Membership Responsibilities

Annual Dues | Continuation Requirements
Listing of Designation Holders | Logos | Disciplinary Procedures

Once a candidate has successfully met the requirements of education, testing, and points accrual and has submitted the ethics statement to the National Institute, the appropriate designation will be awarded. This individual is now entitled to use the designation Certified Specialist in Estate Planning® (CSEP) or Certified Specialist in Retirement Planning® (CSRP), as well as the associated logo. (Please Note: It is always advisable to check with the regulations of your state regarding the proper use of designations and other titles.) A certificate will be forwarded by the National Institute, as well as a sample press release, information on the use of the designation, and general membership information. To retain this designation in good standing, the designation holder must complete the following steps:

1. Pay the annual dues
2. Fulfill the continuing education requirements

If membership responsibilities are not satisfied, designation may be revoked and may only be reinstated by complying with such terms and conditions as the National Institute may deem appropriate under all of the facts and circumstances, including, but not limited to, reapplication to the program and re-testing of core knowledge.

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To retain a National Institute designation in good standing, the designation holder must pay an annual fee of $75. This fee covers administrative costs, promotes awareness and development of the National Institute, and enables the designation holder to receive periodic literature and early notification of special programs. The first payment of dues is required by January 1 of the year after designation is awarded, and each January 1 thereafter. For example, an individual who receives a National Institute designation in June 2010 is required to submit the first payment of annual dues by January 1, 2011. A reminder letter is sent to designation holders 60 days in advance of the deadline.

 

For candidates who earn their designation during the final two months of the calendar year, payment of dues is waived for that year.

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Anyone who has been awarded a National Institute designation must complete a minimum of 16 continuing education hours every two years in order to remain a member in good standing. The continuing education requirement begins on January 1 of the year after designation is awarded, with credits due to be reported by December 31 of the second calendar year. An individual receiving a National Institute designation in June 2009 must earn their continuing education between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011.

Designation holders may choose any course, in live seminar or self-study format, whose primary focus is in their field of specialization. However, applicable courses must be approved by a national organization for continuing education credit. The most typical examples are courses approved for CPE for CPAs, for CLE for attorneys, and for CE for CFPs®. If a course is not approved for any of these types of credit, it is best to check with the National Institute prior to attending.

Although the completion of advanced-level courses is encouraged, designation holders are not restricted from basic- or intermediate-level courses if they are in a topic area that the designation holder believes will be beneficial.

Courses previously taken as core or elective requirements in a designation program may be re-taken to fulfill continuing education requirements, provided that they were originally taken at least two years prior. An exception to this rule is The Best Estate Planning Update Course, which may be taken every year.

Reporting forms will be made available to designation holders and must be submitted to the National Institute by the end of the two-year continuing education period. Completed forms must indicate courses taken and credit hours awarded. These forms will be randomly audited, and designation holders may be asked to produce attendance records or self-study completion certificates.

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Listing of Designation Holders

All designation holders have the option to have their contact information and biography posted on this website. This information can be submitted online after program completion..

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Logos

Each National Institute designation includes an associated logo, which bears the unique torch image. Use of the logo in conjunction with the designation title is encouraged.

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Disciplinary Procedures

Those who receive designations from the National Institute carry the responsibility of upholding the standards of professional conduct associated with the National Institute's designations and are bound to comply with all rules and regulations governing continuing membership. Anyone failing to meet these standards or comply with the rules will be subject to disciplinary procedures.

Acts that may require disciplinary action by the National Institute include:

• Any violation of the National Institute ethics statement signed by the designation candidate;

• Any violation of ethical standards that results in suspension from another professional organization;

• Any intentional omission or misstatement of facts in documents presented to the National Institute;

• Failure to comply with the deadlines and requirements set up by the National Institute for its designation programs;

• Non-payment of the renewal fee without sufficient explanation;

• Improper use of a National Institute designation.

If the National Institute finds that disciplinary action must be taken against a designation holder, it may take recourse, including legal action. In the case of a violation of the National Institute's rules or deadlines, a repetition of some part of the core curriculum may be required. More serious infractions may lead to suspension of designation for a specified period, or permanent revocation of a designation.

Any designation holder against whom disciplinary action has been taken may appeal the board's decision. All appeals must be made in writing and submitted within 30 days of notice of disciplinary action.

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