What Is a National Social Security Advisor (NSSA)?

A National Social Security Advisor (NSSA) is a professional designation that signifies expertise in Social Security benefits and strategies. NSSA advisors are trained to help individuals and couples make informed decisions about their Social Security options, aiming to maximize benefits based on unique life circumstances. This designation is earned through specialized training and examination, equipping advisors with a deep understanding of the Social Security system, including spousal benefits, timing strategies and rules that can impact retirees.

If you want help planning for retirement or other financial goals, consider using SmartAsset’s free matching tool to connect with a fiduciary advisor.

Who Can Become a National Social Security Advisor?

The National Social Security Association created the NSSA certification in 2013 and remains responsible for administering it. The association is the brainchild of a former Social Security administrator, Jim Blair, and Marc Kiner, an accountant. According to the association’s website, the NSSA is the nation’s only accredited Social Security certificate program.

The certificate is available to professionals whose work includes advising clients on their Social Security benefits. It’s up to the association to decide who is eligible, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, which oversees the securities industry.

NSSA’s founders point out that while millions of baby boomers are approaching or have already reached retirement age, many don’t know the basics of Social Security benefits. Since eligible retirees can lose up to 30% of their benefits by starting withdrawals at 62, there’s a lot of retirement security at stake.

Citing this critical situation, the association encourages financial advisors to advertise their Social Security expertise. An advisor with NSSA certification has no powers whatsoever with the Social Security Administration, though. Rather, the designation helps advisors demonstrate their knowledge of benefits and attract clients.

What Subjects Does NSSA Training Cover?

NSSA certification requires completion of a one-day course and passing a proctored exam. Certified Financial Planners™ (CFPs®), certified public accountants (CPAs), insurance agents and other professionals may use it to fulfill continuing education obligations for other certifications.

There are multiple ways to become certified, including live classroom training ($1,195), virtual classroom training and on-demand video-based courses (both $895). These formats cater to different learning preferences, ranging from in-person workshops to flexible online options.

Each course covers the complexities of Social Security, helping advisors effectively assist clients with benefit decisions. After completing the core course and passing the final exam (a minimum score of 70% is required), participants earn the NSSA Certificate, with ongoing support and renewal options available every two years to maintain up-to-date knowledge.

Like many other professional certifications, the NSSA must be renewed every two years. This requires an additional eight hours of continuing education credits and costs $395. However, those certified can opt to pay $1,000 for lifetime certification.

Benefits of the NSSA Designation

While any credible professional should understand the details of Social Security, NSSA certification can help financial advisors stand out in a crowded field. The association, pointing to the huge number of Americans soon to retire, argues the certification also can help increase an advisor’s revenue.

For clients, particularly those 62 or older, the appeal of an NSSA is that he or she can help them make choices about when to begin Social Security payments and how to incorporate them into a wider revenue stream can have enormous impact on the quality of retirement. Because of this, it’s critical that an advisor’s knowledge of these benefits is current and comprehensive.

NSSA vs. Certified Retirement Counselor

NSSA is not the only certification that indicates a specialization in retirement planning. If you’re in the market for professional help, another specialization is the certified retirement counselor (CRC). The International Foundation for Retirement Education (InFRE), a nonprofit organization, created this certification in 1997 when the first baby boomers were closing in on retirement age.

Both certificates require qualifying exams, regular recertification, ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. The background and educational requirements for the CRC are similarly open-ended. Candidates generally must have a bachelor’s degree, although InFRE may waive that requirement if there is relevant work experience to consider.

The primary difference between the CRC and NSSA relates to their scope of study. As the name implies, CRC candidates will study many aspects of retirement and financial planning, not just Social Security. CRCs have received training in helping clients with financial and investment management. They also take courses on responsible counseling practices.

Bottom Line

For most of us, it’s very important to max out our Social Security benefits. A professional with the NSSA certification may be able to help. An NSSA can review your options for tapping this income and make the most of your contributions. That said, advisors without NSSA, CRC or other retirement-specific certifications may also be able to help. When it comes to Social Security benefits, experience working with pre-retirees can be just as valuable, if not more valuable, than a designation.

Tips for Retirement

A financial advisor can help you make the challenging transition from accumulating your nest egg to drawing it down. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
The total value of your Social Security benefits correlates directly with the age you begin receiving them. If you start before full retirement age, you may be reducing your total payouts by tens of thousands of dollars. Our Social Security calculator can help you see the difference your retirement age makes.