Frequently Asked Questions

NSSA® (National Social Security Advisor) is a professional designation and certification program designed to provide financial advisors, tax professionals, CPAs, and other professionals with comprehensive knowledge and expertise in Social Security planning.

The NSSA® Certificate Program educates advisors on the complexities of Social Security rules, regulations, and strategies, allowing them to guide their clients in maximizing their Social Security benefits. The program emphasizes Situational Social Security, recognizing that every client’s situation is unique—whether they are single, married, divorced, or a surviving spouse.

To earn the NSSA® designation, professionals must complete a specialized training course and pass an assessment. NSSA® certificate holders also receive ongoing support, including access to resources, updates, online community, and webinars, to stay informed about changes and strategies in Social Security and Medicare planning.

The National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®) Certificate program was created by Marc Kiner and Jim Blair in January 2013 to address the growing need for accurate, comprehensive Social Security education among financial professionals. The program equips advisors with the knowledge and tools they need to guide their clients effectively through the complexities of Social Security planning.

Jim Blair, the other co-founder, brings deep insider knowledge to the NSSA® program, having worked for the Social Security Administration (SSA) for 35 years before retiring in December 2009. During his tenure with the SSA, Jim held various roles, including operations supervisor and district manager, giving him a comprehensive understanding of Social Security regulations, benefits, and the claims process. After retiring from the SSA, Jim partnered with Marc to create a certification program that would distill his extensive knowledge into a format that is accessible and practical for financial professionals.

Marc Kiner, CPA, co-founder of the NSSA® Certificate program, has a background as a Certified Public Accountant. He owned and managed a successful CPA practice for over 30 years before selling it in 2012. With his extensive experience in tax planning and consulting, Marc recognized a gap in Social Security knowledge among financial advisors, tax professionals, and CPAs. His vision was to create a program that would help these professionals better serve their clients by understanding the nuances and intricacies of Social Security rules and strategies.

The NSSA® certification offers three flexible training options to accommodate different learning styles and schedules. You can choose from:

1. Online On-Demand Training: Learn at your own pace with pre-recorded video modules that cover the comprehensive Social Security curriculum. This option allows you to complete the training on your schedule from anywhere.

2. Live Webinar Training: Participate in interactive, instructor-led sessions conducted online. This option allows for real-time engagement, including Q&A sessions with Social Security experts, providing a dynamic learning experience.

3. Live Classroom Training: Attend in-person classes conducted by experienced instructors in select cities. This format offers a hands-on, immersive experience where you can engage directly with instructors and network with other professionals.

All training options provide 8 Continuing Education (CE) credits and cover the same comprehensive Social Security content to prepare you for the NSSA® certification exam.

Advisors who pass the NSSA® assessment earn the National Social Security Advisor Certificate and are authorized to use the NSSA® credential after their name. They can state that they have earned the National Social Security Advisor Certificate and identify themselves as a National Social Security Advisor Certificate Holder.

Certificate holders are also permitted to use the NSSA® logo and digital badge to signify their certification. These can be included in marketing materials, business cards, email signatures, websites, and other professional communications to highlight their expertise in Social Security planning.

Advisors should note that they may need to obtain approval from their compliance department before using the NSSA® logo, digital badge, or referencing their certification in any promotional or marketing materials, to ensure they adhere to their firm’s guidelines and regulations.

NSSA® certification provides comprehensive ongoing support to help you stay informed and connected within the Social Security planning community. As part of the support, you have access to a monthly Social Security Update call, where experts discuss the latest changes, trends, and strategies in Social Security. Additionally, the monthly Open Forum call offers an interactive platform to ask questions, share experiences, and engage with fellow advisors and experts on various Social Security topics. Certified members also gain access to the online membership community, a collaborative space to connect with peers, share insights, and build valuable relationships.

Further enhancing your knowledge, you will receive a quarterly newsletter filled with the latest updates, insights, and industry news. The quarterly podcast provides in-depth discussions on key Social Security topics, offering practical advice and expert opinions to help you stay ahead. This robust support package ensures that NSSA® advisors remain well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Social Security planning and provide the best guidance to their clients.

To earn the NSSA® certification, you must first complete the required training, which provides 8 Continuing Education (CE) credits. This training can be completed in three formats: online on-demand, live webinar, or live classroom sessions. The training is purchased separately from the certification exam and membership.

After completing the training, you must purchase the NSSA® Exam, Certification, & Membership Package to take the 85-question certification exam. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to earn the NSSA® certification. This package includes two exam attempts and access to additional resources and community support. Once you pass the exam, you will receive the NSSA® certification, allowing you to enhance your Social Security expertise and better serve your clients.

To earn your NSSA® certification, follow these three steps:

1. Enroll in Training: Choose the format that best fits your needs—Online On-Demand, Live Webinar, or In-Person Classroom—and complete the comprehensive Social Security training.

2. Pass the Certification Exam: Take the 85-question NSSA® Certification Exam online (closed-book) and achieve a score of 70% or higher to earn your designation.

3. Join the Membership Community: Enhance your Social Security expertise with ongoing support, resources, and networking by joining our exclusive membership community.

Visit https://www.nssapros.com/get-certified to get started! Tip: Make sure to add the NSSA® Certification and Membership package when you purchase your course to access all member benefits and fully earn your certification.

NSSA® certification renewals are required annually at a cost of $195. To maintain your designation, you must also complete 4 hours of NSSA® Continuing Education (CE) each year. This requirement helps ensure the highest standards of quality and professionalism within the NSSA® advisor community.

An active NSSA® designation allows advisors to continue using the NSSA® credential professionally and provides ongoing access to member benefits, including participation in membership calls, engagement in the online community, and access to updated NSSA® resources.

NSSA® members can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits by participating in various approved activities. Attending an NSSA® Open Forum call or an NSSA® Social Security Update call earns 1 CE credit each. Your attendance will be tracked, and your profile will be updated automatically. Additionally, as a member, you have free access to both the online on-demand course and the live webinar sessions, each of which provides 8 CE credits.

The National Social Security Advisor (NSSA®) Certificate Program is overseen by Social Security Professionals, LLC. This organization is responsible for managing all aspects of the NSSA® program, including training, certification, renewals, and ongoing support for advisors. Social Security Professionals, LLC ensures that the program maintains its high standards of quality, relevance, and professionalism, providing financial advisors with the education and resources needed to offer expert Social Security planning advice.

Yes, the NSSA® Certificate Program is listed on the Designation List on FINRA's official website, www.finra.org. However, it is important to note that while FINRA recognizes the NSSA® designation, it does not endorse or approve any professional designation.