* Price covers the $3 IAR CE reporting fee.

Course Description

Embark on a journey to master the complexities of annuities with our specialized course designed for Financial Advisers. This foundational level course dives into the different types of annuities, their features, and their strategic uses in financial planning. Whether you're looking to sharpen your existing knowledge or equip yourself with new skills, this course provides the tools you need to confidently navigate the nuanced world of annuity contracts. By focusing on both the theoretical aspects and practical applications, the course prepares advisers to tailor financial solutions that enhance retirement planning outcomes for their clients.

Our course is designed as a text-based, self-paced learning experience. You have the flexibility to start, pause, and resume the course at your convenience without the need to adhere to a specific schedule. This format allows you to integrate your learning seamlessly into your busy schedule, ensuring you can proceed at a pace that suits your individual needs.

Throughout the course, participants will engage with a variety of learning materials designed to build a robust understanding of how annuities function within a financial context. From the fundamental concepts to the detailed scrutiny of contract features such as death benefits, surrender charges, and riders, the curriculum is structured to foster a comprehensive understanding of annuities. With quizzes after each module and a final assessment, the course ensures that all participants not only grasp the theoretical knowledge but are also prepared to apply these insights effectively in real-world scenarios, making informed decisions that benefit their clients. Join this course to elevate your advisory skills and become a proficient navigator in the ever-evolving landscape of financial planning with annuities.


Difficulty Level: Foundational

IAR CE: 1 credit in Products and Practices

CFP CE: 1 hour


Learning Objectives

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the Fundamentals of Annuities
    • Define what an annuity is and explain its historical development.
    • Identify the parties involved in an annuity contract.
    • Describe the basic mechanics of how annuities work.
  • Differentiate Between Types of Annuities
    • Compare and contrast fixed, variable, and indexed annuities.
    • Distinguish between immediate and deferred annuities and their use cases.
  • Analyze Annuity Contract Features
    • Outline the phases of an annuity: accumulation and annuitization.
    • Assess the impact of death benefits, surrender charges, and riders on annuity contracts.


Course curriculum

    1. Course Instructions

    2. Overview of Annuities and Their Role in Financial Planning

    3. Objectives of the Course

    4. Structure of the Course

    1. Definition and Historical Background

    2. How Annuities Work: The Basics

    3. Parties Involved in an Annuity Contract

    4. Quiz: Module 1 - Understanding Annuities

    1. Fixed Annuities

    2. Variable Annuities

    3. Indexed Annuities

    4. Immediate vs. Deferred Annuities

    5. Quiz: Module 2 - Types of Annuities

    1. Phases of an Annuity: Accumulation and Annuitization

    2. Death Benefits

    3. Surrender Charges

    4. Riders

    5. Additional Features

    6. Quiz: Module 3 - Annuity Contract Features

    1. Summary of Key Learnings

    2. Further Resources and Reading

    3. Course Survey

    1. Final Assessment

About this course

  • $9.95
  • 23 lessons
  • IAR CE 1 Hour Products and Practice
  • $3 IAR CE reporting fee included

Course Completion Outcomes

  • Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of annuities, enabling them to explain and recommend annuity products confidently.
  • Advisers will be equipped to make informed decisions regarding the use of annuities in financial planning.
  • Upon successful completion, participants will be able to compare and critically assess different annuity products, ensuring the best outcomes for their clients.


These objectives are designed to ensure that by the end of the course, participants are not only knowledgeable about annuities but also capable of applying this knowledge in practical, client-focused scenarios.

According to NASAA guidelines, to successfully complete the course, you must achieve a score of at least 70% on the final assessment. You have up to three attempts to reach this score. If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to retake the entire course before you can try the assessment again.

Course Instructions

NASAA does not endorse any particular provider of CE courses. The content of the course and any views expressed are my/our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASAA or any of its member jurisdictions.

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