RMA® Exam Topics: What to Expect

The Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) curriculum tests your ability to use a systematic process to dive deeply into client diagnostics, retirement lifecycle planning, and risk management—and create actionable Retirement Policy Statements.

Preview the RMA® Curriculum

In What Format Is the RMA® Exam Offered?

The RMA® certification exam is proctored. You can take it online after you have completed your coursework and capstone.

3

hours for the timed and proctored exam

15

unscored pretest questions

100

scored multiple-choice questions

Online Examination for Retirement Management Analyst® Certification

To complete the RMA exam online, you’ll simply need a stable internet connection—preferably at home to avoid corporate firewall issues—with a webcam and microphone.

You can schedule your online exam when it’s convenient. Online proctors are available 24/7 and there is no extra fee if you schedule at least 72 hours in advance.

How Do RMA® Exam Questions Evaluate My Knowledge?

The questions on the RMA® exam are multiple choice—a format that enables broad representation of certification information while testing your knowledge and skills at various levels.

  • Recall questions test your ability to recognize and remember specific facts, generalizations, theories, and principles.

  • Application questions draw on your ability to use what you know in different situations.

  • Analysis questions tap into your ability to synthesize what you know and come up with effective solutions, make judgements, or recommend a course of action.

    Learn More About How RMA® Exams Are Developed

Looking for guided review, self-study guides, and ways to practice for the exam?

Join a live, interactive review session with Investments & Wealth Institute instructors

What Topics Will Appear on the RMA® Exam?

The RMA® certification exam aligns with the RMA® curriculum in our Core Body of Knowledge.

Preview the RMA Curriculum
3 Knowledge Domains
11 Knowledge Sections

Exam Percentage

Domain Sections
18%

The Retirement Opportunity

  • Module 1 - The Retirement Lancscape: 5%
  • Module 2 - The Retirement Mindset: 8%
  • Module 3 - The Ethical Advisor: 5%

41%

The Retirement Client
  • Module 4 - Client Discovery and Analysis: 15%
  • Module 5 - Assessing Retirement Readiness: 13%
  • Module 6 - Retirement Risk Management: 13%

41%

Retirement Planning Technical Design
  • Module 7 - Retirement Portfolio Allocations: 10%
  • Module 8 - Key Retirement Planning Decisions: 12%
  • Module 9 - Implementation Strategies: 9%
  • Module 10 - Life in Transition: 6%
  • Module 11 - Retirement Policy Statement: 4%