Updated on April 25, 2024
What’s Your CEBS Story? Scott Wertheim, 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 Scott Wertheim, CEBS
Scott Wertheim, CEBS
Principal, Financial Advisor
CAPTRUST
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
I obtained my designation a number of years ago (it feels like too many to count) when I was just starting out in the retirement plan advisory business. I selected the CEBS program because it covered the entire spectrum of benefits and, at the time, I had very little experience. My original goal was to gain some academic experience within retirement plans, but I quickly noticed the depth of topics available across the other remaining courses. While completing the coursework on my own, I started to network with benefit professionals who either had or were pursuing the designation. The initial connections helped keep me motivated to follow through with achieving the designation while also expanding my network of benefit professionals. This came in handy as I moved into a consulting role and started to engage directly with plan sponsors.
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
Obtaining the CEBS designation is only the first step on a long, never-ending journey for self-improvement and advancement of knowledge. Other credentials do not have the same breadth of coursework. I could have easily focused solely on retirement and not engaged in the other areas of the benefits world. However, selecting the CEBS designation shows a desire to constantly learn about all types of benefits, which is a challenging, broad field of study. There is no shortage of learning opportunities. I also believe that learning goes beyond the academic side of the program. Learning for me involves being active with my local chapter, colleagues and friends. This helps further my development and expertise in the field as well as be a positive member of our community.
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?
I chose the self-study approach for my CEBS exams. I spent a lot of time prepping for exams during the evenings while trying to learn my job during the day. The two new skills were intertwined because the academic content I studied at night was fresh on my mind during the day. This turned out to be very helpful and allowed me to add value to our firm’s clients while building my own credibility since I was starting out with very little experience. Without being prepared and engaged in the program, I believe my career growth would have been slower and may have taken a different turn.
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?
Once I completed my courses and received the designation, I was immediately recognized by my boss, and my accomplishment was announced to the entire firm. This was viewed positively by senior management since it was not a requirement for my job and I was the only one in the firm at the time to have the CEBS designation. By this time, I was directly involved with supporting our retirement plan clients and starting to branch out into business development. It was during my initial sales efforts when I noticed that I was receiving favorable attention from fellow CEBS graduates or individuals working through the program on their own. To this day, the CEBS designation on my business card often results in discussions about the program. The CEBS designation has opened doors to opportunities for working with people who would otherwise not be interested in hearing from “another consultant.” It provides a common ground from which a relationship can be developed. Everyone who has completed the program or is in the process knows the commitment required to achieve the designation, and I have found that leads to a new level of respect.
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 cebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on April 25, 2024
What’s Your CEBS Story? Sarah Corrigan, 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 Sarah Corrigan, CEBS
Sarah Corrigan, CEBS
Account Manager
Diverse Benefits & Financial Planning Inc.
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your professional growth?
I work for a group benefits and retirement brokerage. Upon earning my CEBS designation, I became the account manager. Our industry is incredibly competitive. When a prospective client is searching for a broker and they see that they hold the CEBS designation, a trust is instantly formed because they know that anyone holding those letters has put in the time and effort to learn about what they’re selling. Clients know that the professional background and knowledge are there without having to dig deeper.
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exams and applied what you learned to your work?
When I pursued my CEBS designation, I had been out of a learning environment for ten years. Not since university did I have to spend my nights buried in textbooks. I’ll admit, it was a daunting task to cram binders’ worth of benefit and retirement knowledge into my brain, but what I found amazing and unlike any previous learning experience was how quickly I was able to apply my new-found knowledge.
Take in the content in small chunks. There is a lot of information. It can be overwhelming to be staring at a massive Study Guide, but break it down. Coffee is your friend!
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are an expert in your profession?
The great thing about the CEBS program is that it has all relevant content that is constantly being updated. I was already working for my current employer at the time as an administrative assistant, and I was able to apply what I was reading to my work on day one. There is no wasted information in these courses, and even now, I find myself referring to the Study Guides.
Having the CEBS designation has earned me a level of credibility with our clients that I would not otherwise have. Earning your CEBS designation will open a whole host of doors for you.
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 cancebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on April 11, 2024
Create Good Habits for CEBS® Success
Three Tips to Study Smarter
It’s important to be able to keep track of all the legislation that has shaped benefit plans. Here are some tips for creating a timeline to help you retain this information for your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS) exam.
1. Draw a box for each piece of legislation that has been enacted. Write the name of the law and the year it was passed inside the box.
2. Above each box, take note of the legal and economic climate at the time each law was passed. Why was the law enacted? What was happening in the benefits industry at that time?
3. Add several bullet points under each box describing the effect of the legal change.
Check out additional study tips from CEBS grads in the video below!
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! For assistance with the U.S. curriculum, give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email cebs@ifebp.org. To learn more about the Canadian curriculum, contact us at (833) 886-3749 or cancebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on March 27, 2024
Canadian Student Survey
Please answer this one question CEBS survey. Thank you in advance for your time!
How many hours per week do you dedicate to studying for your CEBS course?
A. 1 to 3 hours
B. 4 to 6 hours
C. 7 to 9 hours
D. 10 hours or more
E. It varies from week to week for me.
Updated on March 27, 2024
U.S. Student Survey
Please answer this one question CEBS survey. Thank you in advance for your time!
How many hours per week do you dedicate to studying for your CEBS course?
A. 1 to 3 hours
B. 4 to 6 hours
C. 7 to 9 hours
D. 10 hours or more
E. It varies from week to week for me.
Posted on February 23, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists through December 2023!
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 cebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on February 26, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru December 2023!
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 cancebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on February 2, 2024
24 Tips to Study Smarter—From Your CEBS Peers
Whether you’re beginning or continuing your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) journey, you’ll acquire strategic knowledge and skills that set you apart in the employee benefits industry. Small, repeatable, good study habits will help you absorb and retain new content and connect it to the big picture of the employee benefits landscape. As you apply what you’re learning to your work, you’ll embark on a learning journey that’s uniquely your own, transforming your career trajectory.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below is a little advice from these benefits industry professionals on earning the CEBS designation and maximizing your professional development.
“Schedule time to study a bit at a time and honor it.”
Paul Ashley, CEBS
SVP and Advisor, NFP
“Take the time to really apply yourself! Set aside the time to study and fully immerse yourself in the subject matter. Not only will it help you prepare for the exams, but it will allow you to apply your knowledge to your role as you’re learning.”
Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Client Relationship Manager / Communication & Education Manager, Canada Life
“Think about this process as lifelong learning rather than cramming for a test.”
Trudy Fidyk, CEBS
Senior Group Underwriter, People Corporation
“Don’t just think about what you need for your current job when you study; think about your next job in your career!”
Joanna Gomes, CEBS
Director, Total Rewards and Corporate Programs, Bimbo Canada
“Be engaged! You will get way more out of earning your CEBS designation if you participate in a local chapter of ISCEBS.”
Michael Kohl, CEBS
VP of Sales – Strategic Accounts, Vida Health
“Too many new CEBS students underestimate themselves. I would tell them not to do that and encourage them to keep pursuing the designation.”
Heather Shaw, CEBS
Payroll & Benefits Lead, Elk Island Catholic School Board
“Make sure to allocate enough study time to be successful.”
Eric Powell, CEBS
Senior Pension Benefit Analyst, Willis Towers Watson
“Even if you must go slowly or take time off, it is a worthwhile process. Keep going! It’s worth the effort to be well-rounded in the employee benefits field.”
Paula Stop, CEBS
Director of Total Rewards, The Fresh Market
“The CEBS designation is an excellent professional development path to take if you’re interested in becoming an expert in employee benefits. Start early in your career!”
Cheryl Andrews, CEBS
Vice President, Alec G. Henley Group
“Learn the key employee benefits laws and principles. They matter the most in the workplace.”
Katrina Amoroso, CEBS
Benefits Manager, MRI Software
“Establish successful study habits from the start. Don’t expect that just skimming the materials is enough to pass the courses. Establish relationships with other CEBS students and benefits professionals who can serve as mentors and cheerleaders throughout the process.”
Melissa Zaino, CEBS
Director, Global Benefits, Zayo Group
“Don’t rush through it. Take your time and study for retention. Be patient and diligent.”
Jane Daniels, CEBS
Director, Benefits & Leave Management, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
“Focus on the current course and absorb the material, not just for passing your CEBS exam, but for the knowledge you’ll gain.”
Michael Picard, CEBS
Chief Financial Officer, SWBR Architecture, Engineering and Landscape Architecture, D.P.C.
“Learn the material by reading it carefully. Then, make sure you understand the key terms and learning outcomes. Don’t procrastinate.”
Kerry Lawson, CEBS
Director, Consulting Expert, CGI
“First, determine how you learn best and use that to build your study skills.”
Tara Tam, CEBS
Specialist, Group Benefits, OSCO Group Services Limited
“Take the practice exams over and over again!”
Jason Blair, CEBS
DC Domain Leader, Hewitt Associates
“Start with your expertise. For example, if you are working in pensions, start there. If you are working in group benefits, start there with your first course.”
Debbie Liska, CEBS
Account Manager, HUB International
“Try to connect with someone in the industry and be mentored, or at the very least, have pointed conversations with.”
Francoise Cassidy, CEBS
Director Payroll Pensions & Benefits, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co.
“Keep pushing yourself. You’ll find that you have an amazing capacity to learn. You’ll become even more curious about employee benefits and being the bridge to employees who need your help!”
Shannon Tupper, CEBS
Benefits Specialist, State of Minnesota
“Keep on going, even if you fail an exam.”
Elaine Hsu, CEBS
Account Manager, The Dupuis Langen Group
“Take in the content in small chunks. There is a lot of information. It can be overwhelming to be staring at a massive Study Guide, but break it down. Coffee is your friend!”
Sarah Corrigan, CEBS
Account Manager, Diverse Benefits and Financial Planning Inc.
“Study, study, study.”
Jessica Ropelato, CEBS
Client Service Manager, Gallagher
“Continue and persevere. Keep your eye on the prize!”
Robert Fredericks, CEBS
President, Fredericks Benefits
Are you ready to elevate your career? Visit our website to learn more about attaining professional excellence with the industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
Updated on January 17, 2024
Meet Your U.S. CEBS Instructor: Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
When you need to hold yourself accountable for achieving something important, one of the best ways to do so is by joining a community of like-minded individuals seeking to grow in the same ways as you. Consider taking a CEBS® Online Study Group With Instructor Support—a garden of learning for benefits professionals. This offering includes a weekly schedule to set the pace and help you keep your resolve, as well as Study Tools created and curated by your instructor to help you prepare for your CEBS exam! Growing your employee benefits knowledge with the CEBS designation will impress your clients and delight your plan stakeholders. Brightening your employee benefits bouquet in a strategic way attracts the brightest and best employees to your workplace. The CEBS designation will say it all for you—You’re truly a benefits industry expert!
CEBS Online Study Groups are an optional educational resource designed to enhance the self-study approach. Offered over a 12-week session, Online Study Groups set a timeline for completing a CEBS course and are facilitated by established and experienced CEBS professionals. The U.S. spring session runs from January 22-April 12, 2024.
What does an online instructor do?
Your online instructor has many roles, including:
- Designing all content and activities in your Online Study Group to help you retain knowledge and study for your CEBS exam
- Facilitating live review sessions
- Monitoring the discussion forum to provide clarification and guidance to learners
- Creating discussion questions for each module and Benefits in Action Mini Case to stimulate engagement and enhance learning about employee benefits
- Sharing their real-world experience about being a benefits professional
- Answering questions that students submit via the discussion forum, email and private message
A Chat With Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
Financial Advisor
Valeo Financial Advisors, LLC
Instructor: RPA 2—Directing Retirement Plans Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
When I first earned my CEBS designation, it was early in my career in benefits. Although there was an acknowledgement among peers that this was an important and relevant accomplishment, what I think helped me the most was the knowledge I gained from the program. It gave me significantly more confidence in making recommendations and presenting them to colleagues and clients. I now work as a financial advisor. I’m not directly involved in the benefits space, but I use knowledge and skills from the designation and my experience working in employee benefits all the time by helping clients navigate their employer benefit selections and retirement plan options.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking RPA 2?
RPA 2 focuses on the internal aspects of retirement plans. It delves into investment and portfolio criteria, including risk and return calculations, and several other ways to compare and review investment selection. There is even a section on wealth management. The information in RPA 2 will help any benefits professional reviewing a retirement plan, but it is also helpful for anyone who participates in a retirement plan or invests. The course covers critical concepts involving mathematical formulae and compliance topics. Conceptually, the entire course is important for anyone looking to learn more about retirement plan construction and implementation.
Are there any interesting current events or regulatory updates related to concepts the RPA 2 course explores?
The big question in the retirement plan space is, “When will we see implementation of the fiduciary rule?” Although some version of this rule has nearly come to pass since 1975, there was a big push during the Obama administration in 2015 to finally implement fiduciary standards for plan sponsors. Industry pushback and a court decision in 2018 led to an indefinite suspension of final implementation, but the Department of Labor under President Biden has reissued the rule as recently as October 31. It is currently under a sixty-day comment window. The final rule would impose a fiduciary requirement upon plan sponsors. If we consider the definition of fiduciary as “acting in the client’s best interests,” impressing this standard makes sense. However, the increased regulatory burden and more importantly liability, for plan sponsors must be considered and has proved to be the obstacle blocking this rule in the past.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Study all the time! There are so many minutes in between meetings or calls that can be used to review flashcards or skim through a section of text. Always have study materials on your person to take advantage of these times. Use all the resources available to you. Carefully read both the Study Guide and the textbook. Often when we read the same subject from two sources, one will resonate more than the other. If we don’t draw on both, we might miss details offered by the source we would have interpreted better. If you’re enrolled in a CEBS Online Study Group, consider attending the live review sessions and actively participating in the discussion forum. If you get stuck, you can ask your instructor for help. Writing a discussion post with your questions and comments about topics covered in the course will benefit from others’ knowledge applied to your sticking points.
Why would you encourage benefits professionals to earn the CEBS designation?
I heartily encourage anyone in the benefits field to earn the CEBS designation. It will advance your professional knowledge extensively and it opens a new world in terms of contacts within the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) and your local chapter. Benefits is a dynamic field that requires a strong knowledge base and constant learning, both of which can be gained with a CEBS designation, by staying CEBS Compliant and with ISCEBS membership at the national and local level. With my experience, I’m considered a resource to others for employee benefits information, but even more so from the knowledge I’ve gained from the CEBS program.
The 12-week spring session of the U.S. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support runs from January 22-April 12, 2024. Jump in anytime and get access to materials from previous weeks.
Do you need additional guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email cebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on January 18, 2024
Meet Your Canadian CEBS Instructor: Patricia Noble, CEBS
When you need to hold yourself accountable for achieving something important, one of the best ways to do so is by joining a community of like-minded individuals seeking to grow in the same ways as you. Consider taking a CEBS® Online Study Group With Instructor Support—a garden of learning for benefits professionals. This offering includes a weekly schedule to set the pace and help you keep your resolve, as well as Study Tools created and curated by your instructor to help you prepare for your CEBS exam. Growing your employee benefits knowledge with the CEBS designation will impress your clients and delight your plan stakeholders. Brightening your employee benefits bouquet with a respected credential attracts the best employees to your workplace. The CEBS designation will say it all for you—You’re truly a benefits industry expert!
CEBS Online Study Groups are an optional educational resource designed to enhance the self-study approach. Offered over a 12-week session, Online Study Groups set a timeline for completing a CEBS course and are facilitated by established and experienced CEBS professionals. The Canadian spring session runs from January 15-April 5, 2024.
What does an online instructor do?
Your online instructor has many roles, including:
- Designing all content and activities in your Online Study Group to help you retain knowledge and study for your CEBS exam
- Facilitating live review sessions
- Monitoring the discussion forum to provide clarification and guidance to learners
- Creating discussion questions for each module and Benefits in Action Mini Case to stimulate engagement and enhance learning about employee benefits
- Sharing their real-world experience about being a benefits professional
- Answering questions that students submit via the discussion forum, email and private message
A Chat With Patricia Noble, CEBS
Patricia Noble, CEBS
Director of Policy, Research and Labour Market Analysis
Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, New Brunswick
Instructor: GBA 2—Managing Benefit Plans Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
The CEBS designation, in addition to demonstrating technical knowledge in the field, indicates a commitment to continuous learning. It is a signal to others that you have invested time and effort in your field and provides added credibility to employers and clients. In my case, the CEBS designation not only helped me better understand my responsibilities and communicate more effectively with service providers, but it also laid a solid foundation to help me advance in my career.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking GBA 2?
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage various types of employee benefits, such as death, disability, health, dental and wellness benefits. You’ll learn how to design, implement and evaluate plans, as well as how to determine and balance the needs of employers and employees. You’ll also gain an understanding of the tax implications of various arrangements of benefit plans. The course includes practical examples through the Benefits in Action Mini Cases to help you apply the concepts and best practices learned from the modules.
Are there any interesting current events, regulatory updates or industry trends related to concepts the GBA 2 course explores?
A recent survey indicates that only 23% of Canadians can provide for at least two years of financial support to their dependents if they pass away or get sick, which suggests a lack of preparedness and a need for more insurance coverage. The same survey indicates that less than half of Canadians feel confident that their current level of insurance would protect them and their families from the negative financial effects of a life or health emergency. This suggests that the content of this course is not only relevant, but that there is a greater need for education and awareness. The Benefits in Action Mini Cases help students develop the skills to not only apply the technical material, but also to consider how to communicate it.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Here are a few of my suggestions to get the most out of your CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support:
- Set clear and realistic goals for each study session and track your progress.
- Create a regular and consistent study schedule and stick to it.
- Choose a comfortable and distraction-free study environment that suits your learning style.
- Create your own notes to supplement the Instructor Notes available in your CEBS Online Study Group—Compare them and review them regularly. Test yourself on what you’ve learned.
- Seek feedback and support from your instructor and peers in your Online Study Group via the discussion forum when you encounter difficulties or have questions
The 12-week, spring session of the Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support are open through April 5, 2024. Jump in anytime and get access to materials from previous weeks.
Do you need additional guidance on your CEBS journey? Whether you’re about to take your first step or getting close to reaching your designation, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (833) 886-3749 or email cancebs@ifebp.org.