RMA® Certification

Practical Tools for Successful Retirement Planning

When you’re ready to differentiate your retirement advising practice with elevated and specialized capabilities, choose the Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) certification.

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The New RMA Program at Chicago Booth

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What Can RMA Certification Do for You?

Differentiate your retirement advising practice with elevated capabilities and specialized knowledge - choose the Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) certification.

The RMA® designation goes beyond the simple accumulation focus of other retirement planning certifications. The program’s multidisciplinary approach:

  • Enhances your knowledge of each clients' concerns, liabilities and goals - and how to successfully balance and plan for them.

  • Prepares advisors to demonstrate proficiency in all facets of planning, from building wealth to optimizing retirement income and managing longevity risk.

  • Ensures clients are prepared and positioned to navigate market volatility, inflation risks and uncertainty.

Expand your financial advising practice by demonstrating your ability to guide clients through the full retirement lifecycle with the RMA® certification.

Persistent inflation and volatility in both stock and bond markets heighten pressure on retirees and those planning for retirement. Clients are demanding better strategies for navigating today's risks - and tomorrow's.

It's essential for advisors to look beyond simple accumulation to ensure their clients have sufficient current income - and sufficient lifetime income - to live the retirement they expect and deserve.

Learn how the RMA® certification can expand knowledge, demonstrate proficiency, prepare clients, and ultimately grow practices.

Increase Your Professional Value: Download Our RMA® Brochure
72%

of investors agree that their financial advisor should know how to help them maximize their income for retirement.

92%

of advisors say clients are anxious about inflation’s impact on their retirement.

82%

of advisors say clients are concerned they’ll outlive their retirement savings.

61%

of investors say it’s important for their advisor to help them set clear retirement goals.

RMA® Certification Process & Costs

Why wait to get the up-to-date knowledge and skills your clients need now?

The RMA® program is uniquely designed to enable you to start right away and complete your certification in just 4-6 months. Throughout the initial self-study period, you’ll have the support of instructional guides and periodic check-ins. Then, you’ll attend a 2-day, instructor-led capstone seminar, either in person or virtually (also available on demand).

Ready to get started?

Get RMA® Process & Cost Details
  1. Apply and select self-paced or scheduled study

  2. Complete online study and capstone seminar

  3. Pass the RMA® certification exam

  4. Complete your certification

Premier Instruction to Guide Your RMA® Education Program

As an Investments & Wealth Institute comprehensive certification, the RMA® curriculum features the deep dive education, rigorous requirements, and practical application that IWI has been delivering for more than 30 years.

We partner directly with top industry leaders and respected academic faculty to teach both the online lectures and the executive education capstone course.

These dedicated professionals ensure your course content is always fresh and immediately relevant. You’ll get contemporary examples, innovative approaches, and practical solutions to your clients’ complex retirement challenges.

Preview the RMA® CurriculumView RMA® Course and Capstone Details

"The RMA certification program is very relevant to where the business is heading. Retirement outcomes and income segmentation will be critical to the success of financial advisors moving forward."

Ryan Bettencourt, RMA®
Franklin Templeton

Resources to Support Your RMA® Certification Journey

BROCHURE

Make your case to peers and employers.

CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

All-in-one reference to the RMA certification program.

RMA® EXAM & CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

At-a-glance coursework outline and what to expect at exam time.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Learn about financial assistance for RMA candidates from underrepresented communities.

"I believe this course and designation brings a fresh, updated and innovative view of retirement planning for today's day and age. This program has also helped me look at retirement planning in a different light and scope of structuring plans. It has made an impact almost immediately for me, my clients, and my business."

Roger Mussa, CPWA®, RMA®, CPFA
Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor; Mussa Wealth Management of Merrill Lynch

Why offer RMA® certifications to your teams?

Retirement planning and management is often at the center of client conversations. The RMA® designation demonstrates an elevated layer of service in your financial advising and wealth management teams.

RMA® professionals bring exceptional value to your firm.

Objective Advice

A multidisciplinary, product-neutral approach enables unbiased solutions for client-centered outcomes.

Proven Capabilities

86% of clients agree that their advisor must meet rigorous certification requirements.

Advanced Experience

RMA® certified professionals have an average of 21 years of financial advising industry experience.

Ready to take the next step?

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Schedule a Call

Speak to an enrollment counselor.

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Introductory Webinars

Get direct answers in our live presentations.