Home – NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder

The NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder — developed by some of the nation’s leading advisors and retirement plan experts — is an online modular certificate program that provides you with the foundational knowledge essential to 401(k) plan sales.

NAPA’s 401(k) Practice Builder is:

Effective – straightforward explanations of complex industry concepts
Practical – modules are designed to address real-world sales encounters
Efficient – advisors complete the entire series in approximately 3 hours
Convenient – online modules designed for your on-the-go lifestyle
Engaging – Interactive online modules produce a more productive learning experience
Cost-Effective – $400 per advisor

You will gain the knowledge you need to:

Successfully sell and manage 401(k) plans
Increase your total Assets Under Management (AUM)
Diversify your client base

What organization issues this training?

National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA)
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22203

What format does NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder take?

The training consists of five 30-minute, self-paced, interactive online learning modules with a learning assessment presented at the end of each module.

What prerequisites or experience level is expected prior to taking the NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder?

The program is designed for the financial advisor who is a novice to the 401(k) plan industry.

What is the expect time from completion for all five NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder modules?

The modules are completely self-paced. You could realistically complete the entire Practice Builder series in a single day. However, the modules are designed for total flexibility.

What is the total cost of NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder?

$400

Upon completion of NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder, are there any ongoing continuing education requirements or additional costs?

No.

Suffice it to say I am impressed with the NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder educational program. I would have benefited from something like this when I was starting in the plan business. Navigating through the modules was easy. I felt the content was well thought out and specific yet it did not dive too deep into the more complicated topics. My overall impression is this is a valuable tool that the industry should utilize while introducing new advisors to the world of working with retirement plans. Well Done!!

Sean, Financial Advisor, Boston, Massachusetts
NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder is intuitive, easy to follow, well thought out and very comprehensive. The information provided ondeveloping a service model, the Investment Policy Statement, and retirement plan committee formation was great, and something I will draw on as we sharpen our firm’s materials and our fiduciary process. I would absolutely recommend the training to an advisor who is new to 401(k) plan sales.

Justin, Boston, Massachusetts
The layout and design of the NAPA 401(k) Practice Builder was very easy to use. The way it teaches is perfect. The ‘learning checks’ in the middle of the modules were very helpful. This is WAY better than most online courses. I actually learned something, and most importantly, it was taught in a way that will stick with me.

Mitch, Finance Student, Washington, D.C.

Module 1: Understanding 401(k) Plans

• Employee & employer contributions
• 401(k) plan arrangements
• Have confident conversations with prospects

Module 2: 401(k) Plan Features, Documents, and Testing

• Common features of 401(k) plans
• The purpose of plan documents
• Basic compliance testing
• Deliver effective solutions to prospects

Module 3: 401(k) Plan Products and Players

• Service provider roles & responsibilities
• Understanding fiduciary services
• Basic product arrangements
• Recruit strategic partners to fulfill prospect needs

Module 4: Your Service Model

• The 4-step 401(k) plan sales process
• Service & fee disclosures
• Standard and value added advisory service models
• The 401(k) plan sales process
• Develop successful sales and service models

Module 5: After the Sale: 401(k) Plan Management

• Transferring 401(k) plan assets
• Ongoing plan management advisory responsibilities
• Communicating your value to clients
• Build valuable referral sources and retain clients