RSSA® Final Exam Information
After successful completion of the RSSA® Program, you will be eligible to register for the final exam to obtain your RSSA® credential. 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.
Upcoming Exams
Typically offered on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, with some exceptions.
- Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Tuesday, June 23, 2026
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- Tuesday, July 28, 2026
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Final Exam Format & Schedule
- The final exam is taken online from the convenience of your office or home computer.
- A proctor administers the exam through iSpring partnered with OctoProctor.
- Your computer will need a webcam and microphone.
- You will also need a smartphone or other secondary device. Please ensure it is fully charged.
- On your exam day, log into your NARSSA Member Center, a start link for your final exam will be displayed. Click the link and you will be taken to iSpring.
- The final exam will appear as an Enrolled Course in the LMS 15 minutes before the scheduled exam time. Test takers may begin the setup steps at this time. If over 30 minutes late, the exam must be rescheduled.
Critical Information
- The final exam is closed-book, but you may use the RSSA® Final Exam Reference Guide while taking the exam.
- You may have a piece of scratch paper (referred to as a "rough sheet" in the OctoProctor instruction video) and a pencil or pen.
- Only one monitor is allowed. Be sure to unplug any additional monitors before you begin. Please note that a laptop connected to an external monitor may register as two monitors, which is not allowed.
- You may use a basic four-function calculator. Phone calculators are not permitted. The proctoring platform provides a built-in calculator if needed.
Final Exam Structure
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
- If you do not pass Part I, you will not progress to Part II
Part II
- Analysis of two new RSSA Roadmap® case studies
- 20 multiple-choice questions for each case (40 total questions)
- Requires a passing grade of 75% on each case study (15 questions for each case study must be answered correctly)
- 1 hour to complete each case, 2 hours total to complete Part II
- If you do not pass Case 1, you will not progress. You will need to retake Part II.
- If you do not pass Case 2, you will need to retake Part II.
Note: Part I and Part II of the final exam are taken consecutively on the same day, with an optional 10-minute break between parts.
Final Exam Registration Process
Final exam registration becomes available upon completion of the Final Exam Prep. After completion, visit your Member Center to register for the final exam. The link will appear a few minutes after the Final Exam Prep completion. Registration must be completed by 5:00 PM ET on the Friday before the exam. When registering, select your exam date and your exam start time. Start times are available between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM ET for the 4-hour exam. Be sure to verify your time zone when registering.
Final Exam Study Tips
- Practice final exams become available after you complete final exam registration.
- Review content by clicking on "Completed" to navigate back to the course.
- Study module exams, module practice exams, and explanation documents. The final exam questions are similar.
- Identify and review areas of weakness by re-reading the module text.
- Watch the RSSA® module review videos located within each module in the Study Tools and Resources section.
- Participate in the monthly Office Hours where you can ask questions live! Register for these Office Hours from your Member Center under RSSA Program > Office Hours.