Education Catalog Look to Ascensus for all your retirement, health, and education savings plan education solutions.
ascensus.com/academy
Table of Contents Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................3
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING.............................................................................................................................. 4 Ascend ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Virtual Compliance and Education Summit ..........................................................................................6 IRA Institute ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 IRA University ........................................................................................................................................................8 HSA University ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 IRA and HSA Workshops ............................................................................................................................... 10 IRA Essentials .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Advanced IRAs ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Virtual IRAs A-Z ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Virtual HSAs A-Z ........................................................................................................................................... 12 HSA Workshop ............................................................................................................................................... 13 HSA Frontline Fundamentals .................................................................................................................. 13
WEBINARS.............................................................................................................................................................14 SELF-PACED TRAINING.......................................................................................................................................15 IRA Essentials OnDemand ............................................................................................................................ 15 eLearning ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
CONSUMER EDUCATION MATERIALS...............................................................................................................17 Lobby Brochures .................................................................................................................................................17 eBrochures .............................................................................................................................................................17
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS...............................................................................................................................18 Designation Information................................................................................................................................... 19
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE).........................................................................................................................20 TRAINING REGISTRATION FEES........................................................................................................................21
Contact Ascensus at 800-346-3860 or education@ascensus.com with any questions.
2
Introduction Stay competitive in today's marketplace by leveraging Ascensus' education programs in the growth and development of your staff. Ascensus has been delivering training for more than 40 years to all levels of employees, from frontline staff to senior executives, at all stages of their career paths.
ASCENSUS INSTRUCTORS Ascensus’ accredited instructors are some of the best in the industry. When they are not teaching, they research and consult on retirement, health, and education savings plan administration forms and documents, design course curricula, and conduct compliance reviews. Ascensus instructors also serve as the voice of Ascensus’ 800 Consulting service and webinars. Their years of industry experience and ERISA technical knowledge offer depth and insight to their teaching. Ascensus instructors have a deep understanding of IRAdirect® and general operational knowledge that further enhances their teaching.
FLEXIBLE FORMATS Ascensus offers its education programs in flexible formats and multiple delivery methods so you can choose options that best fit your staff’s learning objectives and your budget. Mix and match our instructor led onsite, online, and virtual—as well as webinar and self-paced training delivery formats for a better learning experience.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS Ascensus recognizes the importance of staying current with retirement, health, and education savings plan rules and trends in today’s market. Earning and maintaining professional designations is an excellent way for your staff to obtain proficiency and highlight their dedication to your clients. Ascensus programs are submitted for numerous designations, including Certified IRA Specialist (CIS), Certified IRA Professional (CIP), Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Visit our website for additional details.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
3
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite
Ascend Join Ascensus’ highly-educated consultants at Ascend as they share their expertise and knowledge, along with the latest developments in the ever-changing retirement and other tax-favored savings plan industry. At this comprehensive education conference, attendees can choose from over 30 expert-led courses (basic and advanced) to better their understanding of retirement, health, and education savings plans. With its flexible format and interactive presentations on compliance topics and marketing opportunities, Ascend caters to your organization's objectives.
WHY ATTEND
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
There are many reasons to attend the Ascend conference.
Retirement, health, and education savings plan professionals at all levels attend Ascend.
•
Stay current on the latest industry developments.
•
Retirement plan product managers
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Receive practical, industry-leading ideas to take back to the office.
•
Relationship managers
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Operations and compliance managers and staff
•
Earn a Certified IRA Specialist (CIS II) designation.
•
Personal bankers
•
Network with industry peers.
•
IRA administrators
•
Learn through engaging activities and real-world case studies.
•
Trust officers
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Build on your existing skills or learn new skills.
•
Investment advisors
•
Client service managers
•
Call center managers and support staff
•
Individuals with retirement industry designations
•
Third-party administrators
•
Certified public accountants
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
4
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite
Ascend Course Topics Below is a sample listing of course topics.
IRA
HSA
•
IRA Updates
•
HSA Fundamentals
•
IRA Withholding
•
Advanced HSAs
•
IRA Amendments
•
IRA Special Portability and Conversions
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN
•
Excess Contributions
•
SEP and SIMPLE IRA Plans
•
IRA Legal Issues
•
IRA Reporting
IRADIRECT
•
Roth IRAs
•
IRAdirect Toolbox
•
Beneficiary Claims Processing in IRAdirect
•
Beneficiary Claims Processing in IRAdirect
•
IRAdirect toolbox
•
IRA Compliance
•
Top 10 IRA Issues
•
CIS II Exam Prep Workshop
•
Introduction to QRP, including 403(b) plans
•
QRP Updates
•
QRP Distributions
IRA AND QUALIFIED PLAN •
Advanced IRA and QRP Portability
•
IRA and QRP Complex Beneficiary Issues
•
IRA and QRP Beneficiary Distributions
•
Industry News
•
Required Minimum Distributions
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
5
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Virtual
Virtual Compliance and Education Summit Virtual Summit offers attendees seeking industry designations an opportunity to prepare for the Certified IRA Specialist (CIS) I, CIS II, and Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP) exams. Attendees can choose from nearly 30 expert-led basic-to-intermediate courses to better their understanding of retirement, health, and education savings plans. Professional designation tracks are identified. Courses offering current legislative updates are presented and, in addition to a variety of IRA and HSA topics, other areas are addressed surrounding qualified retirement plans (QRPs) and SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans. Live and pre-recorded sessions are offered. This three-day course includes six or more live sessions to choose from daily with our highly educated instructors and access to pre-recorded sessions. All live sessions are recorded. Playback of all recordings are available at your convenience for 30 days post-event. This virtual learning approach gives you the flexibility to build IRA and HSA skills, prepare for industry designation exams, or earn continuing education (CE) credits without the travel expense.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
COURSE TOPICS
•
Those wanting to become a CIS I, CIS II, or CHSP
Below is a sample listing of course topics.
•
Those new to IRAs or HSAs or needing a refresher on IRAs and HSAs based on current rules
•
IRA Contributions
•
Frontline financial organization employees who provide back-up support to the IRA or HSA specialist
•
IRA Fundamentals
•
Introduction and Establishing HSAs
•
HSA Funding
•
HSA Advanced Distributions, Portability, and Compliance
WHY ATTEND
•
CIS and CHSP Exam Overview and Review
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Learn the basics to develop your IRA and HSA knowledge and start your path to an advanced professional designation.
•
IRA Transfers and Rollovers
•
IRA and QRP Required Minimum Distributions
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IRA Beneficiary Distributions
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Confidently address customer IRA and HSA needs and assist specialists in your organization.
•
IRA Reporting
•
Network with industry peers.
•
QRP Fundamentals
•
Learn from experienced industry professionals.
•
IRA and QRP Updates
•
SEP vs. SIMPLE IRA Plans
•
Current designation holders seeking CE credits
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
6
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite, online, and virtual
IRA Institute IRA Institute is an advanced training program that provides in-depth, need-to-know IRA information to experienced IRA professionals. This program features extensive IRA reference materials, objective-based training methods, and practical applications of IRA rules. This program also prepares students for the Certified IRA Professional (CIP) or Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) examinations. IRA Institute is available on-site (five full days), virtually over 10 days, or as a flexible online option (12 weeks).
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
COURSE TOPICS*
•
Individuals who have earned the CIS II designation
•
Authoritative hierarchy
•
IRA services professionals with two or more years of industry experience
•
Establishment and amendments
•
Prohibited transactions
Experienced IRA professionals interested in pursuing the CIP or CISP designation
•
Contributions
•
Transfers and rollovers
IMPORTANT: Before registering for IRA Institute Online, be sure to review the ABA application deadline for the exam you wish to take.
•
Conversions and recharacterizations
•
Excess contributions
•
IRA distributions and withholding
Those looking to become recognized industry leaders
•
Required minimum distributions
•
Beneficiary distributions
•
Reporting
•
Handling legal issues
•
SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans Roth distributions
•
•
WHY ATTEND •
Earn an industry recognized designation that establishes you as an elite IRA professional.
•
Refine your knowledge with instruction from industry experts.
•
•
Prepare for the CIP or CISP exams with a detailed review and case studies.
*Topics are subject to change.
•
Get the latest updates on IRS rules and regulations.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
7
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Online
IRA University Ascensus offers a unique distance learning opportunity that combines self-paced eLearning modules with realtime webinars and access to an IRA social network. IRA University will provide you with the tools to build a solid IRA knowledge base and become a Certified IRA Specialist I (CIS I). This six-week course includes a 90-minute weekly webinar session with an instructor followed by a self-paced, ondemand eLearning module. This blended learning approach gives you the flexibility to build IRA skills without the travel expense.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
WEBINAR AND ELEARNING TOPICS*
•
Those wanting to become a CIS I
•
Getting started
•
Those new to IRAs or needing a refresher on IRAs
•
IRAs–benefits and contributions
•
Frontline financial organization employees who provide back-up support to the IRA specialist
•
Establishing an IRA
•
IRA distribution basics
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IRA distributions overview and Roth distributions
•
Traditional IRA distributions
•
Portability
WHY ATTEND •
Learn the basics to develop your IRA knowledge and start your path to an advanced professional designation.
•
Confidently address customer IRA needs and assist specialists in your organization.
•
Learn from an experienced industry professional in addition to working in a self-paced environment.
IRA FAST TRACK
AUDIENCE
Fast-track the CIS I and II designation process and earn both designations in fewer than 12 months when you complete IRA University and attend Ascend.
•
Those wanting to become a CIS II
•
Those new to IRAs and looking to become an expert quickly
1.
Register for IRA University.
•
2.
Register for Ascend and the CIS II exam. Using a special coupon code, save $299 on your Ascend registration (coupon code provided in your IRA University registration confirmation email).
Staff at financial organizations just beginning to offer IRAs
•
Frontline financial organization employees who provide back-up support to the IRA specialist
3.
Participate in IRA University and pass the CIS I exam to receive your CIS I designation.
4.
Attend Ascend and pass the CIS II exam to earn your CIS II designation.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
*Topics are subject to change.
education@ascensus.com
8
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Online
HSA University This flexible five-week learning course combines weekly webinars and self-paced eLearning modules to give you the education and confidence you need to pass the Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP) exam. Throughout HSA University, you will attend one weekly 75-minute webinar and complete self-paced, on-demand eLearning modules. This blended approach allows you to build your HSA skills and become a CHSP without leaving the office.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
WEBINAR AND ELEARNING TOPICS*
Whether you are looking to earn the CHSP designation and become a recognized industry leader, or to acquire in-depth, up-to-date knowledge about HSAs, consider attending HSA University.
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Kickoff and HSA overview
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Introduction and establishment
•
Funding HSAs
•
HSA distribution issues
WHY ATTEND
•
Portability and compliance
•
Earn an industry recognized designation that establishes you as an elite HSA professional.
•
Refine your knowledge with instruction from industry experts.
•
Prepare for the CHSP exam with a detailed review and case studies.
•
Get the latest information on regulations and requirements.
*Topics are subject to change.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
9
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite and virtual
IRA and HSA Workshops Benefit from our experienced, knowledgeable instructors and extensive curriculum without leaving the office. From learning the basics to gaining a comprehensive understanding of IRAs and health savings accounts (HSAs), our workshops cover critical rules and operational issues. With instructor-led training, an Ascensus trainer will come to your organization in person or virtually and teach a wide range of IRA and HSA topics, delivering high-quality content in a flexible, cost-effective format to suit your training objectives. We can integrate your organization’s forms, policies, and procedures into the training.
ADVANTAGES
IRA TOPICS
•
You select the topics, time, and place to fit your needs.
•
IRA Essentials
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IRA Frontline Fundamentals
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Instructors will help develop professional and technical skills on an individual basis.
•
Advanced IRAs
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There is no travel expense or time away from the office.
HSA TOPICS
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Train several employees at one time versus sending one or two individuals to off-site training.
•
HSA Frontline Fundamentals
•
HSA Workshop
•
Professionally designed student guides and reference material are available.
Additional courses and custom content also available. Contact us at education@ascensus.com for details.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
10
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite and virtual
IRA Essentials
Advanced IRAs
Just starting out in the retirement services industry or need a refresher on IRAs? IRA Essentials is the ideal workshop for you. With hands-on exercises throughout the workshop, you'll leave able to work with IRA owners and process basic IRA transactions with confidence. This workshop is also offered in a flexible on-demand version (see page 15).
Advanced IRAs builds on the attendees’ basic IRA knowledge to address the more complex IRA issues that their financial organizations may handle. The instructor uses real-world exercises to help participants apply information to job-related situations. This is an advanced session; previous IRA knowledge is assumed.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
•
Those who need to learn the basics of Traditional and Roth IRAs
•
•
Those who want an updated, general refresher on IRA rules
An IRA administrator, personal banker, or member services personnel who has a working knowledge of basic IRA operations and wishes to expand their expertise and provide enhanced customer service
•
A financial professional who recognizes that IRAs play an integral role in retirement planning
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A compliance specialist with procedural oversight of IRA policies and practices
•
Support personnel responsible for promotional materials that describe the services provided by your financial organization
COURSE TOPICS* •
Introduction to IRAs
•
Establishing an IRA
•
IRA funding
•
IRA distributions
•
IRA portability
•
Reporting
COURSE TOPICS* •
IRA updates
IRA Frontline Fundamentals
•
IRA excess contributions
IRA Frontline Fundamentals is a half-day workshop that provides a basic foundation of IRA knowledge. Exercises are included to help participants apply information to job-related situations. You'll leave this session able to confidently process basic IRA transactions. This is a beginner’s session; no previous IRA knowledge is assumed.
•
Required minimum distributions
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Beneficiary options
•
Advanced portability
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
*Topics are subject to change.
education@ascensus.com
11
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite and virtual
Virtual IRAs A-Z
Virtual HSAs A-Z
IRAs A to Z gives you a comprehensive overview of fundamental IRA concepts. Exercises are included throughout the day to help you apply information to job-related situations. You will leave this session with increased confidence and a better understanding of how to handle most common IRA transactions. Limited IRA knowledge is assumed, but a basic understanding of IRAs is beneficial.
HSAs A to Z gives you a comprehensive overview of fundamental HSA concepts. Exercises are included throughout the day to help you apply information to job-related situations. You will leave this session with increased confidence and a better understanding of how to handle most common HSA transactions. Limited HSA knowledge is assumed, but a basic understanding of HSAs is beneficial.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
•
IRA administrators, personal bankers, or member services personnel who have a working knowledge of basic IRA operations and wish to expand their expertise and provide enhanced customer service
Financial organization staff who need to become more comfortable with HSA operations and are looking to expand their expertise and provide enhanced customer service.
•
Compliance specialists with procedural oversight of IRA policies and practices
COURSE TOPICS*
COURSE TOPICS*
•
Introduction to HSAs
•
Establishing an HSA
•
Introduction to IRAs
•
HSA funding
•
IRA funding
•
HSA distributions
•
Moving IRA assets
•
HSA portability
•
IRA distributions and beneficiary options
•
HSA compliance
*Topics are subject to change.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
12
INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Onsite and virtual
HSA Workshop
HSA Frontline Fundamentals
Attend the HSA Workshop for a comprehensive HSA curriculum and a practical understanding of critical rules and operational issues. This workshop covers all aspects of a successful HSA program.
HSA Frontline Fundamentals is a half-day workshop that gives attendees a basic foundation of HSA knowledge. Exercises help participants apply information to real-world scenarios. Attendees will leave this session able to confidently process basic HSA transactions. This is a beginner's session; no previous HSA knowledge is assumed.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND •
Those who need to become more comfortable with HSA rules
•
Those who are responsible for ensuring a compliant HSA department
•
Those who are responsible for internal systems, HSA transaction codes, and proper HSA administration
COURSE TOPICS MAY INCLUDE* •
Introduction to HSAs
•
Establishing an HSA
•
HSA funding
•
HSA distributions
•
HSA portability
•
HSA compliance
*Topics are subject to change.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
13
WEBINARS
Webinars Ascensus webinars are a great way to train multiple staff members at one time, in one location, for one low price. You choose the webinar topic and the date, ensuring that your staff is properly trained on the topics you deem most appropriate. All webinars are available live or by digital delivery and last approximately 75 minutes, including time for questions and answers. Workbooks are included.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
COURSE TOPICS
•
Retirement and other tax-favored savings plan administrators seeking ongoing education
Below is a sample listing of course topics.
•
Industry professionals looking to become more comfortable with retirement, health, and education savings plan rules
•
Roth IRAs
•
IRA and HSA Fundamentals
•
IRA Required Minimum Distributions
•
Handling Complex IRA Death Claims
•
IRA Transfers and Rollovers
•
IRA and QRP Beneficiary Distributions
•
IRA and HSA Yearly Top 10 Wrap Up
•
IRA Compliance
•
403(b) and 457(b) Plan Fundamentals
•
IRA Legal Issues
•
Legislative Update
•
IRA Excess Contributions and Recharacterizations
•
IRA Withholding
•
IRA Reporting
•
QRP Distributions and Loans
•
HSAs and Medicare
•
IRA and HSA Contributions and Distributions
•
Establishing and Amending IRAs
•
IRA and Employer Plan Prohibited Transactions
•
SEP and SIMPLE IRA Plans
•
QRP Basics
•
Comparing Education Savings Plans
•
Those responsible for retirement and other taxfavored savings plan compliance
•
Those looking for an update on the latest retirement, health, and education savings plan industry changes
•
Individuals needing continuing education credits for various designations
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
14
SELF-PACED TRAINING
IRA Essentials OnDemand IRA Essentials OnDemand is perfect for those who need an introduction to IRAs but cannot attend a face-to-face IRA training session. IRA reference materials, job aids, quizzes, and videos blend together to create an immersive educational experience. IRA Essentials OnDemand is a flexible, online alternative to our popular IRA Essentials workshop (see page 11).
DESIGNED FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO
COURSE TOPICS*
•
Learn the basic rules that govern Traditional and Roth IRAs
•
Introduction to IRAs
•
Establishing an IRA
•
Complete an updated, general refresher on IRA rules
•
IRA funding
•
Earn CE credits
•
IRA distributions
•
IRA portability
•
Reporting
*Topics are subject to change.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
15
SELF-PACED TRAINING
eLearning Ascensus’ self-paced eLearning courses are a cost-effective, flexible training solution bringing convenience and expertise to retirement and other tax-favored savings plan industry professionals nationwide. Courses range from basic to advanced and are approved for continuing education credits. Attendees can take any course at any time and review the material whenever necessary. At the end of each course, attendees have the option to take a test and immediately view the results to help identify topics they may need to review in greater detail. Individual courses are available through Ascensus University using our learning management system (LMS), or can be used within your own LMS. Our eLearning library is SCORM- and AICC-compliant. To aid in the learning process, each course includes embedded links with pop-up details and Q&As with helpful hints. While each course is designed to take 60 to 90 minutes, attendees can work at their own pace and save the course to come back to later.
COURSE TOPICS* BASIC ELEARNING COURSES •
Conversions
BASIC-TO-ADVANCED ELEARNING COURSES
•
HSA Basics
•
•
•
IRA Contributions
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts
Comparing Roth and Traditional IRAs
•
IRA to IRA Transfers and Rollovers
•
Establishing an IRA
•
•
Funding HSAs
Employer-Sponsored Plan Portability
•
Qualified Plan Basics
•
HSA Distribution Issues
•
Handling IRA Legal Issues
•
Traditional IRA RMDs
•
HSAs - Introduction and Establishment
•
IRA Authoritative Hierarchy
•
IRA Compliance
•
HSA Portability and Compliance
•
•
Individual(k)™
IRA Excess Contributions and Recharacterizations
•
IRA Beneficiary Options
•
Roth 401(k)
•
IRA Distributions
•
•
IRA Required Reporting
Substantially Equal Periodic Payments
•
SEP Plans
•
SIMPLE IRA Plans
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
ADVANCED ELEARNING COURSES •
529 Plans
*Topics are subject to change.
education@ascensus.com
16
CONSUMER EDUCATION MATERIALS
Consumer Education Materials Deliver the right message, the right way, at the right time. Our expert consumer education content is designed to get their attention and help you grow your business.
LOBBY BROCHURES Hands-on engagement material that provides your clients with a deeper dive on key savings topics
EBROCHURES Digital versions of our popular lobby brochures that you can upload and use on your consumer-facing website
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
17
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Certification Programs Attaining the Certified IRA Specialist (CIS), Certified IRA Professional (CIP), Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP), and Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP) designations will help fulfill your career and give your IRA and HSA clients the peace of mind that comes from working with a professional IRA or HSA representative. Achieve a certification through these defined skill levels.
CERTIFIED IRA SPECIALIST I (CIS I)
CERTIFIED IRA SERVICES PROFESSIONAL (CISP)
This level of certification demonstrates proficiency in completing basic IRA transactions. Topics include opening IRAs, contributions, distributions, federal tax withholding, and basic IRA tax reporting.
This certification program was launched in conjunction with the American Bankers Association (ABA) to establish a high standard of knowledge and competency for IRAs. It provides formal recognition to those individuals meeting specific standards of experience, ethics, knowledge, and performance in the IRA industry.
CERTIFIED IRA SPECIALIST II (CIS II) This level of certification demonstrates expertise in a variety of advanced IRA transactions—excess contributions, recharacterizations, rollovers and transfers, required minimum distributions, conversions, beneficiary claim processes, and withholding.
CERTIFIED HEALTH SAVINGS PROFESSIONAL (CHSP)
CERTIFIED IRA PROFESSIONAL (CIP) This level of certification is a well-respected benchmark of experience and dedication in the IRA industry. Topics include IRA documentation and maintenance requirements, IRA eligibility and contribution rules, retirement plan portability, IRA distribution requirements, IRA fees and investments, SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans, and retirement planning. The CIP designation recognizes a standard of knowledge for operations and transaction processing. It also enables clients to easily identify skilled, knowledgeable IRA professionals.
ascensus.com/academy
The CISP designation allows clients, beneficiaries, IRA rollover candidates, and employers to identify skilled, knowledgeable professionals.
800-346-3860
The CHSP designation sets an industry standard in health savings account (HSA) expertise on a variety of HSA transactions. Areas of focus include establishment, contributions, distributions, reporting, and portability. This certification demonstrates a practical understanding of the critical rules and operational issues of HSAs.
education@ascensus.com
18
CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
Designation Information CIS I AND CIS II
CISP
To obtain the CIS I designation, you must attend Virtual Compliance and Education Summit or IRA University. After completing Virtual Summit or IRA University, you can schedule the CIS I online exam, which allows you to access your course materials and notes.
To pursue the CISP designation, you must have a minimum of two years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience, and have an ABA-approved educational program, such as the Ascensus IRA Institute. In lieu of the approved educational program, four years of dedicated IRA operational and technical experience will be accepted. You must then schedule and pass the CISP written exam.
To pursue the CIS II designation, you must attend Ascend or Virtual Compliance and Education Summit. Following Ascend or Virtual Summit, you can schedule the online CIS II exam, which allows you to access your course materials and notes. To become CIS I or CIS II certified, you must earn 80 percent or above on the exam within 30 days of completing IRA University, or attending Ascend or Virtual Compliance and Education Summit.
CIP To pursue the CIP designation, you must have a minimum of two years of experience with an IRA program or have achieved the CIS II designation. You must then pass the CIP exam. To prepare for the exam, many individuals choose to attend IRA Institute.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
To learn more about the CISP application process and when the exam is offered, visit American Bankers Association.
CHSP To pursue the CHSP designation, you must have a minimum of one year of HSA operational and technical experience and you must attend Virtual Compliance and Education Summit or HSA University, or equivalent on-site approved training event. You must then pass the CHSP exam. If you do not have the minimum experience requirement, a letter of recommendation must be submitted by your employer.
education@ascensus.com
19
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)
Continuing Education Credits Our education programs and training curriculum support your professional development by offering continuing education (CE) credits for over 20 industry designations. View our CE credits chart to determine which educational opportunities can help you achieve your career goals.
ascensus.com/academy
800-346-3860
education@ascensus.com
20
TRAINING REGISTRATION FEES
Training Registration Fees INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING Ascend $1,799 per attendee IRA Institute $1,899 on-site per attendee $1,899 online per attendee $1,799 virtual per attendee Virtual Compliance and Education Summit $999 per attendee Registration does not include the CIS I, CIS II, or CHSP exam. IRA University $1,299 per attendee Registration includes the CIS I exam. HSA University $999 per attendee Registration includes the CHSP exam. IRA Fast Track $3,098 per attendee Registration includes an IRA University session, Ascend, and the CIS I and CIS II exams. Virtual IRA Workshops $399 per attendee
IRA and HSA Workshops $399 per attendee per class Instructor-Led Workshops Stock curriculum starts at $2,500 per day plus expenses and materials.
WEBINARS Webinars Mix and match your live webinar and digital delivery purchases to save. $249 each for up to four webinars or digital delivery $199 each for five or more webinars or digital delivery
SELF-PACED LEARNING IRA Essentials OnDemand $299 per attendee (30-day unlimited access) Contact us for unlimited access pricing, covering your entire organization. eLearning Select individual courses or purchase the entire library. Contact us to discuss pricing for your organization. The Ascensus learning management system (LMS), Ascensus University includes our entire eLearning library and is available for $449 per user (30-day unlimited access). Contact us to discuss pricing for year-round LMS access for your organization or for an eLearning license.
Virtual HSA Workshops $399 per attendee
IRAdirect® is a registered trademark of Ascensus, LLC. Ascensus, LLC provides administrative and recordkeeping services. It is not a broker-dealer or an investment advisor and does not provide tax, legal, or accounting services. Ascensus® and the Ascensus logo are registered trademarks of Ascensus, LLC. Copyright ©2026 Ascensus, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 3151901-RPS-3151902 (02/2026)