The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries and the College of Pension Actuaries say they have agreed to work on combining their operations.
COPA, Oak Brook, Ill., might become a "semi-autonomous body" within ASPPA, Arlington, Va., as early as September, the groups say.
COPA would change its name to the ASPPA College of Pension Actuaries.
The boards of COPA and ASPPA are still drafting a formal combination agreement, the groups say.