA® Designation Approvals: Earning the RSSA® designation showcases an advisor's dedication to delivering specialized Social Security literacy and financial wellness guidance. Many highly respected firms recognize and approve the RSSA® credential for their advisors, including:
- LPL Financial
- MassMutual
- Osaic Wealth
- Cetera Financial Group
- Allstate
- Prudential Financial
- Guardian
- Cambridge
- Commitment to Security & Accessibility: NARSSA has achieved SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, meeting the rigorous standards set by the AICPA for security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Our independent audit confirms that we have effective security controls in place to protect customer data and ensure operational integrity. The SOC 2 Type 2 report evaluates the design and operational effectiveness of our internal security controls over a defined period. This means our security framework has been independently audited and continuously meets best-in-class standards. To learn more about how we protect your data, visit AICPA SOC 2.
- Foundational Leadership: Founded in 2017 by Martha Shedden, CRPC and Michael Rosedale, CPA to fill a crucial gap in the market for comprehensive Social Security education and optimization.
- Growth & Impact: From an initial focus on CPAs and tax professionals, NARSSA has expanded to serve a broad array of professionals and institutions with Social Security education and proprietary RSSA Roadmap® software, establishing itself as a leading Social Security software provider, thought leader, industry advocate and trusted brand nationally.
- Extensive Training Network: We have trained over 5,000 professional advisors nationally, including CPAs, CFPs, lawyers, securities professionals, RIA/broker-dealers, insurance agents, financial professionals, retirement specialists, and healthcare professionals. We are collaborating with professionals and enterprises across various industries, and our platform is being integrated into financial and advisory firms of all sizes to address this critical component of financial wellness. These organizations are leveraging the RSSA® education and technology platform to provide exceptional Social Security optimization and wellness guidance to clients across the country.
- Important Guidelines for Using the RSSA® Credential & Logo: Thank you for being part of the RSSA® community! Whether you are actively pursuing your designation or have already achieved it, we appreciate your commitment to improving Social Security literacy and retirement planning. To maintain the integrity and professionalism of the RSSA® credential, it's essential to follow specific guidelines regarding its use. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acronym for this professional designation?
RSSA®
What does the acronym stand for?
Registered Social Security Analyst®
What organization issues this designation?
National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA)
What is the accreditation status of the issuing organization?
NASBA-approved for CPAs (CPE)
IRS-approved CE provider for EAs and preparers
CFP Board-approved for CE
Broadridge-approved for CE
Approved in 47 states for insurance CE Learn more
FINRA-listed in the Professional Designations Database (note: FINRA does not endorse credentials)
SOC 2 Type 2 certified for data security
Learn more
IRS-approved CE provider for EAs and preparers
CFP Board-approved for CE
Broadridge-approved for CE
Approved in 47 states for insurance CE Learn more
FINRA-listed in the Professional Designations Database (note: FINRA does not endorse credentials)
SOC 2 Type 2 certified for data security
Learn more
What is the issuing organization's internet website address (URL)?
What are the stated areas of expertise for this designation?
Social Security rules and regulations
Retirement income planning
Optimization of Social Security claiming strategies
Coordination of Social Security benefits with tax, Medicare, and other retirement income sources
Retirement income planning
Optimization of Social Security claiming strategies
Coordination of Social Security benefits with tax, Medicare, and other retirement income sources
What are the ethical standards or code of ethics for this designation?
The RSSA® Code of Professional Conduct governs both personal and professional standards, emphasizing honesty, integrity, independence, competence, and client confidentiality. You may review it here.
Describe the process, if any, by which the designation may be revoked for violations of ethical or other standards?
NARSSA maintains a Professional Conduct Review process. If a designee is found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics or misuses the RSSA® mark, their designation may be suspended or revoked after a formal review by the Ethics and Conduct Committee.
Does the issuing organization have an investor-complaint process? If so, what is the internet address (URL) for the site? Please describe the investor complaint process in detail.
Yes. Complaints can be submitted via the contact form. Each complaint is reviewed by the NARSSA Ethics and Conduct Committee. If necessary, an investigation is initiated, and the designee is notified and given an opportunity to respond. Disciplinary action may follow if warranted.
Does the issuing organization have a public disciplinary process? If so, what is the internet address (URL) for the site? Please describe the public disciplinary process in detail.
NARSSA does not currently publish a public registry of disciplinary actions but maintains internal records and reserves the right to revoke credentials and notify third parties of such actions. The process includes formal review, notice to the designee, opportunity for response, and committee deliberation.
RSSA® credential holders are subject to a formal disciplinary process. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct, trademark guidelines, or credential usage policies may result in corrective actions, including:
Revocation of certification
Legal action to protect the RSSA® trademark
Notification to employers or clients regarding unauthorized use
Learn more
RSSA® credential holders are subject to a formal disciplinary process. Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct, trademark guidelines, or credential usage policies may result in corrective actions, including:
Revocation of certification
Legal action to protect the RSSA® trademark
Notification to employers or clients regarding unauthorized use
Learn more
Can an investor check the status of an investment professional with this designation online?
Yes. Learn more
What prerequisites or experience are required to obtain this designation?
There are no formal prerequisites (e.g., college degree, licenses) required to begin the RSSA® Program. The program is open to financial professionals, including advisors, CPAs, insurance agents, and others seeking Social Security expertise.
What educational requirements does this designation have?
Candidates must:
Complete five self-study educational training modules
Pass a comprehensive proctored final exam
Demonstrate practical application of Social Security planning strategies
Complete five self-study educational training modules
Pass a comprehensive proctored final exam
Demonstrate practical application of Social Security planning strategies
Describe in detail the material and content of the required coursework, as well as the time period for completing the coursework and achieving the designation.
The RSSA® course includes five comprehensive modules:
Module I: Foundations of Social Security
Module II: Mastery of Advanced Topics
Module III: Bridging Benefits Across Related Programs
Module IV: Expert Practice & Client Communication
Module V: Social Security Software Case Studies
All module overviews include introductory video, course overview of topics covered, learning objectives, delivery method, program level, fields of study and CPE credits, program prerequisites and advanced preparation. Review questions will be given after all module chapters, and a module summary is provided. Total time to complete is approximately 20-25 hours. Most candidates complete the coursework and final exam within 2-4 weeks.
Module I: Foundations of Social Security
Module II: Mastery of Advanced Topics
Module III: Bridging Benefits Across Related Programs
Module IV: Expert Practice & Client Communication
Module V: Social Security Software Case Studies
All module overviews include introductory video, course overview of topics covered, learning objectives, delivery method, program level, fields of study and CPE credits, program prerequisites and advanced preparation. Review questions will be given after all module chapters, and a module summary is provided. Total time to complete is approximately 20-25 hours. Most candidates complete the coursework and final exam within 2-4 weeks.
What examinations must be passed to receive this designation?
A final, proctored certification exam must be passed after completing the educational modules. The exam assesses knowledge of Social Security rules, claiming strategies, and case analysis. Learn more
Are there any fees or tuition that must be paid to receive this designation? If so, what is the estimated cost?
Yes. The one-time certification fee is $3,395, which includes education, exam, software access, and support. Annual renewal is $479 to maintain CE to achieve active status, access to software, and ongoing support.
What continuing education or experience requirements does this designation have?
To maintain an active RSSA® credential, members must:
Complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) annually
Stay informed on Social Security updates and best practices
Review and abide by the Professional Code of Conduct
Maintain annual membership in good standing
Complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) annually
Stay informed on Social Security updates and best practices
Review and abide by the Professional Code of Conduct
Maintain annual membership in good standing
Please provide any additional information that may be helpful in determining if this designation is appropriate for inclusion in a Professional Designation listing.
RSSA® is the only Social Security designation program that combines professional education, certification, and proprietary software to help advisors provide compliant, high-value Social Security planning. The program is widely used across financial advisory, insurance, CPA, and wealth management channels. Earning the RSSA® designation showcases an advisor's dedication to delivering specialized Social Security literacy and financial wellness guidance. A growing list of highly respected firms recognize and approve the RSSA® credential for their advisors, including: AmeriLife, LPL, Prudential, Broadridge, MassMutual, Osaic Wealth, Cetera Financial Group, Allstate, Guardian, and others.