Learning Center

ECA Study Program

ECA Study Program

Ace Your CEP Level 1 Exam with Peer and Expert Support

Get direct insight into testing material from industry experts while building a valuable peer network to equip you for exam success.

Each week, you'll grab your in-depth study guide and meet with your small, peer-led group to go over the week's CEP Level 1 exam topic and learn from each others' questions and interpretations. Then you'll attend a weekly webinar on the topic, designed around the questions you and your peers submit.

  • Grab your in-depth study guide and get ready to dive into:
  • Plan design, analysis, and administration
  • Taxation
  • Corporate and Securities Law
  • Accounting

Ideal Development Opportunity For

  • Those planning to take the ECA (CEP Level 1) exam in 2025

Enrollment Fee

  • Members:  $150
  • Non-Members:  $200

PLEASE NOTE: Non-members will need to create an NASPP.com account to register. Click the "Log In" button in the upper right corner and follow the on-screen instructions to establish your account.

All registrations are non-refundable.

  • Week 1: Orientation (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 03/19/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    We will introduce the program, establish study groups, and review the syllabus and study guides.

    Introduction, establish groups, receive syllabus & study guide

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 2: Equity Plan Design, Analysis, and Administration (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 03/26/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will focus on types of equity compensation vehicles and plan design and administration.

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

    • Different equity compensation vehicles and requirements
    • Processes and procedures to accomplish equity compensation goals
    • Insight into shareholder concerns and considerations

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 3: Plan Design (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/02/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will focus on provisions in equity plan documents.

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

    • Standard and unique equity compensation plan provisions and documents and their effects on the company 
    • The XYZ equity plans included in ECA study materials

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 4: Taxation (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/09/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will focus on the taxation of equity awards

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

    • Internal Revenue Code Sections 83, 421, 422, 423, and 424
    • Requirements for equity arrangements to receive preferential tax treatment
    • Recognition of income for equity awards
    • Tax collection and deduction rules applicable to companies and to recipients of equity compensation

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 5: Corporate and Securities Law (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/16/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will focus on the corporate structure and securities laws that are applicable to equity plans

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

    • Characteristics and structure of public and private companies
    • Registrations requirements for equity plans
    • Registration exemptions available to privately held companies
    • Reporting and disclosure requirements for equity plans
    • Insider reporting under Section 16

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 6: Accounting (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/23/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will focus on how equity awards are accounted for in the granting corporation's financial statements.

    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

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

  • Week 7: Final Review & Questions (ECA Study Program)
    Contains 2 Component(s) Includes a Live Web Event on 04/30/2025 at 3:00 PM (EDT)

    This week will provide one last opportunity to review any area of the exam curriculum.

    Revisit any of the topics covered previously and ask anything to get the clarity you need to be confident.

    Barbara Baksa

    Executive Director

    NASPP

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