The CRC Candidate Handbook contains essential information for Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) program candidates. Please read it carefully and keep
it readily available as a reference until you have achieved Certificant status. Candidates are responsible for knowing the contents of this Handbook. For more details pertaining to CRC certification initial and ongoing requirements and other policies review the CRC Program Policies Manual.

Find information here about taking the exam, after the exam, exam rescheduling, exam refunds, review of results, requests for rescores and appeals.

Four Steps to Initial Certification

Step 1:Complete the Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) Registration Form.
Register online, complete and fax the Registration Form, or call 847-756-7350 ext. 134 to register over the phone. Following registration, expect a confirmation email with information about upcoming exam dates and how to schedule your exam. If you do not receive this email within two weeks of submitting your registration form, call number above.

Step 2: Prepare for the Examination.
Begin to prepare for the exam by first reviewing the CRC Test Specifications. The four-hour, 200-question multiple-choice exam covers the domains of practice and knowledge required to perform tasks listed in the CRC Test Specifications, and should be well understood before taking the exam. You may choose to use your own study materials and other resources to prepare for the examination.

InFRE also offers optional print, live classroom review and online exam preparation resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. For more information about InFRE educational resources, check the appropriate box on the bottom of the registration form or go to Education and Training Solutions.

Step 3: Pass the CRC Certification Examination.
To sit for the exam, complete a Request to Schedule CRC Examination Form and submit it with your examination fee. You may complete the request form online, download a form or call 847-756-7350 ext. 134 to schedule an exam by phone.

The exam is administered four times a year in January, April, July and October - typically arranged at colleges or universities as close as possible to the candidate. The application deadline is approximately six weeks prior to each exam date. Click here to view the upcoming examination schedule, or see the schedule on the Request to Schedule CRC Examination Form.

Step 4:Complete the Certification Process
Once you pass the exam, Candidates for CRC certification must also meet the remaining eligibility requirements. Certification is awarded upon:

Verification that the Candidate meets the education and experience requirements of completion of a bachelor's degree (or higher), or its equivalent, in any discipline, from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two (2) years relevant retirement related professional experience (within the last five years) -or- completing a high school diploma or its equivalent and five (5) years relevant retirement related professional experience (within the past seven years).

Passing a complete background check upon meeting education and experience requirements.

Completing an initial Certificate Holder's Statement indicating adherence to the CRC Code of Ethics and annual continuing education requirements. InFRE must receive this document within three months of notification of passing the exam or the Candidate must retest.

Under no circumstances will Candidates be allowed to use the certification until they have met all the requirements above. Candidates who pass the exam but have not met their education and experience requirements have five (5) years from their exam date to complete these requirements or the Candidate must retest.

Exam Fees:

For private sector employed candidates: $450
For government employed candidates: $380

Maintaining Your Certification

To maintain your use of the certification, Certificants must annually complete 15 hours of approved continuing education and pay an annual renewal fee of $100.