How do I become a Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP)?

Meet the Eligibility Requirements

To establish a much-needed, industry-recognized standard of knowledge and competency for IRA professionals, ABA Professional Certifications and Ascensus developed the Certified IRA Specialist Professional (CISP) designation. To take the CISP certification examination, you must meet the following prerequisites.

  • A minimum of two years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience, and the completion of an approved educational program, such as the Ascensus IRA Institute

OR

  • Four years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience

Register for an Ascensus IRA Institute

IRA Institute Online
Session 1: February 23 - May 17, 2026
Session 2: August 31 - November 22, 2026

Registration Fee: $1,899

Virtual IRA Institute
September 21 - October 2, 2026

Registration Fee: $1,799

IRA Institute Charlotte, NC - May 4 - 8, 2026

Registration Fee: $1,899

Apply for CISP Examination

CISP Examination
If you would like additional information regarding the CISP examination, please visit https://www.aba.com/training-events/certifications/certified-ira-services-professional

Application and exam fee: $600
Annual membership fee: $275

Study Materials
IRA Institute Online

  • All study materials are contained within the online IRA Institute learning management system.
  • If a student would like to purchase any reference materials. additional manuals (listed below) are available at a 10% discount.

Virtual IRA Institute

  • Required reading and study materials will be available for use at the IRA Institute.
  • If a student would like to purchase any reference materials. additional manuals (listed below) are available at a 10% discount.

IRA Institute

  • Required reading and study materials will be available for use at the IRA Institute.
  • If a student would like to purchase any reference materials. additional manuals (listed below) are available at a 10% discount.

Reference Materials Available For Purchase

Note: IRA Institute attendees are not required to buy study materials.

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