Earning your 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 Andrew Perch, CEBS

Andrew Perch, CEBS

Fund Administrator

Painters District Council Benefits Office

Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?

“As a business representative for the Painters Union and a health and welfare trustee, I believed it was imperative to take advantage of any International Foundation training. To best serve the membership, I felt obligated to educate myself on fund issues. Attending conferences provided an opportunity to question employee benefit professionals and gain professional insight. After earning certificates in the various fund disciplines, I thought the CEBS designation was the next avenue for me to explore. I felt having a union representative with professional credentials would be an advantage for my organization and its plan participants.”

Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?

“Utilizing the Online Study Group With Instructor Support live review sessions greatly enhanced my preparation for the CEBS exam. Discussing coursework and current fund issues with other candidates provided an avenue to develop new solutions.”

Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?

“My organization made the decision to eliminate their current TPA and bring the administration of benefits ‘in-house’. As the new fund administrator, obtaining my CEBS designation proved to be instrumental for creating a smooth transition. The education provided by the Foundation was essential in creating the roadmap for success.”