Certified Equity Professional Institute
Equity Compensation is an Integral Part of Silicon Valley's Legacy and Future
The Certified Equity Professional Institute provides self-paced study programs to assist you in demonstrating your equity compensation knowledge. We offer two professional designations—Certified Equity Professional and Equity Compensation Associate—and a certificate in Advanced Equity Compensation Accounting. Distinguish yourself by becoming an expert in equity compensation!
Becoming an Equity Compensation Associate demonstrates that you have a fundamental knowledge of equity compensation, while becoming a Certified Equity Professional demonstrates that you have a deep knowledge of all aspects of equity compensation, including equity plan design, analysis, and administration. You must earn an ECA to be eligible for the CEP Exams.
The Advanced Equity Compensation Accounting Certificate is for financial reporting professionals in any organization that offers equity compensation, as well as the accounting professionals who are required to verify proper expensing under ASC 718 and other standards. It is open to any individuals that understand the basics of equity compensation.
The Certified Equity Professional Institute (CEPI) at Santa Clara University is the only certification body for equity compensation professionals. The curriculum focuses on the core disciplines of equity compensation:
- Accounting
- Equity Plan Design
- Analysis and Administration
- Corporate and Securities Law
- Taxation
Candidates can elect to complete just the first level of the program - resulting in the ECA designation, or to continue on for the remaining two levels, at which point they will have earned the CEP designation. The CEP designation is granted to individuals who have passed all three exams, and have demonstrated mastery of equity compensation related issues in all of the core disciplines. The CEP Institute also offers an exam solely focused on accounting; the Advanced Equity Compensation Accounting Certificate (AECA) exam is for financial reporting professionals in any organization that offers equity compensation, as well as the accounting professionals who are required to verify proper expensing under ASC 718 and other standards.
Register for an ExamWe recorded this year's sessions so you could earn up to 19 hours of continuing education! The recorded sessions are available now through January 31, 2024. Check back soon for information on our 2024 Symposium.
Read MoreThe CEPI provides unbiased guidance and resources for issuers, service providers and auditors. These research efforts build the GPS library.
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If you are a current ECA/CEP who'd like to share your story, we'd love to hear from you. We are excited to be sharing your stories on the CEPI LinkedIn page and would love to hear a bit about how the CEPI has helped you throughout your journey.
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