The Gold Standard in Options Education

The Options Institute provides live training programs on how to manage risk in an increasingly complex marketplace through the use of effective options strategies.

Listed below are the programs available either on-site at CBOE or Online. Visit our Seminar Schedule for a listing of seminars that are currently available for registration.

Options Initiative: Fundamental Options Concepts and Trading Strategies

Level: Beginner

This 2-day, basic level seminar explores basic option concepts and trading strategies. It is designed to help investors gain a comprehensive understanding of:

• Basic options concepts and using options to manage your positions
• Option pricing theory and analyzing option price behavior
• Using stock options in your investment and trading strategies
• LEAPS (long term equity options) and how you can incorporate them into your portfolio

Targeted toward the novice stock option investor, The Options Institute does not require advance preparation and/or completed prerequisites to register for this seminar.

Options Intensive: Beyond the Basics — Options Strategies & Risk Management Techniques

Level: Intermediate — Advanced

This 2-day seminar will examine both directional and non-directional approaches to option trading and explore more advanced strategies including time spreads, diagonal spreads and iron-butterflies. The curriculum includes:

• Pricing Concepts & Implied Volatility: an in depth explanation of price behavior and the decision making process
• Strategies I & II: basic and advanced trading techniques for traders in unique situations
• Delta-Neutral Trading: risk management techniques using delta-neutral trading
• Directional & Non-Directional Approaches to Option Trading
• Spreading Strategies Using Index Options: explore time spreads, time diagonal spreads and iron butterflies to implement market opinion.

A basic understanding of option pricing, buying or selling calls and puts, and limited trading experience are beneficial to learning concepts introduced. The Options Institute recommends advanced preparation in the form of basic level online coursework be completed prior to attending this seminar.

Trading Comes Alive! Income Opportunities Using Weeklys Options

Level: Intermediate — Advanced

Presented with Sheridan Options Mentoring, this seminar is for the investor seeking income opportunities using Weeklys options. Option pricing with a strong focus on the Greeks and how they affect Weeklys strategies will be discussed. Devising a trading plan, building an investment portfolio comprising Weeklys options, incorporating risk management and adjustment strategies will also be addressed. Topics covered include:

• Understanding Greeks of Weekly Strategies
• Options Pricing • Building a Portfolio
• Weekly Strategies
• Risk Management and Adjustments
• Executing, Managing, and Exiting Weekly Trades

Trading with an Edge: Advanced Strategies for VIX and SPX Options

Level: Intermediate — Advanced

Designed for the intermediate to advanced level investors who trades options regularly, this free, live seminar offers in-depth information about the unique characteristics of VIX and SPX SM options. Topics covered include:

• VIX option pricing mechanics
• SPX spread trading for Bullish, Bearish, or Neutral market outlooks
• Unique pricing structure of VIX options
• Systematic income strategies utilizing SPX options

Simply the Basics

Level: Beginner

This half-day webinar is designed to help students understand the basic concepts of calls and puts, the factors that influence the price of options contracts and what makes options values change. These concepts — and more — will be explained in plain, simple terms for the beginning options trader with the opportunity for plenty of interaction, questions and discussion. Topics covered include:

• Basic Option Mechanics — Types of Orders, Option Quotes, and Symbol Guides
• Pricing Dynamics — Contact Right & Obligations, Option Premium
• Basic Option Strategies — Buy a Call, Sell a Put, Covered Call

Trading Options and Managing Positions

Level: All

This free seminar is designed for all levels of traders who want to improve their ability to select option strategies. The program leads off with a review of the basic options strategies which includes covered calls and protecting a portfolio. The balance of the seminar covers intermediate to advanced spread strategies and an overview of CBOE volatility index options — VIX . Topics covered include:

• Covered calls & protecting a portfolio
• Option price behavior and planning trades
• Tax advantaged index options
• Volatility & VIX options
• Advanced spreads

Simply for Women

Level: Beginner

This half-day seminar is structured to help students understand the basic concepts of options and to introduce basic option strategies. Included are explanations of calls and puts, the factors that influence the price of options contracts and what makes options values change. All of these concepts — and more — will be explained in plain, simple terms for the beginning female options trader with an opportunity for further interaction, questions and discussions with educators and peers. Topics covered include:

• Basic Option Mechanics — Types of Orders, Option Quotes, and Symbol Guides
• Pricing Dynamics — Contact Right & Obligations, Option Premium
• Basic Option Strategies — Buy a Call, Sell a Put, Covered Call

Just a Tour

Level: All

Take a 45 minute Tour of the CBOE. You will visit the CBOE trading floor during market hours and experience live trading!