Fixed income education is an individualized process these days. No longer do you simply register at the local technical institute or college and start classes. The choices and options for training and education can be almost overwhelming and confusing. There are courses, certifications and degree programs online. There are traditional colleges and universities.

The student today needs to look at the equation at a deeper level and ask questions: “Is it the diploma that is important and necessary for my career path?” or “Do I simply need a rigorous program that will get me in the workforce quickly?” You can find good non-accredited trading seminars and programs. You need to research schools and training programs; the same way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses too. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for training programs:

1. Find established schools with accredited programs in fixed income education.

2. Use online courses to get your trading education.

3. Look at seminars, online resources and top-notch books in fixed income trading.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use established colleges and schools for fixed income trading courses

Go to an established school for a good education, degree or certification that will hold up under scrutiny. Fully accredited schools will give you something no one can ever take from you.

I recommend: The UCLA School of Management offers a class on fixed income markets. It is an introductory class. The school write-up states that fixed income is a broad subject that would take years to cover thoroughly, so the course is selective out of necessity. USC Marshall offers courses, certificates and programs in fixed income securities.

Take online trading classes that offer rigorous training

There are many fine fixed income education and training programs online. Look for testimonials and professional looking web sites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: The New York Institute of Finance offers an online fixed income securities course. The course gives an introduction to credit risk, bond trading terminology, bond-rating systems and much more. FT Financial also offers online fixed income courses.

Find trading seminars, online resources and top-notch books on fixed income

You need to do your research. Just like the high school senior looking for the right university to go to, you need to define your needs and goals and find the right school. Look at these directories and resources for more ideas.

I recommend: Find indexes and other useful information at ETFConnect. The 7-City Learning organization offers seminars in fixed income and bond markets. Go to the Wiley Higher Education website and look at “Fixed Income Analysis” by Frank Fabozzi, a professor at Yale University. Fabozzi wrote this book for students.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to online programs, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing fixed income trading classes. If you want accredited, check for accreditation. Maybe you just need a rigorous program to get you up to speed quick. Beware of trading programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find a good training program that meets your needs.