Why CEBS
About the Program
Enroll in the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS) program and earn the most respected designation in the benefits industry. You'll learn from health and retirement curriculum—streamlined core courses, laser-focused content and less breadth and more depth mean now you can learn more in less time.
The Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) form the core of the CEBS curriculum. Earn a designation in each of the specialty tracks and, at the same time, receive credit that will qualify toward earning the CEBS designation, which carries a five-course requirement.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
The CEBS designation is a credential that is recognized for the depth and relevance of critical knowledge achieved. It draws from the GBA and RPA curriculum to build a total benefits perspective and is achieved by successfully completing all five required courses:
US Curriculum
Group Benefits Associate (GBA)
For those working with health and other group benefits. The courses reflect the up-to-date and relevant information—including updates on health care reform—needed to effectively design, administer and communicate group benefits.
Retirement Plans Associate (RPA)
For those who work with defined contribution and defined benefit plans or are involved with the management of plan assets. The courses reflect the most current and relevant information needed to effectively design and manage retirement plans.
CEBS Partnership
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is privileged to partner with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in offering the CEBS program.
About the Wharton School
Founded in 1881, the Wharton School is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education.
About the International Foundation
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information established the CEBS program in 1977.
Canadian Curriculum
Group Benefits Associate (GBA)
For those working with health and other group benefits. The courses reflect the up-to-date and relevant information—including updates on health care reform—needed to effectively design, administer and communicate group benefits.
Retirement Plans Associate (RPA)
For those who work with defined contribution and defined benefit plans or are involved with the management of plan assets. The courses reflect the most current and relevant information needed to effectively design and manage retirement plans.
CEBS Partnership
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans is privileged to partner with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in offering the CEBS program.
About Dalhousie University
Founded in 1818, Dalhousie is looking forward to its third century. With 20,000+ students across four campuses, Dalhousie combines the prestige of a big-name university with innovative research, meaningful teaching, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Dalhousie University is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. We are all Treaty people.
About the International Foundation
The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to providing the diverse employee benefits community with objective, solution-oriented education, research and information established the CEBS program in 1977.
What is in it for me?
The secret's out. Employee benefits pros are having true impact in organizations. CEBS puts the power in profession by providing the knowledge you need and the respect you deserve. CEBS has always provided the high-caliber knowledge you need by partnering with prestigious universities. Now you also get the application, the connections and the relationships, all career long.
Individuals Looking for Professional Development
You're looking ahead and CEBS is going to take you
there. We've streamlined the curriculum, sped it up, moved it online,
and applied it to the real world for you.
- Go from CEBS newbie to graduate in under three years—our streamlined model means you can learn more in less time.
- Earn your Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designation along the way, each obtainable within a year for the most motivated students.
- Choose your path and your timeline—CEBS fits your life with flexible learning.
- Earn credit as you work toward your CEBS—coursework qualifies for licensing and other continuing professional education requirements.
- Are you a university student considering a career in the benefits industry? Find out more about the benefits of CEBS for your future.
Employers Looking to Develop a Strong Benefits Team
You need a team of bright professionals ready to hit the ground running by applying their knowledge from day one. Arm your team with comprehensive, accelerated, application-based knowledge that leads to better engagement within your organization.
CEBS will help you create a team of top-notch benefits professionals that know the ins and outs of benefits, ready to speak to the beneficiaries all the way up to the c-suite.
Credentials are must-haves in today's ever-changing business environment. The CEBS designation fits your employee development goals by providing relevant education and elevating your employees' and your organization's stature in the benefits community.
Benefits Departments
(Benefits and pension managers, administrators, executives, generalists and specialists)
Use the CEBS program to build a team of bright professionals ready to hit the ground running. The CEBS curriculum provides the application elements that allow students to apply the knowledge from day one. Arm your team with the knowledge needed to ask advisors questions and confidently answer those received each day.
Sales Teams and Professional Services
(Agents, brokers, producers, account managers, account execs, consultants, actuaries, lawyers, accountants, third-party administrators)
CEBS gives your organization a competitive edge with the "best-of-the-best" staff, resulting in increased business revenue and client retention. Ramp up your strategy with critical knowledge to put into action immediately and grow your business.
University Students Considering a Career in Employee Benefits
You are at an exciting point in your life—working toward a degree and preparing for a career. It may also feel overwhelming at times. There is so much to learn and think about, for both future employment and your personal success. We are here to help!
You qualify for a substantial discount on CEBS course study materials and exam fees if you are a full-time undergraduate college or university student carrying a minimum of 12 credits per semester at an accredited institution. Verification from the institution confirming full-time student status must accompany each order and exam application. Orders will only be processed for one course at a time. Find out more about university students and discounted fees.
CEBS Graduates
Since the CEBS program began, more than 14,000 individuals have earned the CEBS designation. CEBS meets the demands of an evolving benefits industry while elevating the stature of designation holders.
As champions of the designation, graduates are a symbol of the bold statement "I am a CEBS." Having worked hard to achieve this level, they lead by example and inspire those following in their footsteps. They are the difference makers, the elevated stars, they are CEBS.
CEBS graduates benefit from
- A credential that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and commitment to the benefits profession
- Knowledge backed by a prestigious academic powerhouse
- Wide spread respect of an externally-driven credential
- Being part of a community of like-minded peers
Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us
Still looking for more information? Check out CEBS FAQ for further details on the program.
Questions about your next step? Give us a call or email us.
U.S.—(800) 449-2327, option 3, or [email protected]
Canada—(833) 886-3749 or [email protected]