Not sure what the courses for the certification teach, but the biggest way to be able to help someone (and potentially benefit your career) is through advising them on the best time and way to begin their SS benefits. Several years ago a firm came out with software that shows how to maximize SS benefits. I believe it was called Social Security Timing. There are likely other variations of this now. It's used more in the financial/retirement planning arena.
I'm beginning to get emails from FMO's about the certification. Seems like a big push has begun. The certification mean almost nothing to the consumer at large. Maybe if it is marketed well to the general consumer like CFP is, it could be worthwhile. Having the letters RSSA on your card will mean absolutely nothing to the consumer without substantial marketing of it. I would think using the software mentioned above would be much more beneficial than the certification if a person is working the retirement planning market.
I'm beginning to get emails from FMO's about the certification. Seems like a big push has begun. The certification mean almost nothing to the consumer at large. Maybe if it is marketed well to the general consumer like CFP is, it could be worthwhile. Having the letters RSSA on your card will mean absolutely nothing to the consumer without substantial marketing of it. I would think using the software mentioned above would be much more beneficial than the certification if a person is working the retirement planning market.