National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts

What National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts does

The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA) is a U.S.-based private professional education, certification, and software organization founded in 2017 by Martha Shedden, CRPC, and Michael Rosedale, CPA, and headquartered in Melville, New York. The company addresses a structural gap in the U.S. retirement advice market: the Social Security Administration is legally prohibited from offering personalized claiming advice, and approximately 90% of beneficiaries file without professional guidance, forfeiting material lifetime income. NARSSA's core product is the RSSA® (Registered Social Security Analyst®) designation program, a 5-module self-study certification (priced at $3,395 one-time, or ~$170/month via Klarna) combining curriculum, the proprietary RSSA Roadmap® optimization software with SSA.gov earnings-record integration, and a proctored national exam. Graduates become annual members at $479/year for continued software access, CE credits (4/year included), and use of the RSSA® designation; an optional Lead Program subscription at $150/month provides marketing assets and lead capture. The company has trained 5,000+ advisors, expanded to nearly 2,000 certified-expert locations, and holds SOC 2 Type 2, FINRA designation listing, and CE accreditation across NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, Broadridge Fi360, and 47 state insurance boards.

NARSSA operates a multi-channel go-to-market: self-serve individual enrollment on narssa.org and consumer portal rssa.com; a partner channel covering corporate partners (MassMutual, Prudential, AmeriLife, LPL, Guardian, Allstate, Cetera, Osaic, Integrity), education partners (The American College of Financial Services, Broadridge Fi360, The College for Financial Planning), and association/advocacy partners (NAIFA, FPA, NAEA, SCSA); and an enterprise portal for broker-dealer deployments that satisfy FINRA Firm Element CE for Senior Investors. Customer segments are horizontally diversified across tax professionals/CPAs, financial advisors/wealth managers, insurance/Medicare professionals, and licensed professionals (attorneys, CFPs, EAs). The organization is a portfolio company of the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP® (joined 2022), and recently modernized its LMS platform in November 2025 alongside introducing AI-assisted exam proctoring and signing distribution partnerships with The American College (February 2026) and Essential Engine (April 2026).

Name

National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts

Legal name

National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts

Website

https://narssa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts (NARSSA) is a U.S. professional education and certification organization that trains and credentials financial advisors, CPAs, and insurance professionals in Social Security optimization through its RSSA® designation, proprietary RSSA Roadmap® software, and accredited continuing education programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Certification and Education

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)

akta.pro primary industry

Investment Management Advisory (RIA) (FSAEAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Retirement Plan Advisory RIAs (ERISA 401(k)/403(b)) (FSAAACAF)

Keywords

• Professional certification programs
• Social security planning
• Financial advisor education
• Retirement income software
• Continuing education credits

Headquarters

HQ city

Melville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. RSSA® Program Certification Fee: One-time upfront fee of $3,395 for the complete 5-module self-study certification program, which includes RSSA Roadmap® software access and training, the RSSA® Final Exam with one complimentary re-take, and the first year of NARSSA membership. Alternative payment plan via Klarna at ~$170/month.
2. Annual Membership Renewal: Annual renewal fee of $479 per year for continued access to the RSSA Roadmap® software, continuing education, marketing materials, client support, and the right to use the RSSA® credential designation. Revenue recurs annually and applies to both Associate Members and credentialed RSSAs.
3. Lead Program Subscription (Optional Add-on): Optional RSSA® lead program subscription starting at $150/month, providing unique RSSA® webpages, turn-key marketing tools, and a client portal registration form for lead capture. Designed to generate leads through live events, webinars, and online marketing campaigns.
4. Exam Re-take Fees: The RSSA® Program includes one complimentary exam re-take. Additional exam attempts beyond the complimentary re-take are charged at $350 per exam registration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

NARSSA delivers a professional certification, education, and software ecosystem centered on the RSSA® (Registered Social Security Analyst®) designation. The core package combines a 5-module self-study Social Security curriculum, the proprietary RSSA Roadmap® optimization software with SSA.gov data sync, a proctored final exam, and annual membership with continuing education. It is sold to financial, tax, insurance, and legal professionals who serve retiring clients.

Product overview

NARSSA operates as a professional education, technology, and advocacy organization offering a unified certification ecosystem centered on the RSSA® (Registered Social Security Analyst®) designation. The core offering combines a 5-module self-study educational curriculum with the proprietary RSSA Roadmap® software and a proctored certification exam. Upon certification, members maintain annual membership providing ongoing access to the software platform, continuing education, case support, and marketing tools. Optional add-ons include the RSSA® Lead Program for enhanced client acquisition. The program is approved for continuing education credits across multiple professional disciplines including CPAs, CFPs, Enrolled Agents, and insurance professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RSSA (Registered Social Security Analyst): Professional designation program for Social Security analysts, including 5-module education course, RSSA Roadmap software, and certification exam.
• RSSA Roadmap

Products and services

• RSSA® Program (Registered Social Security Analyst®) Comprehensive professional certification program that trains and certifies financial, tax, insurance, and legal professionals in Social Security rules, claiming strategies, Medicare basics, and integrated retirement income planning. The package includes a 5-module self-study curriculum, RSSA Roadmap® software, the RSSA® Final Exam, and the first year of NARSSA membership. Priced at $3,395 one-time with optional Klarna installment plan.
• RSSA Roadmap® Software Proprietary Social Security optimization software that imports client earnings records directly from SSA.gov, models multiple claiming strategies across different ages and life scenarios (retirement, spousal, survivor, divorced-spouse, and family benefits), and generates client-ready roadmap reports for advisors serving Social Security claimants.
• 5-Module Self-Study Program Self-paced online coursework delivered via iSpring LMS covering Social Security fundamentals, advanced topics, benefits coordination across related programs, expert practice and client communication, and software case studies. Approximately 20–25 hours of study with practice questions and module exams, earning CE credits from NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, Broadridge Fi360, and 47 state insurance boards.
• RSSA® Final Exam Proctored two-part certification exam testing knowledge of Social Security rules and software application. Part I is 80 multiple-choice questions; Part II includes two case studies requiring use of RSSA Roadmap® software. Administered online with AI-assisted and live proctoring on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. One complimentary re-take is included with the program; additional attempts are $350 each.
• NARSSA Annual Membership Annual membership providing continued access to the RSSA Roadmap® software, 4 CE credits per year of continuing education, case and planning support, client engagement tools, marketing materials, and the right to use the RSSA® credential designation. Required annual renewal at $479 for Associate and Registered Members.
• RSSA® Lead Program Optional lead generation subscription providing turn-key solutions including customizable RSSA® webpages, presentations, marketing materials, and a client portal registration form. Enables credentialed RSSAs to distribute Roadmaps directly to consumers and generate leads through events, webinars, and online marketing campaigns. Starts at $150/month.

Quantifiable outcome

• ~$1 million in annuity premium generated in one quarter by AmeriLife advisors from clients initially seeking Social Security guidance via RSSA Roadmap®
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Essential EngineflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2026NARSSA and Essential Engine announced a partnership to help Registered Social Security Analysts market their services to prospective clients. Under the agreement, Essential Engine provides customized marketing materials including a dedicated Retiring Well magazine for RSSA members, combining Social Security expertise with client communication strategies.
• The American College of Financial ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 February 2026The American College of Financial Services partnered with NARSSA to distribute the RSSA® Social Security designation program through The College's lifelong learning platform. The program provides financial professionals with training on Social Security rules, Medicare basics, and integrated claiming strategies, along with access to NARSSA's RSSA Roadmap® software. RSSA® completion earns 8.5 CE credits toward The College's Professional Recertification Program (PRP). According to The College's 2025 Market Study, Social Security planning is the third-largest retirement knowledge gap among financial advisors.
• PTINdirectoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPTINdirectory is listed as a marketing partner of NARSSA. PTINdirectory.com, founded by NARSSA co-founder Michael Rosedale, is the only comprehensive national online directory with over 700,000 federally registered tax preparers.
• MassMutualcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMassMutual is listed as a corporate partner and is among the major firms that recognize and approve the RSSA® credential for their advisors. MassMutual advisors use NARSSA's program for Social Security training and CE.
• AmeriLifecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAmeriLife is listed as a corporate partner and one of the major firms approving the RSSA® credential for its advisor network. AmeriLife advisors have generated significant business outcomes using the RSSA Roadmap®.
• LPL FinancialcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLPL Financial is listed as a major firm that recognizes and approves the RSSA® credential for its advisors and is included in the NARSSA compliance and partner pages.
• Prudential FinancialcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPrudential Financial is listed as a major firm recognizing the RSSA® credential for its advisors. Prudential advisor Nicholas Pititto has publicly credited the RSSA® designation with growing his practice.
• GuardiancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGuardian Financial is listed as a firm recognizing the RSSA® credential for its advisors as part of its professional development and CE standards.
• AllstatecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAllstate's financial professional channel recognizes and approves the RSSA® credential for its advisors through the NARSSA corporate partnership.
• Cetera Financial GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCetera Financial Group is listed as one of the major firms recognizing the RSSA® credential for its advisor network.
• Osaic WealthcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOsaic Wealth is listed as a major firm recognizing the RSSA® credential for its advisors and financial professionals.
• NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNAIFA is listed as an advocacy and association partner. NAIFA members are a key target audience for the RSSA® credential program.
• FPA (Financial Planning Association)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFPA is listed as an advocacy and association partner, connecting NARSSA with the financial planning professional community.
• IntegrityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIntegrity is listed as a corporate partner and insurance marketing organization working with NARSSA to reach insurance agents and advisors.
• NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNAEA is listed as an advocacy partner, connecting NARSSA with enrolled agents who benefit from the IRS-approved CE component of the RSSA® program.
• Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSCSA is listed as an advocacy partner, providing a channel to certified senior advisors who serve the 50+ demographic that relies on Social Security.
• Carroll Advisory GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded by Devin Carroll, an RSSA and influential Social Security content creator with over 1 million monthly readers/viewers, Carroll Advisory Group drives significant organic awareness and referrals for the RSSA® ecosystem.
• National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNRMLA hosted a NARSSA-sponsored webinar featuring Thomas Drapala on using Social Security planning as an entry point for reverse mortgage conversations, drawing ~160 registrants from 47 companies across 35 states.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Social Security Solutions (Maximize My Social Security): Direct competitor offering Social Security claiming-strategy software for financial advisors and consumers. Closest direct peer to RSSA Roadmap® with overlapping advisor customers and similar claiming-scenario modeling functionality.
• Income Lab: Retirement income planning software for financial advisors focused on sustainable withdrawal and Social Security optimization. Comparable in target customer (advisors) and product category (retirement planning software) to NARSSA's RSSA Roadmap®.
• Holistiplan: Tax planning software purpose-built for financial advisors and CPAs, sold via subscription to a similar professional audience as NARSSA. Comparable go-to-market (self-serve SaaS to advisor and tax practices) and customer overlap.

Emerging players

• NewRetirement: Consumer- and advisor-facing retirement planning platform with Social Security modeling. Comparable in targeting retirement decision support but with a broader planning scope than NARSSA's specialized credential.

Broad incumbents

• RightCapital: Comprehensive financial planning SaaS for RIAs and advisors including Social Security modules. Broader incumbent with overlapping advisor customer base but a much wider planning scope than NARSSA's specialist credential.
• eMoney Advisor: Long-established, comprehensive financial planning platform serving many of the same large broker-dealer and RIA firms that partner with NARSSA. Comparable enterprise distribution and advisor user base, but vastly broader in scope.
• MoneyGuidePro: Widely adopted financial planning platform used across the advisor industry including Social Security analysis modules. Comparable advisor distribution footprint and overlapping planning functionality.

Others

• fpPathfinder: Advisor-facing planning checklists, client-facing tools, and practice resources sold via subscription to the same financial advisor audience NARSSA serves. Adjacent rather than directly competing on Social Security.
• The American College of Financial Services: Established financial-services education provider and NARSSA distribution partner. Comparable in delivering professional designations and CE for advisors, with a much broader curriculum offering.
• Kitces (Nerd's Eye View): Leading advisor education, research, and technology-review platform serving the same financial advisor demographic NARSSA targets. Comparable in thought-leadership reach within the advisor community but does not offer a credential or software product.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/rssanews
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/rssanews
• Facebookfacebook.com/rssanews
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rssanews
• Instagraminstagram.com/rssanews

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts