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.

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

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.

Equip yourself to comply with all the latest Section 16 requirements and procedures in 2026. Alan Dye, the undisputed authority on Section 16, will cover recent SEC enforcement actions and offer practical tips on refining your Section 16 compliance procedures.

Plus, get answers to questions on your specific challenges.  Submit your questions in advance to alan.dye@hoganlovells.com.

Among other topics, this program will answer key questions such as:

• What key Section 16 developments do you need to be aware of?
• What is the plaintiffs' Section 16(b) bar doing that I should know about?
• What are the answers to the most common questions about Section 16 reporting? 
• What should you keep in mind for your upcoming Form 5 filings and Item 405 disclosures?

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 $599. 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 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.