allan-slider

Written By: Allan Slider

Updated: June 30, 2025

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

Professional-Plan-Consultant-PPC

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.


Governing Body

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


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.

Share This Article:
LinkedInFacebookTwitter

allan-slider

About The Author:

Allan Slider

Allan Slider is the Founder of FeeOnlyNetwork.com, a one-of-a-kind digital platform that elevates the visibility of fee-only financial advisors, individually and collectively. Fee-Only advisors are ONLY compensated by the client and NEVER make commission by selling financial products, or receiving kickbacks from brokerage firms. Allan is a consumer & investor advocate and a 20+ year veteran of online marketing for financial advisors.

Outdated Browser Detected!

If you're seeing this message, it's because the web browser you're using to access our site is much older and no longer supported. Due to privacy and safety concerns, we don't allow older browsers to access our site. In order to access WhyFiduciary.com, please use a newer browser, like Internet Explorer 10 or above, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox.

Download a newer browser