The Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) certification is a retirement specific certification program that demonstrates a mastery of subject matter, a commitment to the retirement planning profession, adherence to a code of ethics and ongoing continuing education. CRC® certification carries an obligation of continuing education to help Certificants maintain a current understanding of relevant retirement planning topics and compliance with ethical requirements. An annual continuing education requirement assures a Certificant’s commitment to lifelong learning and is important for professionals working in a dynamic industry with a constantly changing legislative, tax and resources environment. The continuing education requirements are appropriate for active CRC® Certificants as evidenced in the most recent CRC® Practice Analysis study but should not be interpreted that a Certificant has a particular level of competence or skill.