CEBS Designation and Logo Guidelines
Guidelines Governing Uses of the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) Designation and the CEBS Logo
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist designation represents a high level of academic and professional achievement in the employee benefits sector. It is awarded to persons who successfully complete the prescribed national examinations and who meet the Precertification Standards and agree to abide by the Principles of Conduct.
The CEBS designation and logo have been registered with the federal government; their use in an unauthorized manner is forbidden as a matter of law. The following guidelines have been designed to maintain the dignity and high standards of the CEBS designation and logo in order to prevent their commercialization or other misuse and unethical practices. Adherence to the guidelines will lead to better public understanding and deserved recognition of the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist.
Any questions regarding the interpretation of these guidelines and rules should be directed to the CEBS Department at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans.
I. Approved Uses of the CEBS Designation
A. General uses of the CEBS designation—The CEBS designation and logo may be used in a dignified manner on business cards, stationery, office advertising and telephone, business and professional listings, and on signed communications. The CEBS designation and logo may not be used as part of a firm’s name, trademark or logo.
B. Announcement of award of the CEBS designation
1. News releases—A sample press release form is provided to new designees to assist them in preparing a press release for their local media.
2. Employer publications—Employers may publish articles in company publications congratulating new Certified Employee Benefit Specialists after award of the designation. The CEBS logo may be reproduced in the article.
3. Congratulatory advertisements—Employers
may purchase congratulatory advertisements. These ads should include
only the names of those who have received the designation; ads should
not include the names of persons who have passed one or more exams but
have not yet earned the designation.
Congratulatory advertisements should follow these guidelines:
a. Ads should be submitted to the International Foundation for approval, prior to publication. Layouts and copy will be returned promptly. Once approved, ads may be reused.
b. Ads may be published only after award of the designation. Names should be verified by checking the official list of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists.
c. Material that may be included in advertisements: Designee’s name with wording “Certified Employee Benefit Specialist” or initials “CEBS” following designee’s name; designee’s photograph; approved copy describing the CEBS designation; the CEBS logo; the CEBS pledge; and firm’s name and address.
II. Approved Uses of the CEBS Logo
A. CEBS jewelry—The CEBS logo may be reproduced on jewelry items produced by Josten’s, the CEBS program’s official jeweler.
B. Business cards and stationery
1. If imprinted with the CEBS logo, business cards should be for the exclusive use of the CEBS designee whose name appears thereon.
2. Location of the CEBS logo on the business card should specifically relate to the individual Certified Employee Benefit Specialist’s name and not be positioned so that it appears to relate to the company name.
3. The CEBS logo should be reproduced only in accordance with the approved size. It may be reduced but not enlarged. (Maximum overall size of the CEBS logo: one inch in width by 9/16 inches in height.)
4. The design of the card or stationery should reflect the professionalism represented by the CEBS logo.
5. The CEBS logo should not be included in or combined with any other logo or trademark appearing on the card or stationery.
C. Congratulatory articles—The CEBS logo may be reproduced in congratulatory articles in employee publications.
D. Advertisements
1. The CEBS logo may be reproduced in congratulatory advertising recognizing the award of the CEBS designation.
2. The CEBS logo may not be reproduced in any other form of advertisement or promotion without prior approval of the International Foundation.
E. Reproduction copies of the CEBS logo—The artwork of the CEBS logo must be obtained from the International Foundation. There is no charge for the artwork. When making a request, please state the intended use of the logo.