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Every new trustee should start with a solid foundation. NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training provides the core knowledge and practical insights every trustee needs to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities with confidence. 

NCPERS UNIVERSITY

Trustee Essentials Training

Every new trustee should start with a solid foundation. NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training provides the core knowledge and practical insights every trustee needs to fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities with confidence. 

Who Should Attend? | FAQs | Sign Up to Learn More
May 16-17, 2026 — Las Vegas, NV

Attendees laugh at NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training, Denver 2025About NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training (formerly known as TEDS)

The Trustee Essentials Training is designed to provide new trustees and public pension plan staff with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to make informed decisions and effectively fulfil their fiduciary duties.

This interactive, expert-led program (formerly known as the Trustee Educational Seminar, or TEDS) covers the fundamentals of investing, actuarial science, board policies, and plan governance. The Trustee Essential Training is conveniently held each May, immediately before NCPERS Annual Conference & Exhibition. 

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Who Should Attend?

Public pension trustees engage at the Trustee Essentials Training, Denver 2025
  • New Trustees (0-4 years of experience) – start your trustee journey by mastering the fundamentals so you’ll be prepared to effectively fulfill your fiduciary duty.
  • Plan Administrators – sample the Trustee Essentials Training to see if it can be integrated into your onboarding process for new trustees and staff. 
  • Pension Staff – be better prepared to do your job as a key implementer of policies and critical fund initiatives.

Please note: Your organization must be a current member of NCPERS to participate. To verify your status, please contact membership@ncpers.org.

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Continuing Education: What Will I Learn at the Trustee Essentials Training? 

The 2026 agenda is currently in development, but you can view the 2025 agenda here to get a preview of what’s to come. Topics that will be covered include:

  • Plan governance and fiduciary duty fundamentals
  • Actuarial valuations and understanding your actuarial funding policy
  • Navigating your investment role as a trustee, including asset allocation and investment basics

You'll walk away with new skills and new connections. With dedicated receptions and interactive learning experiences, it's easy to get to know your peers from across the country. By attending NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training, you can also earn Continuing Education (CE) hours.  

About NCPERS Continuing Education

Put Your Skills to the Test with the Asset Allocation Challenge

Wrap up your Trustee Essentials Training experience by putting your skills to the test during the always-popular Asset Allocation Challenge. In this interactive, hands-on game, attendees are grouped into teams and tasked with building a successful investment portfolio, applying the principles they’ve learned throughout the program. It’s a fun, competitive way to test decision-making, strategy, and collaboration — culminating in one winning team and a deeper understanding of effective asset allocation strategies to apply long after the competition wraps up.

Frequently Asked Questions: NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training

The Trustee Educational Seminar, previously known as TEDS, was renamed Trustee Essential Training in 2026 to better reflect the program’s focus on core knowledge and practical responsibilities every trustee needs. While the name has changed, the program’s commitment to quality, high standards, and foundational education remains the same.
Yes. If you completed TEDS prior to 2026, the continuing education credits you earned will still count.
Materials will be available onsite at the registration desk, where you pick up your badge. Some of the slides will be available on our website, if the speaker has agreed to sharing the materials.
Yes. Your organization must be a current member of NCPERS at the time of registration.
Current registration rates are listed on our website. The fee includes program materials, breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch. and a reception for all NCPERS University attendees.
No. Registration for this course is separate from registration.
No. There is no guest registration for this program. Guest can, however, attend the Annual Conference & Exhibition following this program.
No. NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training (formerly known as the Trustee Educational Seminar, or TEDS) is designed for new trustees to help you develop the fundamental knowledge needed to fulfil your fiduciary duties.
No. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited, so early registration is strongly recommended.
No. The Trustee Essentials Training is offered in person only at this time.
Yes, NCPERS University is designed to help you progressively build your fiduciary knowledge. After mastering the basics, you can continue learning with NCPERS Fiduciary in Focus Workshop and Advanced Fiduciary Institute. These can be taken in any order.
  • NCPERS Fiduciary in Focus Workshop (formerly known as Program for Advanced Trustee Studies, or PATS). Each fall, this program dives deep into two timely, high-impact topics, giving trustees and plan staff the expertise to tackle today’s most pressing fiduciary challenges. 
  • NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute is where pension professionals and experienced trustees go to master the skills needed to strengthen their retirement systems. Through real-world case studies and tailored insights, you’ll learn advanced strategies to enhance board performance, ensure compliance, manage risk, and address workforce challenges. Once you complete all four modules, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your Advanced Fiduciary (AF) credential.  
Yes. Continuing education credits will be available, and details on applicable credit hours will be shared once the program is finalized. Please note that this program does not offer CPE credits, as NCPERS is not currently a CPE sponsor.
After your attendance is verified, your certificate will be posted to your NCPERS membership profile within two weeks of the event.
The Trustee Essential Training program follows a standing agenda that covers core topics essential for trustees and staff. When speaking opportunities are available, proposals are accepted through the Annual Conference and Exhibition Call for Speakers. You can submit your proposal through that process for consideration.

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Mastered the Basics? Continue Learning with NCPERS University...

Fiduciary in Focus Workshop

Take your learning to the next level with NCPERS Fiduciary in Focus Workshop (formerly known as Program for Advanced Trustee Studies, or PATS). Each fall, this program dives deep into two timely, high-impact topics, giving trustees and plan staff the expertise to tackle critical challenges. Hands-on exercises, collaborative discussions, and expert guidance in a small classroom setting help participants translate complex issues into actionable strategies. Learn more. 

Advanced Fiduciary Institute

Held annually in both the spring and fall, NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute is where pension professionals and experienced trustees go to master the skills needed to strengthen their retirement systems. Through real-world case studies and tailored insights, you’ll learn advanced strategies to enhance board performance, ensure compliance, manage risk, and address workforce challenges. Once you complete all four modules, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your Advanced Fiduciary (AF) credential. Learn more. 

Questions? Contact NCPERS’ Education Associate, Jessica Ransome, at jransome@ncpers.org or call 202-601-2449.

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NCPERS Webinars

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