Training tips
To benefit from system training, you should have some familiarity with the system and enough expertise in the employee benefits area it handles. Please do not come for training too soon. We recommend at least 2 weeks of exposure to the system, installed and experimented with in your office, before you attend. That way you can “know what you do not know” and make your time with us as productive as possible.
When you return, plan time to practice on a small test plan right away. If you do not put what you learn into practice immediately, you may lose much of the benefit. Please arrange travel so you are available for your entire session.
Continuing education credits
Continuing Education certificates are available for all attendees of live classes. Submit training certificates for professional designation credit under the rules of each organization. Training classes are not pre-approved for continuing education.
Customized training
Unable to attend on a set date, or want training tailored to your needs? Contact us to schedule one of these options:
Webcast
1 or 2 hour sessions on short topics. $275 per hour, rounded to the next half hour. 2 hour minimum. Limit of 8 hours per calendar quarter.
At CalcAir / Regional
Small group and individual classes. Fee is based on class setup and time allotted.
In person
We come to your office, up to 12 people. $2,000 per day plus expenses. Travel time over a half day is billed at $2,000 per day in half-day increments, up to one additional day.
CalcAir system webinars
We hold webinars throughout the year on current features, enhancements, support trends and regulation changes. They are announced in the Discussion Forums about a week ahead. Attend live to ask questions. Recordings are available within 48 hours and can be watched as often as you like, by as many people in your office as you like.
CalcAir’s website and email
Our website and email support exchange of electronic mail, transfer of plan data files, and downloads of program updates and releases. News about each CalcAir system is on our website, and you can join the system discussion forums to exchange ideas with the employee benefit community. Visit calcairebs.com or email info@calcairebs.com.
What each class covers
Defined Contribution (DC)
A to Z course, all options
- Dates
- November 9-10, 2026 (Mon – Tue)
- Time
- 8:30 – 4:30 CST
- Duration
- 2 days
- Fee
- $850
Prerequisite: working knowledge of the system. Emphasis is on 401(k) plans.
Covers system selections and advanced coding options for DC plans: creating the plan, running the valuation, reports, and an overview of import and export.
Plan setup & navigation
- System navigation; creating new plans and default plans
- System screens: Plans, Sources, Employees, Investments, Transactions
- Multi-plan operations; database utilities
Employees & compensation
- Employees including Edit Grid; eligibility, including Otherwise Excludable
- Compensation for allocation, testing and other purposes
- Military spouse coding; qualified student loan payments; long term part time employees
Imports, exports & transactions
- Imports and exports including census; imports for investment companies
- Transactions, including shares; receivable election options
- Roth employer, match and safe harbor sources
Allocations & compliance testing
- Safe harbor allocations; cross-tested allocations and maximizing formula
- Non-discrimination, coverage and discrimination testing; ADP/ACP tests
- DC/DC combined plan testing using Master Plan; plan comparison
Updating
- Updating, including periodic valuations
Reporting & tools
- Reports: options, setting up and groups
Defined Benefit & Cash Balance (DB/CB)
Intensive course, all options
- Dates
- November 11-12, 2026 (Wed – Thu)
- Time
- 8:30 – 4:30 CST
- Duration
- 2 days
- Fee
- $1,050
Prerequisite: working knowledge of the system and some previous DB experience.
Covers all options in the system, including actuarial concepts and coding for the valuation results you want.
Plan setup & design
- Plan specifications: provisions, assumptions, death benefits, ASOPs
- Benefit formulas and accrual methods; cash balance pay and interest credits
- 415 limits; frozen plans; mid-year amendments; BOY vs. EOY valuation dates
- Sole proprietors and partnerships; 404 cushion restriction for HCEs
Valuation results & review
- Employee-level and plan-level results; AFTAPs and shortfall bases
- Common errors and omissions
PBGC & funding compliance
- PBGC premiums and Comprehensive Premium Filing transfer
- Annual Funding Notice; minimum required and maximum deductible contributions
- 436 restrictions; funding election forms and relief; Schedule SB transfer to the 5500
Combo plans & compliance testing
- Combo DB/DC proposals and testing using master plans
- Cross-testing, permitted disparity and top-heavy testing
- Reviewing results; correcting a test that does not pass
Distributions
- RMDs, in-service distributions and QDRO processing
- Beneficiary designation and QJSA/QPSA spousal consent
Updating
- Updating to the next plan year, and how mini-updates help
Reporting & tools
- Proposal, valuation, setup and group reports; batch and scheduled reporting
- Rate of return calculator and actuarial factors