Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Training — Complimentary for Plan Sponsors
Strengthen oversight, improve participant outcomes, and earn CE credits through half-day, peer-to-peer, on-campus programs led by certified instructors.
About TPSU
The Plan Sponsor University (TPSU) offers the most comprehensive combination of online and live workplace retirement plan certification programs for business owners, benefits specialists, and other employer fiduciaries — with half-day live and virtual programs conducted by certified instructors. Since 2013, TPSU has conducted over 600 programs.
TPSU exists to help plan sponsors establish a firm foundation and define the baseline measures of success for their plans.
Most programs are scheduled as in-person sessions on campus. We encourage plan sponsors to look for a program in their area. In-person programs typically carry up to 7 hours of CE and provide a more personalized experience with peer interaction. Program content is a collaboration between TPSU, local professionals, and industry peers.
Bringing academic research into real-world plan oversight.
The mission of The Plan Sponsor University is to introduce academic research, in the form of behavioral finance, into the conversation of management and oversight of employer sponsored retirement plans.
TPSU was founded to support concentrated continuing education in established practices and new concepts in retirement plan oversight. Classroom sessions are hands-on, interactive, and thought provoking.
TPSU exists to help plan sponsors strengthen their understanding of:
- Establishing a firm foundation for the plan
- Defining baseline measures of success for their plan
$3–$100M in assets.
$100M+ in assets.
Upcoming Programs
Rollins College, Winter Park, FL
Tue, Feb 10, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL, 32789
Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Columbus State Community College, 315 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH, 43215
NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wed, Feb 25, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Nova Southeastern University, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314
Rice University, Houston, TX
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX, 77005
Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Robert Morris University, 6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA, 15108
Wake Forest University, Charlotte, NC
Tue, Mar 10, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wake Forest University, 200 N College St #150, Charlotte, NC, 28202
Inside the TPSU Experience ✨
Seamless Welcome & Check-In
Attendees are greeted, registered, and welcomed into an engaging environment that sets the tone for the day.
C(k)PF® Designation for Plan Sponsors
What is the C(k)PF® designation?
The Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary (C(k)PF®) designation recognizes professionals who have demonstrated comprehensive knowledge across key areas of retirement plan benefits. Candidates are tested on plan design, plan operations, fiduciary obligations, and techniques that help improve participant outcomes.
Who is it designed for?
The C(k)PF® designation is one of the most comprehensive retirement plan certifications available to business owners, HR leaders, benefits specialists, and employer fiduciaries responsible for workplace retirement plan oversight. It is built for individuals seeking a deeper, structured understanding of their fiduciary role.
Special offer for TPSU attendees
We now offer the C(k)PF® designation to all plan sponsors who have attended our TPSU Program, as long as they hold a qualifying professional credential. Eligible attendees receive:
- $295 designation fee waived for eligible TPSU attendees.
- To maintain the designation, 5 hours of CE every 2 years (TPSU or other qualifying events) are required.
- The $99 / 2-year maintenance fee is waived if you attend a TPSU program within that 2-year period.
Who qualifies for the designation immediately?
After attending a TPSU program, you automatically qualify if you hold:
- A certification with SHRM, HRCI, or PayrollOrg
- A valid CPA license
- QKA designation from ASPPA
- CPSP designation from the Plan Sponsor Council of America
If you do not hold one of these certifications
You can still earn the C(k)PF® designation by completing 12 online courses and passing a proctored exam. When this pathway is completed within 12 months of attending a TPSU program, the cost of the designation is covered by a TPSU scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend?
Registration is open to plan fiduciaries who oversee their company’s workplace retirement plan (plan sponsors, HR leaders, finance executives, and committee members). TPSU programs are not functions of the host institutions.
Is there a cost to attend a TPSU program?
No. TPSU programs are complimentary for qualified plan sponsors and fiduciaries. There is no registration fee to attend the half-day, on-campus fiduciary training.
Do I earn continuing education credit?
Yes. Programs are pre-approved for HRCI® and SHRM PDCs. Attendees can earn up to 7 CE credits depending on format and length.
What is the C(k)PF® designation?
The Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary (C(k)PF®) designation documents a plan sponsor’s commitment to fiduciary excellence beyond the TPSU Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Training program.
TPSU attendees gain a bonus pathway into the designation, with major fees waived for eligible plan sponsors.
Do TPSU attendees receive a special pathway into the C(k)PF® designation?
Yes. Attending a TPSU Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Training program fulfills the required half-day live instruction for C(k)PF®. Eligible plan sponsors also receive the $295 designation fee waived, making TPSU a direct and cost-effective pathway into the designation.
What do I need to earn and maintain the C(k)PF® designation?
To earn the designation, you must:
- Attend a TPSU Certified 401(k) Plan Fiduciary Training program; and
- Hold a certification with SHRM, HRCI, PayrollOrg, or be a licensed CPA.
To maintain it:
- Complete 5 hours of CE every 2 years.
- The $99 / 2-year maintenance fee is waived if you attend a TPSU program within that 2-year period.
See the C(k)PF® section above for a concise overview of the program and benefits.
Contact Us
Phone
855-755-4015
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