Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC)
Nearly 750 structured settlement consultants have earned the distinguished CSSC designation. The newest program, developed in conjunction with University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business - Texas Executive Education, consists over 80 hours of pre-session seminars, classroom instruction, and guided study, culminating in the submission of a comprehensive case study.
Upcoming CSSC Program
2026 CSSC Certification Program at University of Texas
Join us for the CSSC certification program for 2026. This intensive program provides comprehensive education for structured settlement professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and credentials.
Start Date
March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
End Date
March 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Location
McCombs School of Business
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Capacity
Limited to 31 participants
Contact Information
- dsink@nssta.com
- (202) 844-5651
- NSSTA CSSC/MSSC Committee
Program Overview
The NSSTA CSSC Program, which is updated biennially, provides a comprehensive understanding of structured settlements, combining academic rigor and perspective with the latest developments impacting the industry.
Program Curriculum
The CSSC certification program covers a wide range of topics essential for structured settlement professionals:
- Settlement Planning and Needs-Based Negotiation
- Business Ethics
- Federal tax law overview and industry applications
- Fixed income
- Trusts- Special Needs and Medical Reversionary Trusts
- Medicare Set-Aside accounts
- Negotiation strategies
- Settlement documentation
- Claim valuations
- Actual industry case studies
- Tort law, guardianship fundamentals, state and federal jurisdiction issues
- Insurance Claims Practices
- Loss reserving
Eligibility Criteria for Structured Settlements Certification
1. Professional Experience
- Minimum Experience: At least two years of full-time work in a related industry:
- Structured settlements
- Insurance Claims
- Legal Settlements
- Annuity sales or management
2. Industry Affiliation
- Current employment or affiliation with one of the following:
- Structured settlement agency
- Insurance companies offering structured settlements
- Law Firms specializing in personal injury, tort law, or structured settlement law
- P&C Claims departments
- Third Party Administrators (TPAs)
3. Licensure / Professional Certifications
- Applicants should hold any mandatory state or federal licenses required for their profession, for example, life insurance license, FINRA Series 6 or 7.
- Other certifications for consideration, CFP, CPCU, and CLU that demonstrate financial or legal competency.
4. Professional Conduct
- No record of disciplinary actions from a regulatory or licensing body in the past five years.
- Must agree to abide by NSSTA Code of Ethics and professional conduct standards.
- No evidence of any involvement with factoring transactions or companies that purchase structured settlement payments.
5. Statement of Intent \Purpose
- A brief written statement (300 words) explaining:
- Why the CSSC Program applicants seeks the CSSC certification.
- How it aligns with their career goals and objectives.
- How they intend to use the CSSC Certification in practice.
"The CSSC program provides an exceptional value . . . the content is thoroughly prepared and very well presented. The opportunity to develop relationships with other program participants is valuable on an ongoing basis."
– William Wright, CSSC, Ringler Associates
Why do I need this?
Professional Benefits
- Industry-recognized credential that demonstrates expertise and commitment
- Enhanced credibility with clients, attorneys, and insurance professionals
- Access to an exclusive network of CSSC-certified professionals
- Competitive advantage in the structured settlement marketplace
- Comprehensive education on all aspects of structured settlements
- Career advancement opportunities
Client Benefits
- Assurance of working with a qualified professional who meets industry standards
- Access to innovative settlement solutions based on current best practices
- Comprehensive understanding of tax implications and legal considerations
- Optimized financial outcomes through expert settlement planning
- Personalized service from professionals trained in needs-based assessment
"Earning my CSSC designation was a pivotal moment in my career. It not only expanded my knowledge base but also opened doors to new opportunities and client relationships that would have been difficult to establish otherwise."
– Sarah Johnson, CSSC, Atlas Settlement Group
Program Details
The CSSC program provides comprehensive education and training for structured settlement professionals. Below you'll find important information about the program materials, schedule, and fees.
Program Materials
Participants receive a comprehensive set of program materials and an outline of the classroom sessions upon acceptance of application and receipt of paid registration. Pre-Session webinars and any assigned Pre-program study materials must be completed prior to attending classroom sessions.
Plan to arrive on campus before 1:00 pm on the first day and leave after 12:00 pm on the final day. Classes will take place at the McCombs School of Business, on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.
Program Schedule
The program consists of two and a half days of intensive classroom instruction followed by a comprehensive case study paper submittal. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of structured settlement principles.
Daily sessions typically run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with breaks for lunch and networking. Evening study sessions and group discussions are also scheduled throughout the program.
Program Fees
NSSTA Members
$3,250.00
Non-Members
$4,500.00
The fees include the two and a half day classroom sessions, program materials, lodging and meals. Fees do not include textbooks and transportation.
Additional information regarding the program schedule, lodging, transportation and other program details will be provided upon program confirmation.
Applications
Applications will be evaluated by the Committee and notifications of acceptance will be sent to each applicant within two weeks of submission. Class size for both programs will be limited based on available classroom space and accommodations at University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business – Texas Executive Education. If qualified registrations exceed the program limit, a priority waiting list will be established in the event of individual cancellations.
General Criteria for CSSC Application Evaluation
How to Apply?
The CSSC certification process involves several steps designed to ensure candidates are thoroughly prepared for the responsibilities of a Certified Structured Settlement Consultant.
1 Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Active NSSTA membership
- Minimum of two years of structured settlement experience
- Sponsorship by current employer
2 Submit Application
Complete the online application form including:
- Professional background information
- Employment verification
- Reference contacts
- Application fee payment
PROGRAM COMPLETION
The CSSC will require students to complete a comprehensive case study upon completion of the courses/program—more to follow.
Ready to Advance Your Career with CSSC?
If you are not an NSSTA member and are interested in applying, please contact us at info@nssta.com.
NSSTA members interested in applying can log in and apply on the member portal.