Since 2011, NCPERS has conducted our annual Public Retirement Systems Study to gather the latest data on funds’ fiscal, operational, and business practices...
NCPERS Annual Public Retirement Systems Study FAQ
Since 2011, NCPERS has conducted our annual Public Retirement Systems Study to gather the latest data on funds’ fiscal, operational, and business practices...
NCPERS Annual Public Retirement Systems Study FAQSince 2011, NCPERS has conducted our annual Public Retirement Systems Study to gather the latest data on funds’ fiscal, operational, and business practices. This serves as a key industry resource that helps public pensions benchmark their performance and provides valuable insights into public sector retirement trends.
NCPERS Public Retirement Systems Study is conducted each year in the fall. Below you'll find frequently asked questions (last updated October 2025) about how to participate. If you have a question that is not covered below or need assistance, please email Matt Eckel at research@ncpers.org
When is the deadline for participation?
The deadline to participate in the 15th annual Public Retirement Systems Study has passed. If you would like to participate in a future study, or if you need to update your organization's point of contact, please reach out to research@ncpers.org.
Will my answers be kept confidential?
Yes! All individual plan responses will be kept confidential.
Can I save a partial survey and continue it later?
Yes! The survey automatically saves your progress as you enter responses (typically within 1-2 seconds of typing or selecting an option). Watch for the green "Saved" indicator in the top-right corner to confirm your data has been saved. Your responses are saved in two places for your protection: your browser's local storage and our secure cloud server.
To continue later, simply return to the same survey link on the same device and browser. Your progress will automatically reload when you open the link. You can also click the "Load Previous" button if needed. The survey will remember which pages you've completed and allow you to pick up exactly where you left off.
Important notes:
- You must use the same device and browser to resume your survey
- Wait for the "Saved" indicator before closing your browser
- Keep your unique survey link - you'll need it to return to your survey
Can I fill out the survey using an Excel sheet? How does that work?
We recommend using the online version of the survey as it will help guide you through the survey by skipping questions that aren't applicable and saving your progress. However, if you prefer, the survey may be answered in an Excel format. You can download the Excel file from the link on the survey landing page and send a completed copy to Matt Eckel (research@ncpers.org).
If I administer more than one plan, how should I respond?
You will receive separate email invitations with unique survey links for each plan. Each link contains a unique Survey ID that keeps your responses separate.
IMPORTANT: When completing surveys for multiple plans:
- Open each survey link in a SEPARATE browser tab or window - do not navigate between different survey links in the same tab;
- Look at the Survey ID displayed at the top of each survey to confirm which plan you're responding for;
- On Page 1, enter the specific plan name for that survey;
- The plan name will be displayed on all subsequent pages to remind you which plan you're answering for.
If you administer more than one plan and did not receive a separate email invitation for each one, please email Matt Eckel (research@ncpers.org).
My plan is a multiple employer plan, how do I report my data?
If you are a multiple employer plan, you may use aggregate numbers from your ACFR and respond to the questions in the generally applicable way for most of the plans you administer.
How do you calculate the current funded ratio?
From your actuarial valuation: Plan fiduciary net position (total actuarial assets) divided by total pension liability (total actuarial liabilities)
Example: $290,000,000 / $310,000,000 = 93.5%
OR use the GASB 67 method if your actuarial valuation is not available
Funded status = Plan fiduciary net position divided by total pension liability
What if my plan paid multiple Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) in the last fiscal year?
Report the average COLA percentage for all reporting units/divisions OR report the COLA percentage paid to your largest unit/division of your membership.