As an individual who is placed in a position of legal trust on behalf of another individual or group, professional fiduciaries are appointed by courts to serve in a range of roles. These include guardians, estate representatives, trustees, conservators or agents with power of attorney. According to the Professional Fiduciaries Bureau at the Department of Consumer Affairs, a state-issued license is needed to practice as a professional fiduciary in California. To qualify for this license, at least 30 credit hours of approved educational coursework must be completed. Several educational institutions and organizations in California currently provide professional fiduciary training.
California State University
California State University provides professional fiduciary training through its extended office for continuing education. The certificate in professional fiduciary management features two specializations for aspiring conservators or trustees. Course topics include professional standards and practices, assets management, accounting, record-keeping, health directives, legal issues, ethics and investment portfolio management. A certificate in advanced practice in professional fiduciary management is also available for practicing fiduciaries seeking to renew their licenses. Course topics include property and asset management, professional practice management, probate estate administration, problem-solving skills and care management issues.
California State University
Extended Education Office
2600 Nutwood Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92834-6870
657-278-2611
csufextension.org
Institute for Fiduciary Education
The Institute for Fiduciary Education offers two professional training courses in Laguna Beach, California. The seminar programs consist of formal presentations by sponsoring firms and guest speakers in addition to research papers and learning materials. The "market makers" course is offered annually and is designed to provide further training for trustees and pension executives who manage public pensions. The "real estate for pension professionals" features education in both corporate and public pension management in the context of real estate investment.
Institute for Fiduciary Education
7311 Greenhaven Drive
Sacramento, CA 95831-3572
916-922-1100
ifecorp.com
National Guardianship Association
The National Guardianship Association offers a professional fiduciary course through on-line distance learning that is recognized by California's Professional Fiduciaries Bureau at the Department of Consumer Affairs. The guardian certification and licensing review course provides specified examination preparation for individuals looking to become a National Certified Guardian. This course is delivered in a "virtual seminar format" that provides training for aspiring guardians, conservators and fiduciaries through the flexibility and convenience of web-based learning. The course consists of four one-hour modules that may also be taken individually. A classroom based format is also available through the annual National Conference on Guardianship. Topics include the guardianship role, ethics, guardianship issues and duties, estate management, investment planning and decision-making.
National Guardianship Association
174 Crestview Drive
Bellefonte, PA 16823-8516
877-326-5992
guardianship.org
