DISCOUNTED CERTIFIED RETirEMENT COUNSELOR® 
​(CRC®) DESIGNATION PROGRAM

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ABOUT THE CRC® 
Now more than ever, it is a significant differentiator to have the real and perceived knowledge that comes with CRC® certification. More importantly, certificants consistently comment on how the process orientation of the CRC® curriculum increases their ability to address the retirement planning needs of their clients. The CRC® program uniquely enhances a professional’s understanding of retirement planning concepts and principles, while tangibly demonstrating their expertise and a commitment to the retirement planning profession. Why the CRC® over other retirement designations?
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The CRC® program: 
  •  Is independently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. 
  • Was developed by professionals, for professionals and is continually kept up-to-date and relevant. 
  • Demonstrates mastery of both retirement accumulation and distribution planning.
  • Is an indication of competency, credibility and high ethical standards. 

Independent Accreditation
The CRC® is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Independent third-party program accreditation signifies that CRC® Certificants are an elite group of qualified retirement professionals among the array of retirement-related designations available today. Fewer than 5% of financial services industry designation programs have gone through the rigorous process of independent program specific accreditation. 

Study Materials
A set of four study guides will help you prepare for the CRC exam. Study guides also come with a series of elearning modules to help you review the study guide material. After scheduling the exam you will also receive sample exams to help determine if you are ready to take the CRC® comprehensive exam. 

Costs for CRC Program:
Study Materials = $400 (normally $499 ... so you get a 20% discount) 
Exam Fee = $525
Total = $925

SPECIAL DISCOUNT:  Ohlson Group advisors are eligible for a 50% discount on study material fees until May 26th ($250 Total)

Continuing Education Credit
CRC® candidates who purchase study materials may be eligible to take separate online exams associated with each study guide to receive credit toward state insurance and CFP® continuing education requirements. Click here to view states granting CE approval and the number of hours approved. 

How to Become a CRC® Certificant
The CRC® exam is administered four times each year in January, April, July and October.

Your first step toward preparing for the CRC® exam is to CLICK HERE to order your study materials.
  • You will then receive an email from InFRE with instructions and other information about preparing for the CRC exam.
  • The exam fee is not due until you schedule your exam date. 

Annual Renewal
To maintain certification status, CRC® certificants must earn and submit fifteen (15) hours of continuing education (CE) annually. CRC® CE requirements may be fulfilled with firm element training and other required internal training programs. Insurance license and other license/certification CE may also apply. All CRC® CE is self-reporting, and does not require pre-approval. Annual renewal fee = $125 

NOTE: *** The Ohlson Group will reimburse the annual renewal fee for agents with full membership in The Safe Money Places Agent Network ***

Questions/Registration
If you have questions about the CRC® program or if you would like to register by phone, call Kevin Seibert of InFRE at 847-382-9032 or email [email protected].

NOTE: ***Be sure to identify yourself as an Ohlson Group Financial Advisor ****

For more information about the CRC® program go to www.infre.org 
See the following page for CRC® program comments from some of our certificants ​
CRC® program comments from some of our certificants

CRC® Certificant Survey Results
The following comments are from actual CRC® certificants who recently completed a survey asking how their certification has increased their credibility as a retirement professional and how the training has helped them address the retirement planning needs of clients and retirement plan participants.
  • “The CRC® is acknowledged as a legitimate recognition of pertinent knowledge and a discipline of ongoing study.”
  • “The CRC®  helps improve my credibility when talking about retirement related topics.”
  • “Others in my organization know they can look to me for answers to questions they have”.
  • “We all know that a certification is not a guarantee of competence, but it is a helpful way of saying that I have at least mastered a body of knowledge.”
  • “The breadth and depth of knowledge I gained through the CRC® program has helped me become a better advisor to my clients facing retirement plan issues.”
  • “It is a privilege to be able to say that I have this certification and it gives me credibility.”
  • “The knowledge I gained for the CRC® certification has greatly increased my ability to educate our members on what to expect in retirement and how our plan can best fit their needs.”
  • “The CRC® certification has enhanced my ability to attract prospects and has enabled me to articulate my specialization in retirement income planning.”
  • “The knowledge gained impacts most of my client appointments.”
  • “I have had certain clients that are more willing to discuss their retirement plans once they know I’m a CRC® advisor.”
  • “Being aware of the different communication styles of plan participants has helped me.”
  • “My CRC® training helps me almost every day in my dealings with Retirement Plans, Rollovers, and lifetime income planning.”
  • “I helped a soon-to-retire person look at bigger picture before looking at specific strategies and solutions.”
  • “Knowledge gained during the CRC® Certification process has helped me develop into a well rounded retirement counselor.”
  • “I have on many occasions referred to retirement lifecycle stages. This has helped my clients address their income needs in early retirement vs. late retirement.”
  • “The CRC® curriculum addresses both quantitative and qualitative issues that affect retirement planning. It has reinforced and increased my confidence as I discuss retirement planning issues with clients and prospective clients. This knowledge has helped make conversations go more smoothly.”