Ascensus Education Catalog

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 trainers

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 online and instructor-led 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 to obtain proficiency and highlights to clients your staff’s dedication to developing their expertise. Ascensus programs are submitted for numerous designations, including CIS, CIP, CISP, CTFA, CRSP, and CFP. Visit our website for additional details.

Instructor-Led Training

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.

Ascend is the industry’s most 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

There are many reasons to attend the Ascend conference.

• Stay current on the latest industry developments.

• Receive practical industry-leading ideas to take back to the office.

• Earn a designation: Certified IRA Specialist (CIS) or Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP).

• Network with industry peers.

• Learn through engaging activities and real-world case studies.

• Build on your existing skills, or learn new skills.

Who should attend

Retirement, health, and education savings plan professionals at all levels attend Ascend, bringing together all types of financial professionals.

• Retirement plan product managers

• Relationship managers

• Operations and compliance managers and staff

• Personal bankers

• IRA administrators

• Trust officers

• Investment advisors

• Client service managers

• Call center managers and support staff

• Individuals with retirement industry designations

• Third-party administrators

• Certified public accountants

Instructor-Led Training

Ascend course topics

Whether you’re interested in learning the fundamentals or want to explore more advanced topics, Ascend covers all aspects of retirement, health, and education savings plans. Below is a sample listing of course topics.

IRA

• IRA Owner Tax Forms and You

• SECURE 2.0—IRA Focus

• IRA Withholding Things Have Changed*

• IRA Amendments—Is Now the Time?

• IRA Special Portability and Conversions— It’s All about Movement!*

• Taking the Worry Out of Excess Contributions*

• SEP vs SIMPLE—What to Know

• IRA Legal Issues

• IRA Amendments—Is Now the Time?

• IRA Reporting—Do It Correctly the First Time

• It’s All About Roth IRAs

• Beneficiary Claims Processing in IRAdirect®

• Just the IRA Facts—No Fiction or Maybe a Little

• IRAdirect® Toolbox—What You Need to Know

• Self-Directed IRAs and Alternative Assets

• IRA Compliance—Is Your Organization In or Out?

• Top 10 IRA Issues

IRA/Qualified Plan

• Advanced IRA and QRP Portability*

• Fraud—What You Need to Know

• IRA and QRP Complex Beneficiary Issues

• IRA and QRP Beneficiaries—Know the Process*

• Industry News ‘23

• Required Minimum Distributions— Yes, They Are Required*

• RMD Regulations

• IRA and QRP Beneficiaries—Know the Options*

HSA

• CHSP Exam Prep Workshop

• HSA Certification Workshop

• The Basics of HSAs

• HSA Problems Solved

Qualified Retirement Plan

• SECURE 2.0—QRP Focus

• QRP Legal Issues

IRAdirect®

• IRAdirect® Toolbox—What You Need to Know

• Beneficiary Claims Processing

Multiple Plan/Account

• College Savings Plans

*Course recommended for CIS II Exam

Instructor-Led Training

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, see page 14).

Who should attend

• Individuals who have earned the CIS II designation

• IRA services professionals with two or more years of industry experience

• Experienced IRA professionals interested in pursuing the CIP or CISP designation

• Those looking to become recognized industry leaders

Course topics*

• Establishment and amendments

• Prohibited transactions

• Contributions

• Transfers and rollovers

• Conversions and recharacterizations

• Excess contributions

• IRA distributions and withholding

• Required minimum distributions

• Beneficiary distributions

• Reporting

• Handling legal issues

• SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans

*Topics are subject to change.

Instructor-Led Training

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 on 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. Our trainers can tailor the curriculum to the staff being trained and answer your specific questions in person or virtually.

Advantages

• You select the topics, time, and place to fit your needs.

• Instructors will help develop professional and technical skills on an individual basis.

• There are no travel expenses or time away from the office.

• Train several employees at one time versus sending one or two individuals to off-site training.

• Professionally designed student guides and reference material are available.

IRA topics

• IRA Essentials

• Advanced IRAs

• IRA Frontline Fundamentals

• IRAdirect® Workshop for General Users

• IRAdirect® Workshop for Advanced Users

HSA topics

• HSA Frontline Fundamentals

• HSA Workshop

Instructor-Led Training

IRA Essentials

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).

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

Course topics*

• Introduction to IRAs

• Establishing an IRA

• IRA funding

• IRA distributions

• IRA portability

• Reporting

IRA Frontline Fundamentals

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.

Advanced IRAs

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

• An IRA administrator, personal banker, or member services personnel who has a working knowledge of basic IRA operations and wishes to expand your expertise and provide enhanced customer service

• A financial professional who recognizes that IRAs play an integral role in retirement planning

• 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*

• IRA updates

• IRA excess contributions

• Required minimum distributions

• Beneficiary options

• Advanced portability

*Topics are subject to change.

Instructor-Led Training

Virtual IRAs 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.

Who should attend

• IRA administrators, personal bankers, or member services personnel who have a working knowledge of basic IRA operations and wishes to expand their expertise and provide enhanced customer service

• Compliance specialists with procedural oversight of IRA policies and practices

Course topics*

• Introduction to IRAs

• IRA funding

• Moving IRA assets

• IRA distributions and beneficiary options

Virtual HSA Workshops

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

Financial organization staff who need to become more comfortable with HSA operations and are looking to expand their expertise and provide enhanced customer service.

Course topics*

• Introduction to HSAs

• Establishing an HSA

• HSA funding

• HSA distributions

• HSA portability

• HSA compliance

*Topics are subject to change.

Instructor-Led Training

HSA Workshop

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.

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

HSA Frontline Fundamentals

HSA Frontline Fundamentals is a half-day workshop that gives attendees a basic foundation of HSA knowledge. Exercises help participants apply information to realworld 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.

*Topics are subject to change.

Instructor-Led Training

IRAdirect® Workshop for General Users

The IRAdirect Workshop for General Users is a half-day course that gives attendees a solid foundation of knowledge about IRAdirect functionality and operations. Attendees will leave able to confidently work within the IRAdirect software and process basic IRA transactions.

Who should attend

• IRAdirect general users

• IRAdirect advanced users

Course topics*

• Homepage overview

• User guide and manuals

• IRAdirect training videos

• The Link online newsletter

• Account owner tree

• Form wizards

• Completing common form wizards

• Financial disclosure calculator

• Blank forms

IRAdirect® Workshop for Advanced Users

The IRAdirect Workshop for Advanced Users is a half-day course that gives attendees a solid foundation of the role of an Advanced User in IRAdirect. Attendees will leave this session able to confidently work within the IRAdirect software and process General User IRA transactions.

Who should attend

• IRAdirect advanced users

Course topics*

• Homepage overview

• Calendar

• Investment maintenance

• Financial organization information

• Approving forms from general users

• Required minimum distribution (RMD) process, RMD election in the account owner tree, and verifying RMD payments

• Beneficiary claim process, beneficary claim in the account owner tree, and verifying outstanding beneficiary claims

• Reports

Distance Learning

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

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.

Course topics and schedule*

• Week 1–Kickoff and HSA overview

• Week 2–Introduction and establishment

• Week 3–Funding HSAs

• Week 4–HSA distribution issues

• Week 5–Portability and compliance

Distance Learning

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, on-demand eLearning module. This blended learning approach gives you the flexibility to build IRA skills without the travel expense.

Who should attend

• Those wanting to become a CIS I

• Those new to IRAs or needing a refresher on IRAs

• Frontline financial organization employees who provide back-up support to the IRA specialist

Webinar and eLearning topics

• Getting started

• IRAs–benefits and contributions

• Establishing an IRA

• IRA distribution basics

• IRA distributions overview and Roth distributions

• Traditional IRA distributions

• Portability

FastTrack option

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.

1. Register for IRA University

2. Register for Ascend and the CIS II exam. Using a special coupon code, save $402 on your Ascend registration (coupon code provided in your IRA University registration confirmation email).

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.

Audience

• Those wanting to become a CIS II

• Those new to IRAs and looking to become an expert quickly

• Staff at financial organizations just beginning to offer IRAs

• Frontline financial organization employees who provide back-up support to the IRA specialist

Distance Learning

IRA Institute Online

IRA Institute Online is a comprehensive 12-week, web-based IRA training program that teaches in-depth, essential IRA information. It is the only approved online training program that prepares attendees for taking the Certified IRA Professional (CIP) or Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) examinations. IRA Institute is also available as a five-day on-site training program (see page 6) or virtual 10-day program.

Who should attend

• Individuals who have earned the CIS II designation

• IRA services professionals with two or more years of industry experience

• Experienced IRA professionals interested in pursuing the CIP or CISP designation

• Those looking to become recognized industry leaders

Course topics*

• Establishment and amendments

• Prohibited transactions

• Contributions

• Transfers and rollovers

• Conversions and recharacterizations

• Excess contributions

• IRA distributions and withholding

• Required minimum distributions

• Beneficiary distributions

• Reporting

• Handling legal issues

• SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans

*Topics are subject to change.

Distance Learning

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 version of our popular IRA Essentials workshop (see page 8).

Designed for those who need to

• Learn the basic rules that govern traditional and Roth IRAs

• Complete an updated, general refresher on IRA rules

• Earn CE credits

Course topics

• Introduction to IRAs

• Establishing an IRA

• IRA funding

• IRA distributions

• IRA portability

• Reporting

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

• Retirement and other tax-favored savings plan administrators seeking ongoing education

• Industry professionals looking to become more comfortable with retirement, health, and education savings plan rules

• Those responsible for retirement and other tax-favored 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

Distance Learning

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

• HSA Basics

• IRA Contributions

• IRA to IRA Transfers and Rollovers

• Qualified Plan Basics

• Traditional IRA RMDs

Basic-to-Advanced eLearning Courses

• Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

• Establishing an IRA

• Funding HSAs

• HSA Distribution Issues

• HSAs - Introduction and Establishment

• HSA Portability and Compliance

• Individual(k)™

• IRA Beneficiary Options

• IRA Distributions

• IRA Required Reporting

• SEP Plans

• SIMPLE IRA Plans

Advanced eLearning Courses

• 529 Plans

• Comparing Roth and Traditional IRAs

• Employer-Sponsored Plan Portability

• Handling IRA Legal Issues

• IRA Authoritative Hierarchy

• IRA Compliance

• IRA Excess Contributions and Recharacterizations

• Roth 401(k)

• Substantially Equal Periodic Payments

*Topics are subject to change.

Training Materials

Training Organizers™

Looking for a way to efficiently train staff on IRA and HSA fundamentals? Ascensus’ IRA Training Organizer™ and HSA Training Organizer™ may be the answer. Designed to accommodate all learning styles, each Training Organizer is a comprehensive toolkit that a financial organization can use to effectively customize its internal training program to meet the needs of its team.

Components

• Trainer Guide – General instruction, helpful training tips, references to specific presentation slides, and optional handouts, activities, and tests with all the answers

• Trainer Material – Slide presentation, training agenda, IRS documents, helpful forms, optional handouts, student exercises, and exams

• Presentation Notes – Talking points for specific slide topics

• Student Guide – General instruction and plenty of room for notes

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

Micro Learning Series

• 3-4 minute educational videos which can be placed on your website or YouTube channel, or played on your lobby TVs

ReadyContent

ReadyContent gives you access to original articles—from detailed explanations to thought-provoking insights. Target your message with your choice of hundreds of timely articles designed to share online via newsletter, email, social media, and print.

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)

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.

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 IRA Professional (CIP)

The CIP certification recognizes a standard of knowledge for operations and transaction processing. It also enables clients to easily identify skilled, knowledgeable IRA professionals. 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.

Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP)

This certification 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.

The CISP designation allows clients, beneficiaries, IRA rollover candidates, and employers to identify skilled, knowledgeable professionals.

Certified Health Savings Professional (CHSP)

The CHSP designation sets an industry standard in health savings account (HSA) expertise on a variety of HSA transactions. This certification demonstrates a practical understanding of the critical rules and operational issues of HSAs. Areas of focus include establishment, contributions, distributions, reporting, and portability. Those who pass the CHSP exam and attain the CHSP designation will be recognized industry experts on HSAs.

Designation Information

CIS I and CIS II

To obtain the CIS I designation, you must attend IRA University. After completing IRA University, you can schedule the CIS I online exam, which allows you to access your course materials and notes. To pursue the CIS II designation, you must attend Ascend. Following Ascend, 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.

CIP

To pursue the CIP designation, you must have a minimum of two years 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.

CISP

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 learn more about the CISP application process and when the exam is offered, visit the American Bankers Association website at https://www.aba.com/trainingevents/certifications/certified-ira-services-professional.

CHSP

To pursue the CHSP designation, you must have a minimum of one year of HSA operational and technical experience and you must graduate from the Ascensus HSA University or equivalent onsite approved training event. You must then pass the CHSP exam.

If you do not have the minimum experience requirement, a letter of qualification/recommendation must be submitted by your employer.

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.

Training Registration Fees

Training Registration Fees

Ascend

$1,499 per attendee

IRA Institute

$1,799 on-site per attendee

$1,695 virtual per attendee

$1,695 online per attendee

IRA University

$1,199 per attendee

Registration includes the CIS I exam.

HSA University

$899 per attendee

Registration includes the CHSP exam.

IRA FastTrack

$2,595 per attendee

Registration includes an IRA University session, Ascend, and the CIS I and CIS II exams.

IRA and HSA Workshops

$399 per attendee per class

Virtual IRA Workshops

$349 per attendee

Virtual HSA Workshops

$349 per attendee

IRA Essentials OnDemand

$249 per attendee (30-day unlimited access) Contact us for unlimited access pricing, covering your entire organization.

Webinars

Mix and match your live webinar and digital delivery purchases to save.

$229 each for up to four webinars or digital delivery $199 each for five or more webinars or digital delivery

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 $399 per user (30-day unlimited access). Contact us to discuss pricing for year-round LMS access for your organization.

Instructor-Led Workshops

Stock curriculum starts at $2,500 per day plus expenses and materials.