The Orientation session introduces the ECA Exam Study Group program, covers key information participants will need to succeed in this program, and explains how the study groups will operate.

• Program overview: Introduction to the purpose and structure of the ECA Exam Study Group program.
• Study group operations: Explanation of how study groups will function and collaborate.
• Weekly Study Guide review: Walkthrough of assigned readings and study questions for each week of the program.

The Study Group Assignments and Introductions module focuses on building connections and fostering collaboration through interactive group activities to set participants up for success as the complete the program.

• Study groups: Participants will be organized into study groups and assigned to Zoom breakout rooms.
• Icebreaker activity: A fun exercise will help everyone get acquainted and comfortable working together.
• Buddy system: Participants are encouraged to pair with one or two accountability partners for ongoing support and check-ins throughout the week.

The Equity Plan Design, Analysis, and Administration module provides a comprehensive understanding of how equity compensation plans are designed and managed to align employee and company interests. Topics include:

• Types of equity awards: Stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock and units (RSUs), performance awards, phantom stock, and employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs).
• Design considerations: Share allocation, eligibility, vesting conditions, and plan administration.
• Practical applications: Mechanics of option exercises, tax withholding methods, and performance metric design.
• Award distinctions: Differences between cash-settled and stock-settled awards.

The Plan Design and XYZ Plan Documents and Agreements module provides an in-depth understanding of the structural, operational, and governance elements that form the foundation of equity compensation programs. Topics include:

• Equity plan provisions: Covers administrative authority, compliance requirements, change-in-control terms, grant limitations, and shareholder approval provisions.
• Grant agreements: Reviews the typical provisions found in grant agreements, such as number of shares, vesting schedules, exercise prices, and treatment of awards upon termination.
• Operational policies: Highlights the importance of setting clear procedures for plan administration, including default vesting schedules and share reserve management.
• Plan mechanics: Addresses dividend payments, treatment of awards under employment changes and corporate transactions, and board powers such as interpretation, amendment, and repricing authority.
• XYZ plan review: Examines the XYZ Corporation Equity Incentive Plan and XYZ Employee Stock Purchase Plan to illustrate eligibility, award types, share limits, valuation, vesting, and tax payment processes in practice.

The Taxation module provides a detailed exploration of the tax rules, reporting obligations, and compliance requirements governing key forms of equity compensation, including ISOs, NQSOs, RSUs, and ESPPs. Topics include:

• Incentive Stock Options (ISOs): Reviews the statutory requirements for ISOs, tax treatment of qualifying and disqualifying dispositions, AMT treatment, and reporting on Forms 3921.
• Nonqualified Stock Options (NQSOs): Explanation of income recognition at exercise and subsequent capital gains or losses upon sale, along with employer withholding and reporting obligations.
• Restricted Stock and RSUs: Clarifies the distinctions between restricted stock and RSUs, when and how income is recognized for each award, use of Section 83(b) elections, and employer tax withholding and reporting responsibilities.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs): Compares Section 423 qualified and nonqualified ESPPs, examines the taxation of qualifying and disqualifying dispositions, and reviews compliance requirements such as IRS Form 3922 as well as the influence of plan design, holding periods, and discounts on tax outcomes.

The Corporate and Securities Law module provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing equity compensation programs and corporate governance. Topics include:

• Corporate structure: Explains the organization of corporations and distinctions between common vs. preferred stock, and convertible vs. nonconvertible shares.
• Shareholder approval and authority: Covers when shareholder approval is required for equity plans, how authority to grant awards is delegated, and how shares are held and voted.
• Securities law compliance: Reviews registration and exemption requirements under federal securities laws, including Form S-8 for public companies (to register shares for employee plans) and Rule 701 for private companies (providing exemption from registration).
• Insider reporting and Section 16 compliance: Details the use of Forms 3, 4, and 5, along with the short-swing profit recovery rule.
• Insider trading restrictions: Examines Rules 10b-5 and 10b5-1, emphasizing compliance policies, trading windows, and the establishment of good-faith trading plans.

Open forum to ask questions to a designated panel of experts and learn from your peers' questions on topics such as:

• Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (ASC 718)
• International Financial Reporting Standards No. 2 (IFRS 2)
• Valuation of equity awards
• Expense recognition for equity awards

The Final Review and Questions module serves as a comprehensive wrap-up of the ECA Exam Study Program, helping exam candidates consolidate knowledge across all key domains and prepare strategically for the exam.

• Exam strategy: Emphasizes effective study and test-taking techniques, including understanding domain weightings, reading questions carefully, and avoiding unnecessary assumptions.
• Problem-solving practice: Reviews practical methods for approaching calculation-based “story problems,” such as determining income recognition, expense calculations, and vesting outcomes.
• Plan familiarity: Reinforces understanding of the XYZ Equity Incentive Plan and XYZ Employee Stock Purchase Plan, encouraging candidates to reread and outline these documents.
• Exam logistics: Provides guidance on preparation and test-day requirements, including efficient use of CTRL-F, familiarity with ProctorU and Pearson Testing Center requirements.