Trustees and Administrators Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Public Plan Trustees Institute?
The Public Plan Trustees Institute is a new education offering designed for public sector health and retirement trustees and other fiduciaries. This program will replace the Certificate of Achievement in Public Plan Policy (CAPPP) program. Sessions include:
Level I:
- Fiduciary Responsibility and Plan Governance
- Retirement Plans
- Health Plans
- Legal Environment
Level II:
- Public Plan Governance and Emerging Issues
- Investing Public Plan Assets
- Trustee Board Strategies
- Plan Administration and Communication Concepts
2. How is the Public Plan Trustees Institute different from CAPPP?
The program was streamlined and redesigned to be more relevant for trustees and other public sector fiduciaries. The CAPPP Health and Pensions tracks were combined into a single track to place a larger emphasis on essential fiduciary duties. In addition, the take-home exam portion of the program has been replaced with in-class lectures and exercises.
3. Who is the intended audience for the Public Plan Trustees Institute?
The Public Plan Trustees Institute is designed specifically for trustees and other fiduciaries who work in public retirement and health systems—including protective services, education, transportation and health care systems—in municipalities, states and the federal government.
4. I have already completed the CAPPP program. Should I complete the Public Plan Trustees Institute program?
While the program contains updated material, the Public Plan Trustees Institute will replicate a large portion of the existing CAPPP material, which may be duplicative. However, longer tenured fiduciaries may find value in the redesigned program as a refresher of their essential duties.
5. I have taken one part of the two parts necessary to complete the CAPPP program. What do I do now?
We are sensitive to the fact that attendees do not want to be “caught in the middle” of the program transition. Because of this, we are giving attendees a two-year window to complete Level I or II of the new Public Plan Trustees Institute and retroactively earn the full CAPPP certification. In other words, attendees have until the end of 2026 to earn the CAPPP certification using a combination of the old CAPPP program and newly redesigned program.
6. When will the full program be rolled out?
Level I was first offered as a standalone program in the summer of 2025. In 2026, Levels I and II will be offered in conjunction with future offerings of the Trustees and Administrators Institutes, as well as before the U.S. Annual Employee Benefits Conference. Level II will debut at the summer offering of the Trustees and Administrators Institutes, June 15-16, 2026 in San Diego, California.
7. I work in the public sector but am not a trustee or other fiduciary. What other education does the International Foundation offer?
Public sector staff who may have limited or no fiduciary duties should explore the Employee Benefits Courses and Certificates program offered by the International Foundation. In addition, the U.S. Annual Conference offers a full education track for public plans.
8. I have additional questions about the program. Who should I contact?
If you have any further questions about public sector education at the International Foundation, please contact Justin Held at (262) 373-7718 or [email protected].