Course

401(k) Plans

The backbone of the United States retirement system has become the 401(k) plan; therefore, having a solid understanding of this type of plan is essential. This course will cover a full range of 401(k) plan topics including eligibility, testing, auditing, plan design and more. Gather with peers and experts for two days to discuss hot topics such as how to avoid compliance failures; bolstering cybersecurity; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) policy issues from the DOL and SEC. Dive deep into plan design and fiduciary issues to strengthen plans and help employees reach their retirement goals.

Topics Covered

  • Plan design
  • Plan administration
  • Investment policy statement and fund selection process
  • Communication and education
  • Compliance
  • Legal and regulatory updates
  • Case studies

Course Outline

View course outline

Day 1

  1. Plan Design
    1. Defined contribution vs. defined benefit
    2. Design considerations
      1. Adequacy
      2. Budget
      3. Cost
      4. Demographics
      5. Eligibility
        1. Service determination
        2. Compensation definition
      6. Vesting
      7. Employee Contribution levels
        1. Pretax
        2. Post-tax
        3. Catch-up
        4. Traditional vs. Roth
      8. Employer contributions
      9. Investments
      10. Loans
      11. Withdrawals
      12. Distributions
      13. Forfeitures
  2. Plan Administration
    1. Implementation/special projects
    2. Processing decisions
    3. Allocating plan functions
    4. Ongoing administration
  3. Investment Policy Statement and the Fund Selection Process
    1. Fiduciary responsibilities
    2. Purpose of an investment policy statement
    3. Developing an investment policy statement
    4. Fund selection process
  4. Communication and Education
    1. Measuring effectiveness
    2. The phases of communication
    3. Communication vehicles
    4. Required communications

Day 2

  1. Compliance
    1. IRC limits
    2. IRC tests
    3. Required plan amendments
    4. Voluntary compliance programs
    5. Requirements
  2. Legal/Regulatory Update
    1. Secure Act 2.0
    2. Recent developments
  3. Case Study
    In the case study, attendees are presented with a company that has multiple divisions. Each division has its own defined contribution plan. The objective of the case study is to develop and present a consolidated plan for the company.

Course Applies To

October 2025 April 2026

Pricing

October 8 - 9, 2025

Hilton Austin, Austin, TX

Through August 25, 2025

US$1,400.00

Member

US$1,620.00

Nonmember

After August 25, 2025

US$1,700.00

Member

US$1,920.00

Nonmember

Pricing

April 29 - 30, 2026

Scottsdale, AZ

Through March 16, 2026

US$1,495.00

Member

US$1,715.00

Nonmember

After March 16, 2026

US$1,795.00

Member

US$2,015.00

Nonmember

Continuing Education

Educational sessions at this program can qualify for CEBS Compliance credit. Visit www.cebs.org/compliance for more information.

Agenda

October 2025 April 2026

Wednesday, October 8 - Thursday, October 9, 2025

Hilton Austin, Austin, TX

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

401(k) Plans - Day 1

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

401(k) Plans - Day 2

Wednesday, April 29 - Thursday, April 30, 2026

Scottsdale, AZ

The selected event has no sessions.