Objectives

Anyone with an interest in issues and opportunities in the 403(b) marketplace is encouraged to obtain the CRS and/or MCRS professional designation. Earning the professional designation will:

  • increase your technical ability and effectiveness;
  • provide the tools you need to strengthen your business;
  • enhance your professional status;
  • help you improve your service to your clients.

    • You will have the knowledge and the credentials to take advantage of an industry that's experiencing rapid growth.

    There are six required courses in the MCRS and four required courses in the CRS curriculum. Most courses are made up of 10 weekly assignments. Each assignment consists of assigned text and accompanying study guide that includes a list of objectives, an outline for the subject matter, key terms, questions, a self-test, and illustrative examination questions. The study program is designated for independent study. The two-hour examinations for each course is based only on the text and study guide and are given in or near your community.

    The CRS/MCRS Designations

    Anyone can take CRS/MCRS examinations but the CRS/MCRS professional designations are awarded to individuals who:

  • Successfully complete all national examinations (six in the MCRS and four in the CRS program) covering the fundamentals of 403(b) plans;
  • Meet the experience requirements;
  • Agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics of NTSAA.

    • To meet the experience requirements a person must provide satisfactory evidence to the NTSAA Educational Institute of more than three years of full-time experience (or its equivalent) in dealing with 403(b) plans.

    NOTE: The CRS/MCRS is maintained by annually completing 15 hours of continuing education.

    CRS Course 1, 2, 3 and 4 Open-book, Online Examinations Guidelines:

    1. You will have 4-month window period to take the exam from the time you register.

    • If you fail the exam within your 4-month window period, you make re-take the exam as many times as you want, but you will have to wait 5 days before each re-take attempt.

    2. You will be allowed 2 hours to complete the exam.

    3. You must receive a grade of 80% or better to pass the exam.

    4. After the 4-month window period, if you have not taken the online exam or you have not passed the online exam, you will have to pay a re-exam fee of $55. You will receive an additional 4-month window period.

    5. Also, there is an ONLINE SAMPLE QUIZ available for Course 1.

    CRS/MCRS Examinations

    Examinations are as follows:

    • Course 1 - Available Online
    • Course 2 - Available Online
    • Course 3 - Available Online
    • Course 4 - Available Online
    • Course 5 - Available at site location
    • Course 6 - Available at site location
    The courses may be taken in any order although it is recommended they be taken in sequence.

    Each exam consists of 60 questions of the type illustrated in the appropriate Study Guide. Questions are drawn only from the assigned text and Study Guide material. A student earning a grade of 70% or more is assured of passing. After the successful completion of your first exam you must complete all exams within five years. Examinations passed more than five years before completing all six exams must be re-taken and passed.

    Study Materials

    To properly prepare for an exam you will need a current study guide and required text materials. You may order the study materials directly from the NTSAA Educational Institute.

    Equivalency Credit

    NTSAA recognizes the following designations CFP, CLU, and ChFC as equivalent to the MCRS Course 6. If you have one of these designations, please contact 1-661-859-1900 x100 to receive credit for the MCRS Course 6.