Posted on February 5, 2025
What’s Your CEBS Story? Rob Staniloff, CEBS
Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is a learning journey. Along the way, you acquire valuable employee benefits knowledge and relevant new skills. As you apply what you’ve learned to your work, you can forge a unique career pathway that is truly your own. Here’s a designee’s CEBS® story.
A Chat With Rob Staniloff, CEBS
Rob Staniloff, CEBS
HR Advisor, Pension and Benefits
Suncor Energy
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has supported you in obtaining your designation?
“I moved to human resources in 2022 with my current company and about a year and a half later, was presented with the CEBS designation opportunity. I learned that no one in my company had the designation, not even the leaders. I believed that obtaining this designation would not only give me the tools to succeed but will also allow me to stand out in my company as being the ‘go-to’ person.
While obtaining my CEBS designation, I ended up meeting more people in the industry, which has also allowed me to further expand my professional network.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
“In preparing for the CEBS exams, I first did some research on what other candidates did to prepare. The main thing I came across that helped me was to stick to a schedule and make sure I followed it. I blocked off time daily and did a lot of studying on the weekends. I made sure I went through the Study Guide and textbook multiple times. A unique thing I did, and my wife came up with this, was to attempt the Practice Exam first before I even cracked a book. I did this for all the Practice Exams, failed them all on that first attempt but knew where I was. An important note about this is that I never looked at what I got wrong on the first attempt. Then I proceeded to move through the Study Guide and textbook again, retook the Practice Exam and saw again where I was. When reviewing the Practice Exam, I looked at the answer to each question to understand why it was correct. By the end of my studies and before I took the real exam, I had gone through the Study Guide about five times and made sure that I was getting 100% on the Practice Exam prior to writing the actual CEBS exam.
I haven’t had a lot of time to be able to apply what I’ve learned but have noticed a difference when speaking to items at work. I’m unique as I can cross the four teams in pensions and benefits at my company and give my advice. At my company, there is a divide where pension colleagues focus on pensions and benefits colleagues focus on benefits. I can move between the two.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“I decided to pursue my CEBS designation after I did some research, and having the designation tells people that you are an expert in the profession. I have been in the pension and benefits field for about 15 years and knew about the designation previously as I worked with some former colleagues who had it. The opportunity was presented to me at my current company to obtain it. I also love to learn and am still learning about things in this profession. Having this designation not only will help me in my current role but will allow me to move to other roles eventually. Finally, I intend to remain CEBS Compliant as this will allow me the opportunity to keep up with emerging trends in the field.”
Visit CEBS online for information about purchasing course materials, signing up for an Online Study Group, virtual exams and more details on the program. Do you need further guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (833) 886-3749 or email [email protected].
Updated on January 30, 2025
CEBS Benefits You!
There’s so much to gain when you earn your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation! Recently, we asked recent graduates about their experience with the CEBS® program and their professional development. This cohort study consisted of 210 individuals from the United States and Canada.
Here’s a snapshot of how earning the CEBS designation has transformed those benefits professionals’ careers and helped them reach their aspirations.
Gain New Skills and Respect From Colleagues
A whopping 94% of CEBS designation holders report that having their CEBS designation expanded their skills and knowledge, which helped them do their job better. Additionally, 86% report that having their CEBS designation earned them respect from their colleagues.
Earn Promotions and Salary Increases
Two in three CEBS designation holders report that earning their CEBS designation helped them get a promotion or a job, and over half of respondents said their CEBS designation helped them get a raise or a bonus!
Make an Impact at Your Organization
Eighty-four percent of the survey respondents said having their CEBS designation gave them the knowledge to make or recommend plan design improvements for their employer. Four in five said having their CEBS designation qualified them for additional roles and responsibilities.
Achieve Personal Satisfaction
The majority of CEBS designation holders, 97%, report that earning their CEBS designation gave them personal satisfaction. Three in five said the designation helped them build their network within the benefits industry.
Are you ready to invest in yourself? The CEBS designation benefits you! Please click here to learn more about the designation and consider joining an Online Study Group With Instructor Support to engage with other benefits professionals as you learn. CEBS staff periodically host informational webinars about the CEBS courses, convenient online access and case study applications.
Updated on January 13, 2025
Create Good Habits for CEBS® Success—Three Tips to Study Smarter
Hygge is the Danish cultural concept of living your best life by imbuing it with coziness and enjoying togetherness and simple pleasures. Get inspired to curl up with your CEBS Study Guide and prepare to savor sweet success with hygge studying.
- Think tactilely. The sense of touch keeps you grounded and focused on the moment. Flip through the pages of your Study Guide and textbook. Choose a special notebook just for CEBS-related content and take notes by hand with your favorite type of pen. Writing out your notes has been shown to lead to better retention of new content.
- Get social. We’re better together as learners. It’s nice to get perspective from others and have someone to ask questions and discuss new ideas with. Meet up with your co-workers in the CEBS program for coffee and have a study group. Consider taking a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support to join a community of learners like you.
- Create comfort. Add the little things you love to your study ritual to make it cozy and pleasant. Hot tea, plants or succulents, candles, comfortable clothing, meditation music—Pairing up things you enjoy with a task you would like to accomplish creates a pleasant mental association that motivates you to continue.
Do you need guidance on your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! For assistance with the U.S. curriculum, give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected]. To learn more about the Canadian curriculum, contact us at (833) 886-3749 or [email protected].
Updated on December 20, 2024
25 Reasons to Earn Your CEBS® in 2025—From Your Peers
2025 is getting so close it’s almost palpable. The new year shimmers with possibilities and that renews our hope for the future. There’s nothing quite like setting a resolution to bolster our motivation and optimism all year long. How would you like to feel in 2025 and beyond? If you would like to feel more confident, knowledgeable and inspired to spearhead strategic initiatives as a benefits professional, now is the time to attain the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation. Invest in your professional development today to continually thrive in your career.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below are the reflections of benefits industry professionals on how earning the designation has benefitted them the most.
“I have instant credibility, both personally and professionally.”
Gavin Cohen, CEBS, Secretary-Treasurer, M-NCPPC
“I felt like the CEBS designation gave me the base knowledge I needed to learn more about in my role.”
Robbin Martens, CEBS, Senior Service Specialist, Canada Life
“I have the respect of my peers.”
Daniel Wheeler, CEBS, Senior Executive Vice President, HUB International Mid-America
“Earning the CEBS designation added value to my pre-existing knowledge and experience in the benefits and pension industry.”
Samantha Probetts, CEBS, Pension & Benefits Specialist, Manitoba Government Employees Union
“My CEBS designation has equipped me with a big picture perspective to administering the fund.”
Michael McCarron, CEBS, Fund Administrator, Local 26 IBEW-NECA Joint Trust Funds
“Before earning the CEBS designation, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Getting exposure to the full spectrum of benefits has helped me be more aware of options I could bring in for my company when we wanted to revamp benefits and total rewards.”
Heather Wolff, CEBS, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Konecranes
“I was hired for my current position because I have the CEBS designation. I am paid on a grid level equal to other employees that have their master’s degrees due in some part to my CEBS designation.”
Heather Shaw, CEBS, Payroll & Benefits Lead, Elk Island Catholic School Board
“The CEBS designation helped me improve my knowledge and skills, which led to me getting promoted to director.”
Kimberly Csan, CEBS, Corporate Director, Benefits Strategy & Engagement, HII
“I’m viewed as an expert in my field and my company.”
Laila Lee, CEBS, Director, HR Operations, Westland Insurance
“The CEBS designation has benefited me in many ways. Along with the education I’ve received, it earned me credibility with my colleagues and clients. I became a member of my local chapter of ISCEBS, was invited to participate in the board and then became an officer. I then participated in ISCEBS committees. My CEBS designation has opened so many doors in my professional career and has expanded my personal and professional network. It has benefited my organization and promoted me to my current role.”
Alicia Clingan, CEBS, Director of Insurance Account Management, Independent School Management
“Having multiple team members with the CEBS designation allows us to collaborate, trusting that we each have the knowledge and experience to bring great ideas to the table.”
Lisa Spinney, CEBS, Group Benefits Specialist, Halifax Regional Municipality-Employee Services
“The CEBS designation has given me the foundational knowledge and confidence to understand benefit programs and to recommend changes as the landscape evolves.”
Melissa Zaino, CEBS, Director, Global Benefits, Zayo
“Attaining the CEBS designation has professionally benefitted me by affirming my commitment to the overall benefits profession.”
Mohammad Shaikh, CEBS, Total Rewards Program Manager, GreenShield
“I stand out!”
Colette Mathews, CEBS, Senior Benefits Program Manager, Blue Yonder
“The CEBS designation has validated my knowledge and experience level, both at my job as well as with my peers.”
Karyn Crosbie, CEBS, Senior Benefits Manager, PotlatchDeltic Corporation
“Holding the CEBS designation gives me the confidence to be able to speak with authority within my organization and at industry events.”
Josh Periard, CEBS, Account Executive, National Accounts Group Benefits, Canada Life
“The CEBS designation signifies a certain level of commitment and competence and is very respected by those who work in and are familiar with the employee benefits industry.”
Emily Keeton, CEBS, Employee Benefits Account Executive, Wallace Welch & Willingham
“I was able to gain knowledge that applied to my job on a day-to-day basis. I received several promotions over the last few years as well, so the CEBS designation provided me with the qualifications to be in a leadership role.”
Marisa Tobin, CEBS, Senior Manager, Plan Member Services, HRM Pension Plan
“I doubled my salary within two years.”
Frances Jasmin, CEBS, Administrator, Savasta and Co.
“Earning the CEBS designation has helped me to garner respect and trust from colleagues. It’s given me confidence to provide sound recommendations when working with advisors and plan sponsors.”
Jenna Kennedy, CEBS, Senior Business Specialist, Co-operators Life Insurance
“The CEBS designation has benefited me greatly in terms of increasing my knowledge in the employee benefits space. I also attend ISCEBS webinars monthly to stay abreast of new developments in the field and industry topics. Professionally, I recently changed industries and my CEBS designation was looked upon highly during the interview process with my employer.”
Kasana Banks-Quarles, CEBS, Total Rewards Engagement Manager, BAE Systems, Inc.
“I got promoted to take on a lead role managing benefit plans for my employer. The CEBS designation has helped me earn the trust of the leadership team and their recognition of my skills and expertise in the benefits field.”
David White, CEBS, Manager, Benefits and Wellness, PVH Canada
“The CEBS designation represents highly regarded subject matter expertise in the benefit management and business acumen of the employers I represent.”
Holly Newcomer, CEBS, Sr. Customer Consultant, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan
“I was able to move into my current specialist role after attaining my CEBS designation. In addition, I provide my organization with up-to-date benefit information.”
Heather Thomas, CEBS, Benefits & Wellness Advisor, British Columbia Institute of Technology
“The CEBS designation has increased my knowledge of pension and benefits in a way that is visible to my employer, leading to increased opportunities.”
Brenna Osland, CEBS, Benefits Project Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Embark on a learning journey that will transform your career trajectory and continue to pay dividends for years to come! Make 2025 the year to attain a remarkable milestone! Click here to learn more about the benefit industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
The Spring sessions of the U.S. and Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support start in January 2025. This additional resource features instructor support, a variety of study tools and the opportunity to connect with your peers.
Updated on November 22, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru September 2024!
Do you recognize anyone? Be sure to celebrate your peers with a personal note or shout-out on social media, tagging #CEBSgoals. Earning the CEBS is a major career and personal achievement, and having peers recognize the work and demonstrated knowledge only sweetens the accomplishment.
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your path to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected].
#CEBSgoals
Updated on November 22, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru September 2024!
Do you recognize anyone? Be sure to celebrate your peers with a personal note or shout-out on social media, tagging #CEBSgoals. Earning the CEBS is a major career and personal achievement, and having peers recognize the work and demonstrated knowledge only sweetens the accomplishment.
Now picture yourself on this list! Continue on your path to earning your CEBS designation.
Do you need guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (833) 886-3749 or email [email protected].
#CEBSgoals
Updated on February 5, 2025
Course Corner—U.S. RPA 2 Revisions
As the employee benefits industry evolves, the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation’s curriculum is updated to reflect this reality. The U.S. RPA 2 course is being fully revised to meet the changing retirement plans landscape. This new CEBS course will help you gain valuable skills that you can put into practice on the job today as well as provide the emergent, cutting-edge knowledge that will prepare you for future roles.
RPA 2 imparts the essential elements of portfolio theory and asset allocation when overseeing or delegating responsibilities for retirement plan investment management. The course explores the necessity for mitigating risk through diversification when pursuing superior asset returns. Topics include investment theories and the necessity for plan sponsors to formulate workable investment policy statements based on these sound investing principles. A study of the historical returns and risk dispersions of various asset classes over various time frames provides a context from which to develop portfolio policies and investment strategies. Also covered are the topics of whether active or passive investment strategies should be pursued as well as how insights from behavioral finance can enhance plan design and participant decision-making. The course further delves into the use of investment managers and other service providers and how a fiduciary monitors the ongoing performance of these plan intermediaries. Varied investment products such as index funds, target-date funds (TDFs) and exchange traded funds (ETFs) are explained and evaluated. The course incorporates both currently applicable law and future, to-be-phased-in requirements from the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Study Materials for RPA 2, including a new Study Guide and textbook, are available for purchase. You’ll be able to take an exam for the new course beginning in the first Testing Window of 2025. An Online Study Group With Instructor Support for the new course will be offered for the first time during the summer 2025 session.
Below is an outline of the new U.S. course:
RPA 2—Directing Retirement Plans Part 2
Module 1: Retirement Plan Investing
Module 2: Balancing Risk and Return
Module 3: Portfolio Theory
Module 4: Portfolio Selection and Asset Allocation
Benefits in Action #1: Evaluating an Investment Manager’s Performance
Module 5: Investment Managers and Plan Intermediaries
Module 6: Active and Passive Investment Strategies
Module 7: Insights From Behavioral Finance
Benefits in Action #2: Tweaking the 401(k) Plan With Behavioral Finance Concepts
Module 8: Hybrid Retirement Plan Approaches
Benefits in Action #3: Help Me Understand My Hybrid Plan
Module 9: Plan Sponsor Administrative Responsibilities
Benefits in Action #4: Prepping for a DOL Audit
Module 10: Participant Services
Module 11: Fiduciary Oversight and Plan Governance
Module 12: Integrated Case Study: Assessing Fiduciary Concerns Under Threat of Litigation
Questions?
If you have any questions about Study Materials or the new U.S. RPA 2 course, please reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at [email protected].
Updated on October 9, 2024
What’s Your CEBS Story? Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is a learning journey. Along the way, you will acquire valuable employee benefits knowledge and relevant new skills. As you apply what you’ve learned to your work, you can forge a unique career pathway that is truly your own. Here’s a designee’s CEBS® story.
A Chat With Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Laura Lucyk, CEBS
National Implementation Lead
Workplace Solutions, Group Customer
Canada Life
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has supported you in obtaining your designation?
Expanding my professional network has been instrumental in obtaining my CEBS designation. Through attending industry events and networking, I connected with experienced professionals who shared valuable insights and resources. These interactions not only motivated me to pursue the designation but also provided mentorship opportunities that guided my study process and exam preparation.
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your professional growth?
Earning the CEBS designation significantly impacted my career trajectory. It not only equipped me with in-depth knowledge that set me apart from my peers but it also played a crucial part in my recent role. The recognition of this designation reinforced my credibility in the eyes of clients and colleagues alike.
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
Preparing for the CEBS exams was a structured yet challenging process. I created a study schedule, utilized the Online Study Groups With Instructor Support and participated in study groups. Lessons that focused on pension plans and compliance regulations directly influenced my work, leading me to implement more robust strategies for clients. This practical application not only enhanced my performance but also positively impacted our team’s service delivery.
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
Pursuing the CEBS designation exemplifies my commitment to lifelong learning and my dedication to the field of group retirement and benefit plans. This rigorous program has deepened my understanding of complex topics, ensuring I remain knowledgeable about industry trends. By investing in my education, I demonstrate to clients and colleagues my expertise and readiness to tackle their needs effectively.
Visit CEBS online for information about purchasing course materials, signing up for an Online Study Group, virtual exams and more details on the program. Do you need further guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (833) 886-3749 or email [email protected].
Updated on October 9, 2024
What’s Your CEBS Story? Olivia West, CEBS
Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation is a learning journey. Along the way, you will acquire valuable employee benefits knowledge and relevant new skills. As you apply what you’ve learned to your work, you can forge a unique career pathway that is truly your own. Here’s a designee’s CEBS® story.
A Chat With Olivia West, CEBS, SHRM-SCP
Olivia West, CEBS, SHRM-SCP
Senior Benefits Representative
Insperity
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
I have truly had a wonderful experience with my local chapter of ISCEBS. The professionals I have met there have been incredibly generous and knowledgeable, always willing to assist with questions, provide education and introduce me to other members of the benefits community. They have been a great support as I completed my CEBS designation and offered valuable guidance on my next career steps.
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
Achieving the CEBS designation reflects your commitment to navigating the frequently evolving and often challenging benefits industry. The coursework is remarkably thorough and offers valuable insights into not only current benefits trends but also the historical context that shapes our understanding of these trends. CEBS provides an excellent foundation in benefits knowledge and is considered the industry standard for very good reasons—It’s practically a degree in benefits!
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?
I dedicated a considerable amount of time to my studies, typically around two hours of reading, quizzing myself and reviewing my flashcards on most weeknights. The instructors in the CEBS Online Study Groups presented the material in an engaging manner, and I even listened to the recorded review sessions during my commute!
The depth and variety of knowledge in the CEBS program has been wonderful, and I truly appreciate being able to provide answers to my clients’ most complex benefits questions. However, what I find most meaningful is my understanding of the broader health care and insurance landscape, which enables me to offer guidance not only to my clients but also to my friends and family in making more informed decisions as they navigate this increasingly complex environment.
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?
The CEBS program has been incredibly beneficial for me, providing me not only with valuable knowledge to advance my career but also with a newfound level of confidence. My clients trust my expertise, and this has allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my career aspirations and the meaningful impact I wish to create. I genuinely believe that participating in this program has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my career and personal development.
Visit CEBS online for information about purchasing course materials, signing up for an Online Study Group, virtual exams and more details on the program. Do you need further guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to earning your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email [email protected].
Updated on October 10, 2024
U.S. Student Survey – Results
The results are in! If you like to study course materials at home, you’re not alone. Students shared that their favorite place to study is at home followed by “anywhere,” “at work during break times,” and the “library.”
Where is your favorite place to study your CEBS course materials and prepare for the exam?
A. At home. I have all my study supplies there.
B. In a library. It’s quiet so I can stay focused.
C. In a café or bookstore. Caffeine is a must!
D. At work on my break. I lunch and learn!
E. Anywhere! If I have extra time, it’s CEBS time.