RSSA Final Exam
After successful completion of the 5-module RSSA Program, you will be eligible to register for the final exam to obtain your RSSA designation. Passing the exam demonstrates that you have the knowledge and competency to provide Social Security income planning assistance to your clients. The exam must be taken while having an active membership with NARSSA, typically valid for 12 months after initial enrollment.
Exam Preparation
- The final exam is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.
- You must register 72 hours prior to the exam day, by midnight on Friday before a Tuesday exam.
- The RSSA Final Exam is taken online from the convenience of your office or home computer.
- A live proctor administers the exam through ProctorU, the proctoring company.
- Your computer will need a webcam.
Critical Exam Information
- The final exam is closed-book, but you may use the RSSA Final Exam Reference Document while taking the exam.
- You may only use one monitor while taking the exam. A laptop plugged into a large monitor, registers as two monitors so is not allowed.
- Practice doing Module V cases using only one monitor.
- You may use a basic four-function calculator or your computer calculator. You may not use a phone calculator.
Exam Format Details
Please note that Part I and Part II of the RSSA Final Exam are taken consecutively on the same day.
Part I
- 80 multiple-choice questions on material covered in Modules I-IV
- Requires a passing grade of 75% (60 questions must be answered correctly)
- 2 hours to complete Part I
Part II
- Analysis of two new RSSA Roadmap case studies
- 20 multiple-choice questions for each case study
- Requires a passing grade of 75% on each case study (15 questions for each case study must be answered correctly)
- 2 hours to complete Part II
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the test offered?
The RSSA Final Exam is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. You'll be able to schedule your exam time and date after completing the Module V Exam. The final exam is proctored online.
How does online proctoring work?
You will take the exam online from the convenience of your office or home computer using a webcam. A live proctor administers the exam through ProctorU.
When and how can I register?
You must register 72 hours prior to the exam day, by midnight on the Friday before a Tuesday exam. Your exam registration becomes available after passing the Module V Exam. Registration must be completed with both NARSSA and ProctorU. You will be prompted to register with NARSSA after completing Module V. You will then be prompted to register and schedule your exam time with ProctorU. Instructions are available throughout. It is essential that registration is completed in both portals and that the date matches in each.
What time can I take the exam?
When you set up your ProctorU account, you will pick the time of day you would like to take the exam. Be sure to select your correct time zone and AM versus PM.
Is there an exam fee?
If you purchased the RSSA Program package, your exam proctoring fee was included (with one complimentary re-take of the exam, if needed). If you purchased the RSSA Education alone, there is an exam proctoring fee which you will be prompted to pay at the time of registration.
What is the exam format?
The exam consists of two parts. For each part, 2 hours are allowed, with an optional 10-minute break between Part I and Part II. Each part is scored independently, with a required passing grade of 75%.
Is the exam open or closed-book?
The exam is closed-book, but you may use the provided RSSA Final Exam Reference Document during the exam. This may be found in the Member Center under Announcements. We highly recommend that you become familiar with this document while studying.
How should I prepare for the exam?
Practice final exams become available after final exam registration is completed. Additionally, you may review all module exams and practice exams, as the final exam questions are similar. Review areas of weakness by re-reading the module text. Review the module practice exam explanation documents. You may also benefit from watching or attending the RSSA Module Review Webinars available under E-Learning Module Review Webinars.
Where are the practice exams located?
The final exam practice exams will become available once you register for the final exam. You will see a link to them on your Member Center main page. You can also access them from the main RSSA Program Table of Contents.
Can I use a calculator and have scratch paper?
You may use a basic four-function calculator or your computer calculator. You may have a blank piece of paper for scratch paper.
Are there any breaks during the exam?
There is an optional 10-minute break between Part I and Part II of the exam.
What happens after I pass the exam?
You will be a Registered Social Security Analyst, ready to better serve your existing clients as well as new clients. You will gain access to the extensive RSSA resources (including marketing materials, educational webinars, and other Social Security materials) and proudly display your RSSA credential.
What happens if I fail the exam?
If you do not pass Part I, you cannot proceed to take Part II of the exam. You may re-register and take the exam again at a future scheduled exam date. If you do not pass Part II, you may re-register to take only Part II again at a future scheduled exam date.
Are Part I and Part II of the RSSA Final Exam taken on separate days?
No, Part I and Part II of the RSSA Final Exam are designed to be taken consecutively on the same day. After completing Part I, candidates will proceed to Part II of the exam, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of their knowledge and skills in one sitting.
How do I reschedule my exam if I need to change the date?
If you need to reschedule your RSSA Final Exam, please use the link found on your Member Center main page.
What if I have additional questions?
For exam registration questions contact info@rssa.com, for questions about the course content contact support@rssa.com.