Trustee Education Path
Education for Trustees, by Trustees.
Serving as a multiemployer trustee in today’s world requires a greater understanding of wide-ranging issues—complex regulations, legislation, health care systems, investment strategies and more. The Foundation offers a series of courses with a standardized curriculum. Trustees should take these courses to deepen their understanding of the complex benefits industry and their role as a fiduciary.
Start by taking New Trustees Institute—Level I for an introductory understanding of the complex benefits industry. Your next logical step is advancing to Trustees Institute—Level II. If you are a brand-new trustee, we suggest waiting until you have accumulated at least three years of experience before enrolling in Level II. For those who have already served three years as a trustee, we recommend waiting at least one year between taking Level I and Level II. The path below illustrates the recommended progression of courses for trustees.
(Less than 3 years of experience)
New Trustees Institute—Level I: Core Concepts
This conference focuses on the role of a trustee, the understanding of the key issues in managing pension and health and welfare funds, and the complex environment of benefits. By attending you will secure a high-level understanding of your fiduciary responsibility and the legal environment while discussing best practices and current issues in the benefits industry.
Each year there are typically three offerings of this conference held in the spring, summer and fall.
For the current offerings visit the New Trustees Institute—Level I: Core Concepts webpage.
(3-4 years of experience)
Trustees Institute—Level II: Concepts in Practice
Strengthen your knowledge on required responsibilities as a multiemployer trustee by attending the Trustees Institute—Level II: Concepts in Practice. Held immediately prior to the U.S. Annual Employee Benefits Conference and in conjunction with the Advanced Trustees and Administrators Institute, this conference will take the concepts and education provided at the New Trustees Institute—Level I: Core Concepts and go into more depth and applicability, expanding on need-to-know topics. Discover best practices, identify solutions and find answers to your questions by attending this program.
Each year there are typically two to three offerings of this conference.
For the current offerings visit the Trustees Institute—Level II: Concepts in Practice webpage.
(5+ years of experience)
Trustees Masters Program (TMP)
The Trustees Masters Program (TMP) is the pinnacle event for advanced-level trustees who want to gain a deeper insight into their role as well as interact with peers. Attendees will be able to delve into topics such as using fund processionals wisely, measuring investment performance and discuss future challenges.
(6+ years of experience)
TMP Advanced Leadership Summit
TMP graduates have the opportunity to continue their learning and delve deeper into relevant topics critical to a fund’s overall strategy. The topic focus of the TMP Advanced Leadership Summit changes each year to reflect the most essential issues facing trustees.
(Over 6 years of experience)
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist®
The highest level of education is the esteemed CEBS designation. CEBS delivers the knowledge you need with curriculum developed by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as flexible learning options and application components to help you put what you learn into action.