Credential Compliance Information

No, SCRFA offers two programs: a) certification testing to verify competency in the area of financial service for retirement distribution, and b) educational training for advisors who wish to expand their skills and knowledge in the financial services industry. 

No, SCRFA has concentrated on earning accreditation for the CRFA mark.  Based on requirements of the accreditation body, NCCA, the Society of CRFA issues the certification based on the competency of the applicant as determined by successfully passing the SCRFA proctored exam.

Yes, those attending the seminar (live or on-line) or completing the self-study material receive a completion certificate and continuing education units that are reported to the appropriate state insurance department. 

The Test Application may be found on our webiste.  The "Certification" tab on the left menu leads to a page that contains the application publication.  NCCA requires that the test is open to the public and anyone who meets our requirements may sit for the exam.  The application identifies the preferred requirement of a minimum of 2 years of experience as a financial advisor.  However, to be compliant, SCRFA will also accept educational experience gained at a university, college or financial training course (example, CFP). 

SMT (Schroder Measurement Technology) located in Dunedin, FL assisted SCRFA in identifying the knowledge and skills required to be a competent advisor.  Three hundred questions are in the test data bank.  An applicant may have four hours to take the computer exam that consist of 100 questions.  The exam is administered at a testing center at a regional location selected by the applicant.  The exam is scored at the end of the test.  A score of 70 or greater is required to be considered competent and deserving of the certficiation. 

7.  What items are included in the exam data base?

The Test Application publication contains the items that are tested and the mean for each item.  The mean identifies the level of importance assigned each item to assist  the applicant in preparing for the exam. 

6.  What percentage of test applicants are successful and score 70 or greater?

Approximately 72% of the test applicants are successful on the first exam.  The Test Application provides the process to retake the exam.

THE CRFA MARK

1.  The CRFA mark can be used with TM (trademark) in small superscript, CRFA^TM  or the registered symbol ® can be used at the end of the CRFA® mark.   However, there was a challenge from another organization to the registered mark, and a court ruled that if the ® symbol is used, somewhere on the page Certified Retirement Financial Advisor must appear (preferred by SCRFA whether using the trademark or registered mark symbol). 

2.  The mark may only be used by members in good standing.  To be in good standing a member must pay annual dues and have earned fifteen (15) hours of continuing education.  Four hours of the CE will be Ethics.  

3.  SCRFA does not sell brochures, stationary, etc.  However, members in good standing are provided with the name and contact information of an independent printer on the Graduate Login page of the website.  Members in good standing are encouraged to contact this firm to secure any logo items.  Neither CRFA nor SCRFA receive compensation from the sale of any of the products.