Frequently Asked Questions

It includes the 5-module education course, RSSA Roadmap® software, RSSA® Final Exam (+1 re-take), first year of NARSSA membership which includes marketing materials, presentations, scripts, and more.

The cost of the RSSA® Program is $3,395. Partner channels may receive custom pricing options and packages. There is an annual fee to maintain use of the credential and platform. The fee includes rights to the software, education, and membership resources. The annual fee is $479/year.

Annual fee of $479/year. There are no monthly fees.

The only additional fee is the optional lead program subscription, which starts at $150/month. Learn more here.

As an RSSA® in this program, you receive various unique RSSA® webpages and turn-key tools for prospects and clients can register to access their personalized RSSA Roadmap®. Through this lead program, clients can securely enter their information to begin optimizing their Social Security benefits. The activated Roadmaps count toward your lead goal, and the more you share your unique webpage, the more potential activations you can generate over time. This system is designed to make the process of managing client data and helping them maximize their benefits simple and efficient. Your unique RSSA® webpage, combined with the lead program, is an excellent tool for generating leads when hosting live events, webinars, and running online marketing campaigns to attract new clients. Learn more here.

RSSA Roadmap® software is our proprietary Social Security optimization software. The software and software training are included in the program. You can use this software to run analyses to optimize your clients' benefits.

A Registered Social Security Analyst® (RSSA®) can indeed charge a fee for providing Social Security optimization services. Social Security optimization is a service that can be approached in two different ways: as a billable service or as a value-add service.

The fee can vary based upon several factors. Complexity of case, consultation time, client's financial status, demographics of your geographic region, etc. It's recommended to have a transparent fee structure in place that clients can understand and appreciate. As part of the ethical standards of the RSSA® Program, ensure that your fees are reasonable, fair, and commensurate with the services you provide.

RSSAs are required to complete 4 CE credits every year. This does not apply in the year in which you earn the RSSA® credential. Additional CE credits earned over the required number are not carried over to the next year. The CE courses are included in the annual membership fee of $479/year.

Throughout the education, you'll have access to an in-house support team for education, case, and software support to help you successfully pass the RSSA® Final Exam. Once you become an RSSA®, you have access to the same in-house team for all the above plus assistance with client cases and much more. Support is central to the RSSA® Program.

NARSSA has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The mission of NARSSA is to provide financial professionals and advisors with an educational online platform to acquire the knowledge, obtain a professional credential that demonstrates their competency, and provide professionals with the resources and technology they need to better serve clients that seek advice on issues related to Social Security and Medicare.

The RSSA® designation requires all candidates to hold a professional credential. For those who don't already have a license in financial services, a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) is the simplest option. It's issued by the IRS, costs $19.75 per year, and provides a quick, low-barrier way to meet the professional standard while ensuring all RSSAs are vetted through a recognized system.

The RSSA® Program is approved for professional continuing education by 47 state insurance licensing boards (excluding Alaska, Louisiana and Minnesota), NASBA for the CPA profession, the IRS for tax professionals, the CFP Board for Certified Financial Planners, and Broadridge Fi360 for the AIF/AIFA/PPC credentials. The RSSA® Program for broker-dealer firm element CE have been reviewed by FINRA. The RSSA® credential is also included in the FINRA Professional Designations Database. Note: FINRA does not approve or endorse any professional credential or designation. Learn more here.

The training curriculum meets QAS requirements and is accepted for self-study in all states for CPAs by NASBA (15.5 CPE credits), for EAs and PTIN holders by the IRS (10 CE credits), for CFPs by the CFP Board (8.5 CE credits), for the AIF/AIFA/PPC credentials by Broadridge Fi360 (8.5 CE credits), and for insurance agents (up to 12 CE credits).

The use of the RSSA® logo indicates you have met NARSSA's initial and ongoing requirements and have agreed to adhere to NARSSA's high standards of professional competency and ethics. After passing the RSSA® Final Exam, you can use the registered trademark RSSA® logo certificate designation and the registered trademark term Registered Social Security Analyst on business cards, correspondence and marketing materials. Many advisors and licensed financial service professionals may need additional approval by their compliance departments prior to using the logo or designation on their business cards and marketing materials.

The RSSA® Program is an educational program specifically tailored for Social Security. It also includes the RSSA Roadmap® optimization software which imports your clients' earnings records from SSA.gov to provide accurate Social Security analyses and planning. The program is designed to equip advisors with the knowledge to guide clients and prospects in optimizing their Social Security benefits and claiming strategies. As an agent providing any type of advice, the requirement for errors and omissions (E&O) insurance can vary depending on various factors. As a financial advisor or agent, it is always advisable to consult with your team to make an informed decision regarding the need for E&O insurance as an agent or financial advisor providing any type of advice or service.

No. The software is included in the program.

After successful completion of the 5-module online self-study RSSA® Program, you will be eligible to register and take the RSSA® Final Exam to obtain your RSSA® designation. The exam is given on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and consists of two parts. You will take the exam online from the convenience of your office or home computer. All registrants must have access to a computer with a webcam on the date they will be taking the exam since it is proctored by a live person monitoring your test-taking. The exam is closed-book, but you may use the provided RSSA® Final Exam Reference Guide during the exam. The fee for 2 final exam attempts is included in the RSSA® Program package.

We are working on offering a selection of marketing materials in various languages to cater to our diverse clientele. We understand the importance of providing resources that our advisors and agents can utilize to reach a broader audience. We recognize the value of inclusivity in communication, and we are dedicated to making our marketing materials even more accessible by adding more resources in additional languages. Our team is diligently working to create new content that reflects the linguistic needs of our community. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to enhance our offerings to better serve you and your clients.

Marketing yourself as an RSSA® Social Security advisor is all about establishing credibility, showcasing your knowledge, and reaching potential clients effectively. As an RSSA®, you're provided with a suite of tools and resources designed to help you stand out in the field, including a personalized RSSA® webpage which not only highlights your expertise but also features a lead generation form and the RSSA Roadmap® client portal registration form, both of which are instrumental in capturing leads.

We also offer the RSSA® lead program, an optional add-on component designed to enhance your marketing efforts. This program provides turn-key solutions, including customizable webpages, presentations, and marketing materials, empowering you to distribute Roadmaps directly to consumers and generate valuable lead opportunities through events, online marketing campaigns, and more.

Additionally, you receive scripted presentations and a wealth of resources to ensure that you are prepared to engage and inform your audience, whether during seminars, webinars, or one-on-one meetings. We also offer guidance on best practices for marketing your services through various channels, including social media, local networking groups, and professional seminars. Our team supports your growth by providing updates on the latest Social Security strategies and changes, ensuring you always deliver accurate and timely advice.

By leveraging these tools, resources, and the RSSA® lead program, you can effectively market yourself as a Social Security advisor. Remember, the key to successful marketing is consistency and providing value - ensure that every interaction offers potential clients a clear understanding of how your knowledge and expertise can benefit them.

1. NARSSA provides their own proprietary software with training, the RSSA Roadmap®.
2. NARSSA has extensive back-office client case support for RSSAs.
3. NARSSA provides a complete self-study program with live support that includes a comprehensive Social Security and how it ties into comprehensive retirement planning.
4. NARSSA provides marketing materials and additional training on how to market your Social Security advisory services.
5. NARSSA provides additional on-demand learning resources including live monthly member meetings and training webinars.
6. RSSA® content is approved for professional continuing education credits by the IRS, NASBA, CFP Board, Broadridge Fi360, 47 state insurance licensing boards (excluding Alaska, Louisiana and Minnesota), and is listed in the FINRA directory.
7. Please see our extensive list of NARSSA partners.

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.

Most professionals complete the program in 4-8 weeks, depending on their schedule. It is fully self-paced, and another way to think about it is approximately 20-25 hours of study.

There are thousands of active RSSAs across the U.S., serving clients nationwide.

We currently provide custom API integrations for enterprise clients. The RSSA Roadmap® software will also offer integration options to connect with CRMs and other systems.

You have 12 months from enrollment to complete the program. If you need more time, you can renew your account. Annual renewal is required to maintain access to the education, credential, and software.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides general information but cannot offer personalized advice or optimization strategies. An RSSA® bridges that gap helping clients maximize their benefits based on their unique situation.

Yes. We offer flexible payment options to make enrollment more affordable.

Yes. As an RSSA®, you'll have ongoing access to support, resources, and software tools to help you perform client analyses with confidence.