Course of Study
Equity Compensation Strategies
Our book, Equity Compensation Strategies, is not merely a guide and reference for those working in this area. It is also designed for use in a course of study. That means it can be used by individual advisors to earn continuing education credit, and also by firms that want to establish a competency requirement for professionals handling equity compensation issues for their clients.
Design features
The book is specifically designed to be suitable for use in a course of training for financial advisors and tax professionals offering services to individuals that receive stock options and other forms of equity compensation:
- Each chapter lays out specific learning objectives, explains the subject matter in clear language and provides a summary of the key points.
- Study questions appear at the end of each part of the book, with answers and explanations in the back.
- Exams are available for those who want to demonstrate their understanding of the material. A processing fee applies when answers are submitted for grading.
Learning objectives
The overall course objective is to gain an understanding of investment and tax considerations relevant in formulating, evaluating and implementing sound strategies for individuals who receive stock options and other forms of equity compensation. Learning objectives for each module are to cover the material described:
- Module 1
Part I: Preliminaries
Part II: Dealing with Company Stock
Part III: Taxation of Stock Investments
Level: Basic/Intermediate - Module 2
Part IV: Stock Received as Compensation
Part V: Stock Option Valuation and Harvesting
Part VI: Nonqualified Stock Options and SARs
Level: Intermediate/Advanced - Module 3
Part VII: Incentive Stock Options
Part VIII: Tax Strategies for Incentive Stock Options
Level: Advanced
For more details see the table of contents (PDF file).
We offer exams for each of these modules. A number of prominent companies now use these exams to establish the competence of advisors offering services in this area. Please contact us if you want information on establishing such a program at your company. The exams can also be used to earn continuing education credit.
Certification
This course of study does not lead to a certification or other professional designation. The study materials are adapted from those previously used in the Certified Option Advisor program, but that program has been discontinued.
Return Policy
The book may be returned in new condition within 30 days for credit of the purchase price. No credit is provided for the shipping charge unless the return is due to our error. The exam processing fee is not refundable.



