CEBS Compliance Audit

An important aspect of a voluntary self-reporting program is an audit. In addition to ensuring the integrity of the self-reporting system, it also serves as a snapshot of what kinds of activities CEBS graduates pursue for continuing education. By reviewing these activities, CEBS, along with the International Foundation and International Society, can continue to evolve and best meet the education needs of students, graduates and the employee benefits profession.

How the Audit Works

CEBS selects a random sample of CEBS-Compliant graduates from the previous reporting period. Once chosen, the individuals are notified via postal or email. Please keep your contact information current so you don’t miss any important CEBS Compliance-related notifications. You will be asked to submit supporting documentation of eligible credits that total at least 30 credits completed during the indicated reporting period.

Submitting Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation of eligible activities can be sent to [email protected] along with a copy of your audit letter. Sending all items in one file is recommended to help make sure your submissions are not separated and will be reviewed together. Please ensure each supporting document clearly indicates the number of credits you reported for that activity.

Conducting the Audit

The submitted documentation will be reviewed and assessed against the CEBS Content Domain and list of eligible activities. If necessary, CEBS may request additional information or clarification during the course of the compliance review.

Results of the Audit

Each audit will result in a status of “acceptable” or “insufficient”. Each individual who is audited will be notified of the results. An acceptable audit is defined as one that includes at least 30 credits of eligible activities in the CEBS Content Domain that were completed during the reporting period. If an audit reveals ineligible activities or other deficiencies, you will be asked to substitute other eligible activities to reach the 30 credit threshold.

CEBS Compliance Audit: Questions and Answers

1. How is the audit conducted?
   Each piece of supporting documentation is assessed against the CEBS Content Domain and the list of eligible activities. Submissions that meet these standards and equal or exceed 30 credits will be deemed to have satisfied the audit process.
2. How long should I maintain my documentation?
   Documentation should be maintained for a minimum of three years after the close of the reporting period.
3. Why was I chosen for the audit?
   Those chosen for audit are randomly selected from all CEBS Compliant graduates during the selected reporting period.
4. How often is an audit conducted?
   CEBS reserves the right to conduct an audit at any time, no less than once per reporting period.
5. What is the deadline to submit my documentation?
   Refer to your letter for the deadline to submit your supporting documentation.
6. Am I required to submit documentation for every eligible activity completed during the reporting period?
   Not necessarily. If your credits exceed 30, you may submit any combination of eligible activities that meets the 30 credit threshold.
7. Will my CEBS be revoked if I do not participate in the audit process?
   There is no revocation process for non-participation in either the compliance or audit process.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?
   If you are not able to submit your supporting documentation by the deadline indicated in your letter, please contact CEBS at [email protected].  We will work with you to determine a timeframe.
9. What documentation is acceptable to support my activities?
   To be considered complete, it must include the activity’s date, title, sponsor and proof of completion/attendance and how many credits were reported for that activity. Examples include certificates of completion, program agendas, or registration confirmation.
10. What happens if I cannot provide adequate documentation for one or more of my reported activities? 
    You will be asked to substitute other eligible activities to reach the 30 credit threshold.
11. I completed an additional CEBS course to attain compliance. Do I need to submit documentation of this activity?
    No. Passing an additional CEBS course beyond what you completed to earn the designation is automatically reported to your profile. You will not be asked to submit supporting documentation of this activity.
12. I completed one or more e-learning courses sponsored by the International Foundation to attain compliance. Do I need to submit documentation of this activity?
    No. Completing an International Foundation e-learning course is automatically reported to your profile. You will not be asked to submit supporting documentation of this activity.
13. I earned credits through a combination of automatically reported credits and self-reported credits. If I’m not required to document a CEBS exam or IFEBP e-learning course, how should I reflect this when I submit my documentation?
    Submit the documentation associated with your self-reported activities only.
14. How will I know the outcome of my audit?
    When the review is complete, you will receive either an “acceptable” or “insufficient” notification of the results. If your audit is considered insufficient, you will be asked to substitute other eligible activities to reach the 30 credit threshold. To make sure you receive all CEBS Compliance-related notifications in a timely manner, please make sure your contact information is up to date. You can do so by visiting your International Foundation profile at www.ifebp.org/myprofile.
15. I still have questions, who can help me?
    Contact the CEBS customer service team by phone or by email at [email protected]. We appreciate and welcome the opportunity to help you complete this important process.