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Advanced Training

Expand your understanding as you build proficiency through critical learning in trust issues and strategies.This two-part advanced study program builds upon the ABA National Trust School, and is ideal for professionals with at least three years of trust experience.

The ABA Graduate Trust School offers an advanced curriculum with two levels:

ABA Graduate Trust School Year 1 develops your foundation by aligning basic principles with client needs, demonstrating the highly integrated nature of the trust business. This five-day residency program features challenging and lively classroom lectures, group discussions, and interactive case studies.

ABA Graduate Trust School Year 2 covers advanced trust concepts that build on knowledge and skills acquired through on-the-job experience, and through the ABA Graduate Trust School Year 1. Trust Officers on track to become fiduciary advisors and client educators learn ways to anticipate client needs, and provide innovative solutions.

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Curriculum 

The ABA Graduate Trust School curriculum builds on the ABA National Trust School curriculum. The world-class program consists of two resident five-day sessions (Grad - Year 1 & Grad - Year 2). An Independent Research Program consisting of four case studies is also completed (see Independent Research Program page). The program includes the latest advanced strategies in:

Who Should Attend 

Additional Information

Team Discount
Send a team of two or more employees and take advantage of the following team discounts:

• 2-3 attendees receive a 5% tuition discount
• 4-10 attendees receive a 10% tuition discount
• 11+ attendees receive a 15% tuition discount
  

Tuition Fees
$2,495 ABA Members, $3,495 Non-Members
Fees include tuition, lunch, breaks and instructional materials. Housing is an additional charge paid directly to the Emory Conference Center Hotel upon checkout.

Hotel Reservations and Deadlines
Call the Emory Conference Center hotel at 404-712-6565 or 800-933-6679 to make your hotel reservations. Mention the ABA National or Graduate Trust School to get the discounted rate of $189/night (+tax) for single occupancy per night. All reservations as well as changes in arrival, departure, type of accommodations, or cancellations must be made directly with the hotel. After August 19, rooms are subject to availability and prevailing rates will apply. For more information about the hotel, visit www.emoryconferencecenter.com.

In the last two years, the conference center sold out!  Please complete your registration and make your hotel reservation early for the 2013 session to avoid disappointment.

The hotel rate extended to participants of the ABA Trust Schools is an ABA negotiated rate.  This rate is inclusive of other school-related services, full breakfasts, dinners and class events.  If you book a room at Emory through a travel agent or other means at a lower rate, you will be billed an additional rate for school-related services extended to you onsite as part of our program.

2013 Class Schedule

Registration will take place on Sunday between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.  Orientation and first classes will run between 12:30 and 5:30 PM.  Classes will run Monday - Thursday from 8 am to 5:30 pm.  Friday classes are scheduled from 8 AM to 12:30 PM.

Attendance is required at all classes to earn a diploma or certificate.

Admission Criteria
Applicants for the ABA Graduate Trust School must meet at least one of the following requirements:

1. Graduation from ABA National Trust School or a qualified regional trust school  -OR-
2. Three years minimum of trust experience, plus evidence of working knowledge or formal education in Account Administration, Fiduciary Law & Compliance, Tax & Estate Planning, Personal Financial Planning and Investment Management.

Diploma / Graduation Criteria
To receive a diploma, students must attend all classes AND successfully complete the Independent Research Program, consisting of 4 case studies. 

Certificate of Participation
Students who cannot commit to the full curriculum may attend, with their nominating officers' permission, the two resident sessions without completing the Independent Research Program. Assuming active participation in all classes and in-session case studies, these students receive a "certificate of participation" at the end of the second resident session.

School Transcripts
Transcripts and Verification of Attendance for the ABA Graduate Trust School are available from 1990 to present.  To request either document, please e-mail Daisy Johnson at djohnson@aba.com with the following information:

Name
School Attended
Year of Attendance
Location

ICB Accreditation
The ABA Graduate Trust School curriculum has been approved for continuing education credits. Click here for a breakdown of continuing education credits.ICB CTFA Exam**
The ABA Graduate Trust School can be a component of your preparation for the Institute of Certified Bankers (ICB) Certified Trust & Financial Advisor (CTFA) exam. The exam is offered onsite on the Saturday following the last day of the school. Please contact ICB for details or visit the ICB website

Please note, the ABA National Trust School and Graduate Trust Schools consistently graduate students with heightened levels of expertise who are recognized as professionals and leaders within the trust industry. This training covers many topics often tested on the CTFA exam. However, the sole purpose of the schools is not CTFA preparation and courses cover valuable content not directly tested on the CTFA exam. For more information about the certification process and how it fits in with your professional development goals, please contact ICB@aba.com or call 1-800-BANKERS.

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