Prepare for success on the CEP Level 1 exam and earn your ECA designation through the CEP Institute, with expert-led guidance, structured study materials, and a supportive peer network.Gain direct insight into exam material from seasoned professionals while building a strong peer network to help you stay motivated and confident.

Each week, you’ll receive:

• A structured reading plan incorporating the relevant exam study materials.
• An in-depth study guide to test your comprehension of the study materials.
• A Tuesday peer-group session to review the week’s topic, share insights, and learn from each other’s questions.
• A Thursday expert-led Q&A session, built around questions submitted by you and your peers (recorded for on-demand viewing).

You’ll dive into the core knowledge areas tested on the CEP Level 1 exam:

• Plan Design, Analysis, and Administration
• Taxation
• Corporate and Securities Law
• Accounting

The ECA designation is awarded to those who successfully pass the CEP Level 1 exam, administered by the Certified Equity Professional Institute (CEPI) at Santa Clara University.

Ideal Participants: Those planning to take the ECA (CEP Level 1) exam in May 2026 who want a proven study plan and the support of a peer study group.

Planning to take the November 2026 exam? We will offer this course again in the fall.

• NASPP Members: $175
• Nonmembers: $250 (Join or renew your membership to receive the discounted member fee and all member benefits.)

Nonmembers will need a free NASPP.com account to register. If you do not already have an account, click the "Log In" button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the ECA Exam Study Group Program work?
   1. The ECA Exam Study Group Program is a preparation course designed to help you pass the CEP Level 1 exam and earn your Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) designation. Guided by industry experts and supported by peers, the program includes weekly study guides with reading plans and questions, Tuesday peer-group sessions to discuss topics, and Thursday Q&A sessions with experts who will answer participant questions. The Expert Led Q&A Sessions will be recorded for on-demand viewing. You’ll study key areas such as plan design, taxation, corporate and securities law, and accounting while gaining valuable insights, motivation, and confidence to succeed on the May 2026 ECA exam.
      
2. When is the Spring 2026 ECA Exam Study Group Program offered?
   1. March 19 – May 7, 2026
      
3. What is expected of me as an ECA Exam Study Group Program participant?
   1. As a participant in the ECA Exam Study Group Program, you’re expected to stay actively engaged, prepared, collaborative, and take ownership of your learning throughout the program. This includes completing all assigned readings and study questions, pacing yourself to stay on schedule, and contributing during sessions. We’ll create study groups; we also recommend establishing a buddy system by partnering with one or two accountability partners to encourage and check in with each other throughout the week. You’ll participate in critical thinking exercises that connect back to the readings, work through real-life case studies, explain and justify your conclusions, and practice applying key equity compensation concepts to build confidence and mastery in the subject matter.
      
4. Will there be homework?
   1. Yes. Each week includes reading assignments from the exam materials and study questions. Plan to dedicate time during evenings or weekends to complete them.
      
5. How should I prepare for the ECA exam?
   1. As explained on the CEPI website, “Start with the readings from the course syllabi, since exam questions will be based on them. Be a part of a study group. According to a CEP Institute poll, applicants who participated in study groups had, on average, higher scores than candidates who did not.”
      
6. Do I need to be registered for the ECA exam to join?
   1. Because this program is targeted toward helping you pass the CEP Level 1 exam, we highly recommend that participants be registered for and committed to taking the exam in May 2026.
      
7. Do I have to purchase the ECA exam materials?
   1. For those registered for the ECA exam through the CEPI, downloadable PDFs of all exam materials are available via CEPI Connect. Participants who are not registered for the exam will need to purchase the materials separately.
      
8. Will the program offer tips for taking the exam?
   1. Yes, the program includes guidance and practical tips from industry experts and past candidates to help you succeed.
      
9. Should I join this program or take the Stock Plan Fundamentals? Or the Equity Compensation Private Company Fundamentals course?
   1. The ECA Exam Study Group Program is tailored for individuals registered for and planning to take the May 2026 ECA exam. If you are not registered for the exam but want to learn the fundamentals of equity compensation, one of the above courses would be a better fit. Both programs provide a more instructor-led learning experience, with less reliance on self-study.
      

The Equity Compensation Associate (ECA) designation is the first level of the Certified Equity Professional certification, demonstrating foundational knowledge in equity compensation. The ECA is administered by the Certified Equity Professional Institute (CEPI). Learn more.

ECA Exam Study Materials

This page lists the required study materials for the ECA exam. We will be using these material to prepare you for the exam and you will complete readings from them during each week of the course. 

If You ARE Registered for the Spring 2026 ECA Exam

If you're registered for the Spring 2026 ECA exam, PDF study materials are included with your exam registration. You should receive instructions from the CEP Institute on accessing them through CEPI Connect.

If You are NOT Registered for the Exam

If you aren’t registered for the exam, you’ll need to purchase the exam study materials on your own. The table below lists the materials and where you can purchase them.

* NCEO book prices quoted are for individuals who aren’t members of the NCEO. The NCEO member price is $40 per book.

ECA Exam Study Materials

Get essential updates on the most important developments shaping equity compensation in 2026 and beyond. We'll cover stock option grant timing disclosures, emerging litigation, new rulemaking, and key proxy advisor updates from Glass Lewis and ISS. We'll also explore how AI talent wars are reshaping compensation strategies, award design considerations amid market volatility, and what these changes mean for your programs. Your input will drive the direction of additional bonus topics!

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• How are Delaware courts and new state laws reshaping executive compensation and governance?
• What do recent proxy advisor and SEC developments mean for your pay design and disclosures?
• How should companies balance performance vs. time-based awards amid market uncertainty and evolving tax limits? 
• What emerging pressures—from AI talent wars to clawbacks and new accounting guidance—will impact your executive pay programs?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

ESPP accounting can be a minefield—plan designs, modifications, and platform gaps make accurate reporting a challenge. Get the insights and best practices you need to get it right—from valuing ESPPs and recognizing expenses to handling plan changes and understanding EPS and DTA impacts. Leave with the clarity and confidence to ensure your reporting is precise, compliant, and audit ready.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What are the different types of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs)?
• How do you determine the fair value of an ESPP?
• How should ESPP expense be calculated and recognized over time?
• How do you properly account for ESPP modifications and changes to plan terms? 
• What is the Earning Per Share (EPS) and Deferred Tax Asset (DTA) implications of ESPPs?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

As year-end rapidly approaches, the intricate rules and unforgiving deadlines of equity compensation tax reporting leave little room for error. Get up to speed on the latest U.S. tax reporting guidance and learn practical strategies to ensure compliance, avoid costly mistakes, and close the year with confidence.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What should be reported on Form W-2 for stock plan transactions?
• When is it appropriate to use Form 1099?
• What are the deadlines for reporting income and taxes withheld for 2025? 
•  What is required for Section 6039 reporting?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Are your equity administration practices keeping pace with today’s standards? Gain valuable benchmarks and actionable takeaways from the 2025 Equity Administration Survey from the NASPP and Deloitte Tax LLP. Get insights across critical areas including staffing and recordkeeping, the use of AI, tax compliance (including mobile employees), participant education, insider trading policies, and global practices. See where your company stands—and discover strategies to stay ahead of the curve.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• How do companies manage equity programs, how are equity teams staffed, and are team members working remotely or in the office?
• What types of tasks are companies using AI for—participant education, process automation, data analysis, or not at all?
• What guidelines typically govern program eligibility, grant sizes, and grant approval and acceptance?
• What financing methods do companies offer to employees to help them cover the tax withholding due on their equity awards? 
• How do companies educate employees about equity awards?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

How should issuers and investors navigate executive compensation in a shifting political and shareholder landscape? Explore emerging trends in executive compensation including the evolving role of DEI and ESG metrics, changing views on performance-based equity, and the challenge of balancing financial and non-financial goals. Gain expert insights on aligning pay programs with long-term strategy and responding to shareholder demands—without overreacting to the market environment.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• How should companies adapt executive compensation programs amid changing political and regulatory environments?
  
• Will the tide shift away from performance-based equity? Or will companies find more nuanced approaches?
  
• What do institutional investors expect from executive compensation packages in today's environment?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

A clear, well-structured cap table builds investor confidence—and boosts your chances of securing funding. Learn what investors look for and how equity distribution, anti-dilution provisions, and governance structures influence their decisions. Discover how to present a compelling picture and avoid missteps that raise red flags.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What aspects of a cap table raise red flags for investors?
• What information does your cap table need to include for equity awards?
• Is your equity distribution between founder and employees sending the right message?
• How can you avoid common cap table mistakes and maintain investor trust? 

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

Registration

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Non-members must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Join industry experts as we explore how today’s technology era is revolutionizing equity management practices. We'll examine emerging trends in data quality, regulatory technology, and operational efficiency that are reshaping how organizations manage employee equity programs and stakeholder ownership structures in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Discover how today’s tech is transforming equity management. From AI-driven reporting to future-ready systems, you’ll learn about the tools and trends in reshaping how companies manage equity plans and ownership structures in a fast-changing regulatory environment.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• How is AI being used to improve accuracy and compliance in equity compensation reporting?
• What are the key benefits of automating equity administration workflows?
• How can organizations ensure data quality in a complex, tech-driven environment?
• What does it take to future-proof equity management systems to adapt to regulatory changes?
• Which emerging fintech tools are most impactful for modernizing equity operations?

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Financial reporting for equity compensation can feel like a moving target. Even the best processes can run into snags—from unexpected retirement eligibility and tricky performance estimates to unique terminations that trigger modification accounting. Join this candid panel to hear how real-world challenges became best practices you can use.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What are some real-world examples of financial reporting practices that help you prepare for the unexpected?
• What financial reporting traps do you need to watch out for?
• What tips and tricks can you easily take advantage of to streamline your financial reporting processes?

A recording of the webinar will be posted shortly after conclusion of the live broadcast.

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Effectively managing equity plans takes the right strategic and technology partners to drive efficiency, spark innovation, and deliver long-term impact. Learn how to evaluate your current operations, avoid stagnation, and position your team for future growth. Discover how to build a forward-looking equity program to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• Is there more assistance you could be leveraging from your equity plan partners?
• What should you look for in a partner to help you get to the next level? 
• Can you look to your providers to share best practices?

All attendees are required to register in advance. 

• NASPP Members: Current NASPP members can attend at no cost.
• Nonmembers: The cost for non-members is $299. Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program and all member benefits.

Nonmembers must create a free NASPP account to register; to create your account, click the Login button in the upper right corner and then click the "Don't have an account?" link.

All registrations are non-refundable.