How FTMS and ATMS relate

ATMS and FTMS Time Line

September 2011 (Completed)
Annual Canadian Conference - FTMS introduced & ATMS will continue to be offered in its present format: Parts I, II Group Benefits, II Pensions and IV

November 2011 (Completed)
Canadian Investment Institute - ATMS offered: Parts II Pensions, III Pensions and IV

May 2012
Canadian Legal and Legislative Update - ATMS offered: Parts I, II Group Benefits and II Pensions

July 2012
Standalone offering of FTMS

August 2012
Canadian Investment Institute - Last time ATMS will be offered in its present format: Parts II Pensions, III Pensions and IV

November 2012
Annual Canadian Conference - FTMS & New ATMS course introduced

2013
Minimum of two offerings of FTMS per year - Roll out of revised ATMS courses continues

2014
Continuing education opportunities for ATMS graduates will be introduced.



How does the FTMS course relate to the Advanced Trustee Management Standards (ATMS) program?

Learning objectives for FTMS will focus on baseline knowledge and comprehension, assuring that participants understand the foundational information necessary to fulfill their responsibility as a trustee. After participating in the FTMS program and successfully completing the test, participants will move on to ATMS which focuses on application and analysis. FTMS followed by ATMS will produce well-educated, knowledgeable and confident trustees.

In order to foster and maintain a successful advanced learning environment, the ATMS program is reserved for trustees who have three years of experience and pass the FTMS test (beginning November 2012). The test and accompanying study materials will be available (for a fee) without enrolling in FTMS.

The first offering of the new FTMS course was presented in September 2011.  The next offering will be held from July 23-25, 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. Current ATMS programs were offered throughout 2011 and will be offered through most of 2012 with a new ATMS course to be unveiled prior to the Annual Canadian Employee Benefits Conference in November 2012.

The revised ATMS program will expand upon the FTMS key knowledge areas, adding breadth and depth, while deepening the pension and health and welfare applications. Together, FTMS and ATMS will provide the ideal blend of knowledge, skill and experience needed for effective management of trusts.