Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP)

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About the CISP

The Certified IRA Services Professional certification was launched in conjunction with a strategic partner, Ascensus.  The ICB and Ascensus recognized the need to establish a high standard of knowledge and competency for IRA's that is acknowledged by the profession and gives formal recognition to those individuals meeting specific standards of experience, ethics, knowledge and performance in the IRA industry.

The Certified IRA Services professional certification is designed to:

• Establish a recognized standard of knowledge and competence for operations transaction processing, and wealth management professionals specializing in IRA services
• Formally recognize those who meet these standards
• Provide customers, beneficiaries, IRA rollover candidates, and employers with a tool to identify skilled, knowledgeable professionals
• Support the benefits of professional continuing education and development

Eligibility requirements

You must meet the following prerequisites in order to qualify to take the CISP certification examination:

1. Professional Experience & Education

• A minimum of two (2) years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience, and the completion of one of the following ICB approved educational programs:
  • Ascensus IRA Institute
  • ABA IRA Online Institute-- In conjunction with Ascensus Retirement Services, American Bankers Association (ABA)
  • Cannon Financial Institute IRA Professional School
  • Integrated Retirement Initiatives IRA School  -OR-
• Four (4) years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience

2. Professional Reference

One letter of recommendation that attests to your qualifications for certification including your IRA experience. The letter must be signed and on corporate letterhead.

3. Ethics Statement

Each candidate must sign ICB's Professional Code of Ethics statement.  Please note:  you must furnish all pertinent information about any convictions or pleas of nolo contendere on the grounds of fraud, embezzlement, unfair or deceptive practices, securities law violations, misappropriation of property, fraudulent conversations or any civil or administrative action from which you have been previously found liable.

4. Application

You must complete and submit the application. You are required to meet the eligibility requirements in place at the time that you submit your application.

Fees

*The Exam Fee, minus a $100 nonrefundable Application Fee, is 100% refundable upon written request prior to the published withdrawal deadline.  A $125 withdrawal fee is assessed if a candidate cancels or withdraws after the published withdrawal deadline from a scheduled exam date for which the candidate is registered. However, requests for withdrawal received on or less than fourteen (14) business days prior to the exam date will not be honored and the entire exam fee will be forfeited. ICB will consider waiving the forfeiture fee in case of a medical emergency. Your request for such a waiver must be made in writing and supported by documentation from a physician, which clearly states that you are unable to appear for the exam due to personal or immediate family medical issues. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
** Membership Fee is assessed annually every year after certification has been granted.
***Applies to individuals who hold more than one certification.

Benefits and services

• Free subscription to ABA Trust & Investments magazine (bimonthly, 6 issues per year)
• ICB Certified Banker newsletter (bimonthly, delivered electronically)

Click here for more information about CISP benefits.

Questions?  Please contact icb@aba.com for more information.