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 November 2026 who want a proven study plan and the support of a peer study group.

• NASPP Members: $175
• Nonmembers: $250 Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program 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 November 2026 ECA exam.
2. When is the Fall 2026 ECA Exam Study Group Program offered?
   1. September 10 – November 5, 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 and collaborative, and to 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 November 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 November 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.

Build a Strong Foundation in Equity Compensation

Gain the skills and confidence to manage equity compensation programs at public companies. This course provides practical, real-world knowledge across taxation, securities laws, and stock plan administration—so you can support compliance, reduce risk, and contribute more effectively in your role.

Who Should Attend

• Those new to equity compensation
• Experienced professionals looking to refresh their knowledge and strengthen their skills
• Individuals who support or want to transition into equity compensation roles at public companies

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the features and real-world application of the most common equity award types
• Apply best practices to help ensure equity plans comply with U.S. securities laws
• Identify taxable income events and navigate employer withholding and reporting obligations
• Understand how equity compensation impacts financial reporting and company profitability
• Implement effective policies and procedures to manage equity programs
• Recognize key differences in global compliance and the additional requirements for equity programs outside the United States

Course Features

• Six expert-led live virtual sessions with opportunities for real-time Q&A
• Recorded sessions so you can revisit key concepts anytime
• Supplemental resources to deepen your understanding of complex topics
• Interactive quizzes to reinforce learning and build confidence
• Certificate awarded upon successful completion

Why Enroll

Whether you're building foundational knowledge or strengthening your expertise, this course equips you with the tools and insights needed to succeed in equity compensation.

• NASPP Members: $900
• Nonmembers: $1,800 (Join or renew your membership to receive complimentary access to this program 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.

Artificial intelligence isn’t replacing equity compensation professionals—it’s helping them work smarter. From automating reconciliations to improving participant communications, AI tools are transforming how stock plan teams operate. The question is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to use it responsibly and effectively.

This intensive 3-day virtual program delivers practical, hands-on training you can apply immediately. Learn from industry experts through real issuer case studies and interactive sessions designed specifically for equity compensation professionals.

You’ll walk away with:

• Prompting and AI agent strategies tailored for equity compensation
• Ready-to-use Excel templates and workflow tools
• Real-world use cases for equity administration
• Practical techniques to improve efficiency, accuracy, and communication across your stock plan operations

• Conference Add-On: $199 (If you wish to add AI Week to your new or existing conference registration for the exclusive discounted rate of $199, you may do so by clicking here.)
• NASPP Members: $399
• Nonmembers: $499 (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.

Get exclusive expert insights on private company equity compensation practices from the latest survey data conducted jointly by the NASPP, Certified Equity Professional Institute, and Pave. Discover how your peers structure awards, eligibility, and vesting—and tackle liquidity challenges head-on. Walk away with benchmarks and data-driven insights you can put to work immediately.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What type of equity compensation vehicles do private companies offer?
• Which employees and other service providers are eligible to receive equity awards?
• What are the typical equity grant sizes and granting practices at private companies?
• How do private companies provide liquidity opportunities for employees and other equity holders? 
• How do private companies manage, administer, and communicate their equity programs to participants?

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 equity programs grow and employee trading becomes more automated, pre-clearance has shifted from a narrow compliance checkbox to a core risk management function. This session examines how companies are modernizing pre-clearance frameworks—expanding beyond Section 16 insiders to employees trading through online platforms and Rule 10b5-1 plans. Equity, legal, and compliance leaders will explore how organizations translate policy into scalable, auditable operating models—balancing control, efficiency, and employee experience. Leave with a practical blueprint for structuring modern pre-clearance programs that support growth and enable responsible trading.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• How is ownership and accountability for pre-clearance evolving as equity programs scale?
• How should companies define and manage distinct pre-clearance populations, from executives and directors to broader employee groups?
• What governance and oversight considerations apply to online trading and Rule 10b5-1 plans, including for non-executive participants?
• How can automation improve efficiency and consistency while preserving appropriate human judgment? 
• What operational risks, data dependencies, and control gaps commonly arise in day-to-day administration?

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.

Financial reporting for equity awards comes with hidden complexity that can catch even seasoned practitioners off guard. Walk through 10 common triggers—including modifications, international reporting, acquisition bifurcation, and unique award designs. Learn what makes each area challenging, what to watch for, and how companies are navigating them. You'll leave with a sharper eye for where financial reporting goes wrong and what it takes to stay accurate and compliant.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• Which equity award design features create the most financial reporting complexity, and why?
• How do delayed accounting grant dates affect ASC 718 expense recognition, disclosures, and volatility?
• When does ASC 718 modification accounting apply, and what are the biggest reporting pitfalls to watch for? 
• How do corporate transactions and international operations complicate stock-based compensation 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.

Managing equity compensation for a mobile workforce means navigating complex income tax and withholding rules across dozens of states—each with its own distinct regulatory environment. As employees work remotely, travel for business, and relocate to new states, organizations face growing complexity around equity income allocation, state and local withholding, reciprocity, de minimis thresholds, and conflicting state rules. Get clarity on where risk is highest and learn practical strategies to help your organization stay compliant.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• When does state income tax withholding apply to equity compensation for nonresident and mobile employees?
• How do state rules for taxing stock options and other equity awards differ from federal treatment?
• How should equity income be allocated when employees work, travel, or relocate across state lines? 
• What impact do reciprocity agreements, de minimis thresholds, and local taxes have on withholding obligations?

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 experienced equity professionals become harder to find, stock plan leaders are rethinking how they build and sustain high-performing equity teams. With limited talent supply and turnover creating operational risk, a proactive approach to talent management is essential.  Discover actionable frameworks for strategic hiring, internal development, and smart technology adoption.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What workforce trends are reshaping equity compensation teams, and how are they impacting the business?
• What proven strategies can organizations use to recruit, upskill, and retain equity administration talent? 
• How can process automation and technology strengthen team capacity while reducing hiring pressures?

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.

Benchmark your U.S. and international tax withholding practices for equity plan transactions against leading companies. Drawing on insights from the 2025 Equity Administration Survey from the NASPP and Deloitte Tax LLP, we’ll examine practical approaches to tax rate determination, equity valuation, mobile employee compliance, and tax administration. We’ll also look at complex jurisdictions such as China and India, so you can strengthen compliance and reduce risk.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What are the most common methods of funding tax withholding obligations?
• How do companies manage compliance with the next-day deposit requirement in the United States?
• Do companies accommodate requests for additional tax withholding? 
• How do companies determine tax liability for mobile employees?

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.

Get up to date on recent and upcoming global regulatory developments for 2026, including evolving tax reporting obligations and increased enforcement activity, and what they mean for your company’s stock plans. Learn how these changes may affect your day-to-day equity administration and gain practical, actionable tips to help you stay compliant and reduce risk worldwide.

Key questions this webinar will answer:

• What 2026 global tax and legal changes impact equity compensation?
• How are reporting, withholding, and enforcement rules changing worldwide?
• Which countries present the highest compliance risk for stock plans today?
• What updates are needed to plan documents and equity administration processes? 
• How can companies stay compliant and reduce global equity risk?

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.