Course Outline

COURSE EDITION 3

Lesson 1--Introduction to Retirement Plans

1. History and Goals of Retirement Plans
2. Increasing Importance of Retirement Plans
3. Relevant Demographics Impacting Retirement Plans
4. Income Sources in Retirement
5. Defined Benefit vs. Defined Contribution
6. Key Features of Defined Benefit Plans
7. Key Features of Defined Contribution Plans
8. Key Provisions of Social Security

Lesson 2--Plan Sponsors

1. Role of the Plan Sponsor
2. Multiemployer Plan Sponsor
3. Private Employer Plan Sponsor
4. Trustees–Individual and Corporate
5. Public Employer Plan Sponsors
6. Differences Among Plan Sponsors
7. Plan Types for Different Sponsor Types

Lesson 3--Defining the Qualified and Nonqualified Retirement Plan

1. Qualified vs. Nonqualified Retirement (Pension) Plans
2. Qualified Plans
3. Nonqualified Plans
4. Cost of Qualified Defined Benefit Plans to the Employer
5. Cost of Qualified Defined Contribution Plans to the Employer
6. Characteristics of Nonqualified Retirement Plans

Lesson 4--Plan Qualification Rules

1. Nondiscrimination in General 
2. Nondiscrimination in Coverage
3. Nondiscrimination in Benefits or Compensation
4. Determination of Service for Retirement Plans
5. Eligibility Requirements
6. Vesting Standards
7. Limits on Benefits From Defined Benefit Plans
8. Limits on Contributions in Defined Contribution Plans
9. Top-Heavy Plans and Their Requirements
10. Other Qualification Rules for Retirement Plans

Lesson 5--Communication to Employees Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans

1. Overview of Employee Communication
2. Enrollment and Initial Participation
3. Plan Rules and Changes
4. Investment Education
5. Retirement Planning
6. Advice vs. Education