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Prepare for the CISP Exam

Domains

The CISP advisory board has determined that a competent IRA services professional's expertise includes the following knowledge areas. Please review the CISP Examination Outline for more specifics.

  • IRA Documentation and Maintenance Requirements
  • IRA Contributions
  • Retirement Plan Portability
  • IRA Distributions
  • Retirement Planning Considerations
  • IRA Fees and Investments
  • Employer Plans - SEP and SIMPLE

Study Resources

While ABA recommends these resources as appropriate examination preparation, ABA does not guarantee that you will pass the exam by studying these materials alone. The CISP exam assesses not only your knowledge of the topics on the exam outline, but also your application of that knowledge. You should refer frequently to the CISP Examination Outline when preparing for the exam.

Exam Format, Scoring and Reporting

  • 150 multiple-choice questions (see sample questions)
  • Maximum 3 hour timeframe allowed
  • Calculators will be provided
  • Instant "Pass/Fail" outcome provided for most computer based exams at test sites. Occasionally, instant outcomes are not provided while statistical analysis is conducted.
  • Official score reports delivered via email within 6 weeks after the close of the exam window
  • For full details, read the Certification Exam FAQs

    Examination Misconduct

    All persons taking one of ABA Professional Certifications' examinations are expected to abide by all rules and regulations governing the examination before, during and after the examination. Possession of copies of any current or previous examination given by ABA Professional Certifications is not authorized and is a violation of the rules governing certification exams. Persons taking an ABA Professional Certifications examination are not permitted to take notes, photos, videos or retain any other kind of records about the examination.

    Any person found to have violated any of the rules governing ABA Professional Certifications exams, or to have conducted themselves in a dishonest or unethical manner with respect to the taking of an ABA Professional Certifications exam is subject to sanctions determined to be appropriate by ABA Professional Certifications, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to: denial of certification; denial of the right to take any or all ABA Professional Certifications examinations. We reserve the right to pursue any and all remedies available to it, including legal remedies, with respect to any violation of its examination rules against anyone who violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules or aided another in violating these rules.

    Any person found to have violated any of the rules governing ABA Professional Certifications exams, or to have conducted themselves in a dishonest or unethical manner with respect to the taking of an ABA Professional Certifications exam is subject to sanctions determined to be appropriate by ABA Professional Certifications, in its sole discretion, including, but not limited to: denial of certification; denial of the right to take any or all ABA Professional Certifications examinations. We reserve the right to pursue any and all remedies available to it, including legal remedies, with respect to any violation of its examination rules against anyone who violated ABA Professional Certifications examination rules or aided another in violating these rules.

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