Professional Plan Consultant® (PPC®): What It Means and Why It Matters

A Professional Plan Consultant® (PPC®) is a retirement-plan specialist credential awarded by Fi360 to advisors who complete a structured, online training and pass a proctored exam. It signals expertise in managing compliant, effective 401(k) plans and serving as a plan fiduciary. The PPC® credential is appealing to employers and sponsors because it demonstrates a commitment to best practices in retirement planning, governance, and participant outcomes.

Why the PPC® designation matters to consumers

Earning the PPC® shows that an advisor:

• Has been trained to assess and improve retirement plan structures using a systematic, industry-backed framework
• Meets continuing education requirements (6 hours annually) to stay current with regulations and fiduciary responsibilities
• Is committed to ethics and best practices through a formal Code of Ethics & annual dues

How do financial advisors earn the PPC® designation?

1. Prerequisites
   Candidates must satisfy one of the following:
   • 2 years of relevant experience + bachelor’s degree + existing professional credential
   • 5 years of relevant experience + bachelor’s degree or a professional credential
   • 8 years of relevant experience
2. Training & Exam

   Structure includes a 16-hour self-paced online 401(k) Service Training Program followed by a proctored multiple‑choice exam. Passing requires a score of at least 80%

3. Ethics & Dues

   Candidates sign a Code of Ethics, pay application and annual fees, and commit to 6 hours of continuing ed each year

Who is the PPC® meant for?

The PPC® is ideal for advisors focused on employer-sponsored retirement plans, particularly 401(k)s. It serves professionals looking to learn plan governance, regulatory compliance, and service-model best practices — distinguished from broader fiduciary designations like AIF® or analytical ones like AIFA®.

Summary

The PPC® designation confirms an advisor’s deep knowledge of 401(k) plan management, compliance, and participant-focused service. It demonstrates formal training, ongoing education, and a fiduciary mindset—offering peace of mind to consumers evaluating retirement plan advisors.

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Governing Body

Fi360 (a division of Broadridge) oversees PPC® training, certification, ethics, and recertification.

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FAQs

What specifically does PPC® stand for?
PPC® stands for Professional Plan Consultant®, emphasizing structured retirement plan consulting.

Is the PPC® recognized by regulators?
PPC® is not a government certification, but it’s acknowledged by FINRA as a professional credential .

How much does PPC® certification cost?
Initial fees range between ~$245–$325 for application and annual dues; plus costs for training and exam.

Do advisors need to retake an exam every year?
No, recertification relies on completing at least 6 continuing education hours annually and paying dues—not re-examining.

Can I verify if my advisor holds PPC®?
Yes. Fi360 maintains a searchable designee database to confirm active status.