Required courses
HS 353 Retirement Income Process, Strategies & Solutions:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the steps in creating an effective retirement income plan
• Identify retirement income needs, objectives, and goals by evaluating the client’s current situation
• Determine how to choose the appropriate retirement income strategy for your clients
• Evaluate income tax, estate issues, retirement risks, and other threats to an effective retirement income plan
• Integrate risk management tools, products, and strategies to create an effective retirement income plan

HS 354 Sources of Retirement Income:
The second of the program's three courses explores sources of retirement income in depth. After completion, you should be able to:

• Recommend the optimal age to claim Social Security benefits as appropriate for each client's situation
• Help the client evaluate the factors to consider when determining an appropriate retirement age
• Understand the role of annuities in a retirement income plan
• Have a better understanding of how executive benefits and retirement benefits for federal and military employees fit into the plan
• Understand the different ways that life insurance can be used in planning and how to address the retirement needs of the small business owner
• Understand how to build a retirement income portfolio
• Become more familiar with the latest research on strategies for ensuring that retirement assets last a lifetime

HS 355 Managing the Retirement Income Plan:
The third course in the RICP^® series focuses on initial and ongoing retirement income plan management. This knowledge will help you:

• Choose the appropriate tax-efficient distribution options from a retirement plan
• Help a client create a health expense budget and navigate the many decisions regarding Medicare and other health care options
• Help a client prepare for their long-term care needs
• Navigate retirement housing decisions and address home equity strategies
• Identify the key ethical issues in retirement income planning
• Create and manage retirement income portfolios appropriate for each client’s situation

To receive the RICP^® designation, you must successfully complete all three courses, meet experience requirements, and agree to comply with The American College Code of Ethics and Procedures. Participation in the Professional Recertification Program is also required.

See the Student Resources and Policies page for comprehensive details on refund policies, learning policies, recertification information, and more.