This course provided exactly what I needed to pass the CEP Level 1 exam and earn my ECA designation.
ECA EXAM STUDY GROUP PROGRAM
Spring 2026
Study Program Begins March 19 | Enroll Today!
CEP Level 1 Exam Success Starts Here
Get ready to pass the CEP Level 1 exam with:
- Expert-led guidance
- Structured study materials
- A supportive peer network
Ideal For
Anyone planning to take the ECA (CEP Level 1) exam in May 2026
Program Dates
March 19 - May 7, 2026
Taking the exam in November? Sign up to get updates on our fall ECA Exam Study Program.
Enrollment Fee
Members: $175
Non-Members: $250
PLEASE NOTE: Non-members will need to create an NASPP.com account to register. From the registration page, click "Log In to Register" and follow the on-screen instructions to establish your account.
All registrations are non-refundable
Topics You'll Cover in Depth
Plan Design & Administration
Taxation
Corporate &
Securities Law
Accounting
How the ECA Exam Study Group Program Works
What You'll Get Each Week
✔ Structured Reading Plan
Clear assignments from the official exam materials to keep you on track
✔ In-Depth Study Guide
Test your comprehension with questions designed around exam topics
✔ Tuesday Peer Group Session
Review the week's material, share insights, and learn from each other's questions
✔ Thursday Expert Led Q&A Session
Industry experts answer questions submitted by you and your peers (recorded for on-demand viewing)
What's Expected of You
Active participation is key to your success!
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Complete all assigned weekly readings and study questions
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Participate in weekly peer group sessions
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Submit questions for expert sessions
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Work through case studies and critical thinking exercises
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Partner with accountability buddies to stay motivated
Required Exam Materials
If you're registered for the ECA exam through CEPI: Downloadable PDFs of all study materials are available via CEPI Connect.
If you're not yet registered: You'll need to purchase the exam materials separately in order to complete the course.
I am thrilled that I had the small group to study with. I don’t know if I would have passed my CEP Level 1 exam otherwise!
Learning Modules Begin March 19, 2026
All modules 1 hour | 3:00-4:00 PM (ET)
Introduction, program overview, study group and reading expectations
Participants will get acquainted with their study group and are encouraged to establish an accountability partner
Understand how equity compensation plans are designed and managed to align employee and company interests, including:
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Characteristics and types of equity awards
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Key features of equity programs, such as eligibility and vesting
- Mechanics of common equity plan transactions
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Cash-settled vs. stock-settled awards
Learn the structural, operational, and governance elements that form the foundation of equity compensation programs, including:
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What to look for in an equity plan document
- Typical provisions found in grant agreements
- Operational policies governing equity programs
Identify, calculate, and report tax consequences for all major equity award types, including:
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Incentive stock options (ISOs)
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Nonqualified stock options (NQSOs)
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Restricted stock units (RSUs)
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Employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs)
Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing equity compensation, including:
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Section 16 compliance
- Registration and exemption of equity plans
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Shareholder approval and authority
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Insider trading restrictions
Understand how equity compensation is measured, classified, and expensed under US GAAP, primarily in accordance with ASC 718, including:
- Equity vs. liability treatment
- Fair value measurement
- Option pricing models
- Expense recognition methods
- ESPP accounting
Review final questions, learn the best study and test-taking techniques, and prepare strategically for the exam
All registrations are non-refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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.
Yes. Each week includes reading assignments from the exam materials and study questions. Plan to dedicate time during evenings or weekends to complete them.
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Consider Your Options (Kaye Thomas)
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The Stock Options Book (Alison Wright and Pam Chernoff)
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Selected Issues in Equity Compensation (Various)
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Equity Alternatives: Phantom Stock, SARs, Restricted Stock, Performance Awards, and More (Various)
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GPS, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (CEP Institute)
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.”
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.
Yes, the program includes guidance and practical tips from industry experts and past candidates to help you succeed.
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.
About the ECA Designation
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.