Frequently Asked Questions

List of Questions



How much does the program cost?

The total cost of the program will be about $4,100. Each of the two Texas Tech courses costs $1,250, there is a $1,000 application fee, and books are likely to cost $600.

Will the courses be entirely online or will there be an on-campus portion?

The entire program is online.

How long will it take?

It depends entirely on how hard you want to work and how much time you can devote to the program. In this self-paced program, the only limitation is that each course must be completed within a year of registration. Once you have completed the coursework, you must submit a comprehensive settlement plan to the RSP Board.

What is the educational requirement?

At this time, Texas Tech University is the only education provider approved by the RSP Board. There are two courses: Financial Planning and Law for Settlement Planners and Settlement Planning Seminar. Click below to view the syllabus for each course.

Financial Planning and Law for Settlement Planners
Settlement Planning Seminar

Will the RSP courses count towards Continuing Education requirements?

You will be provided with a certificate of completion of each course that you can provide to any professional or licensing organization. Most organizations will count the course for as many as 40 hours of continuing education credit. The RSP Board does not apply for the credits for you.

What topics are covered?

The Texas Tech curriculum covers each of the topics required by the RSP board to meet the education requirment of the RSP mark. The topics are listed at end of each syllabus of the courses above.

How do I register?

Click here to register for the Texas Tech University courses

What are the benefits of obtaining the RSP mark?

The the RSP mark shows that you meet the highest standards of professionalism in settlement planning. The knowledge and skills gained will set you apart from thouse who merely claim to be settlement planners. One of the goals of the RFP Board is to promote the mark so that plaintiff attorneys will insist on using only professionals with the RSP designation.

When can I use the mark?

Once you have successfully completed the education requirement, submitted a comprehensive plan that meets the Board’s standards, and have worked in settlement planning for at least three years, you may apply to the RSP Board for admission to the Registry. You may not use the mark until you are notified that your application has been accepted.

What are the requirements to obtain the mark?

Application & Fee - Application filed with the RSP Board when Applicant believes the requirements have been met.
Education - Applicant must pass the courses offered through Texas Tech University.
Experience - Three years of qualifying experience in the settlement planning field.
Ethics - The RSP Board will perform a background check on each applicant. In addition, the Applicant must pledge to abide by the RSP Code of Professional Conduct.
Comprehensive Plan - A satisfactory written comprehensive settlement plan must be prepared by the Applicant and submitted to the RSP Board.

Once I obtain the mark, what are requirements to keep the mark?

Continuing Education - Members must complete 15 hours of continuing education each year.
Annual Dues - Members must remain current on any dues.
Ethics - Members must comply with the requirements of the RSP Code of Professional Conduct.

Why Texas Tech University?

The Personal Financial Planning program at Texas Tech is consistently rated as one of the best in the nation. The strength of the RSP program is drawn from the significant contributions by the PFP faculty at Texas Tech.

What is the relationship with the Society of Settlement Planners and the RSP Board?

The RSP Board is independant of Society of Settlement Planners (SSP). However, the SSP was very instrumental in getting the RSP Board started and supplied the initial funding. The missions of the RSP Board and the SSP are congruent.

Is the RSP designation appropriate for defense-oriented structured settlement brokers?

The RSP program is designed to certify members who are minimally qualified to practice without supervision as settlement planners to injured parties. While defense-oriented brokers have fewer opportunities to develop the type of relationship with an injured party to be trusted with in-depth knowledge of their goals and resources, the knowledge gained in the RSP program will help anyone involved in settlement planning perform their function better.Therefore, the education and the RSP mark are is appropriate for both defense and plaintiff brokers.