You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers.

I’m learning every day. And every day I’m also realizing that I have more questions to be answered. I think this holds true in all different aspects of life—professional development included. What’s the best next step for my career? Do I have the time between my job and family to work toward another goal? Then there are the questions that I don’t even realize I have until someone else brings them up—Why didn’t I think of that, too?

I know that if you are considering getting started earning your CEBS designation, if you’re part of the way through your journey or if you’ve put it on the back burner for a while and are thinking of getting started again, you’ve got some questions. How do I get started? Which course is the next one I should enroll in? I didn’t pass an exam previously—How should I proceed? You’re not alone. There are many others who have questions and look to our team for the answers.

Here’s a sampling of a few questions that seem to be popular:

I’m ready to enroll in the program, but I’m just not sure which course to take first.

Great news that you’re ready to begin. The vast majority of students start with either the GBA 1 or RPA 1 course. If your background or interest is mainly in group benefits, it’s probably best to enroll in GBA 1 as your first course. If retirement plans are your focus, RPA 1 would be a good course to start with for the program. Each of these courses will provide a solid foundation for you to build upon with the remaining courses that make up the five-course CEBS curriculum.

I’m not sure if I am going to be able to learn the materials on my own—Is there another option to the self-study approach?

Each of us learns differently, and sometimes it helps to have the structure and support of an Online Study Group with Instructor Support as you work through a CEBS course. While not required, these groups are an option available to students and are offered as 12-week sessions three times per year. Led by experienced CEBS graduates, the groups do not meet at a specific day or time but, rather, are open throughout the 12 weeks for you to log in and join the discussion board, take sample quizzes, download instructor notes, benefit from two live review sessions and more.

I took a couple of CEBS courses a few years ago but wasn’t able to complete the designation. I’d like to start back up where I left off. What should I do?

The best thing to do in this case is to reach out to our team for help. We’ll take a look at your previously completed courses and let you know which courses you need to complete to finish earning the designation. With the five-course curriculum, you may be closer to completion than you realize!

Learn More: Your Complete Guide to Earning the CEBS Designation

I’ve only covered a few questions here. Join our team for an upcoming webinar, Your Complete Guide to Earning the CEBS Designation, to learn more and have the opportunity to ask your questions and learn from the questions of others.

In Canada? The next CEBS webinar is being held on July 20 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Click here to register to attend. I look forward to “meeting” you then! 

In the U.S? The next CEBS webinar is being held on July 27 at 1:30 p.m. CT. Click here to register to attend. I look forward to “meeting” you then! 

If you have more questions about CEBS or are ready to sign up for your exam, reach out to our Certified Employee Benefits Specialist customer service team at cebs@ifebp.org.

Rachel Oliver, CEBS
Manager, CEBS Program Development at the International Foundation