It’s almost time to ring in 2026! The new year is a fresh page waiting for you to write your next chapter. Now is the time to set your intentions and put a plan into place. The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation should be part of your storyline in 2026 to bolster your career in employee benefits. Gain the knowledge, skills, and business acumen to set you apart as a benefits professional. Start or continue your CEBS learning journey—Your professional development is critical in ensuring you perform your best today and are ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below are the reflections of those benefits industry professionals on how earning the CEBS designation has benefited them the most.
“Earning the CEBS designation set me up to handle just about anything thrown my way, from health and welfare legislation to retirement plan compliance and everything in between as I transitioned into a leadership role at my employer.”
Patricia Florkowski, CEBS, Director of Benefits, Lehigh University
“I got promoted!”
Nikki Mailom, CEBS, Group Underwriter II, Wawanesa Insurance
“Earning the CEBS designation has been highly beneficial, both personally and professionally, as well as for my organization. The designation provided me with a deep understanding of benefits design, compliance and administration, enabling me to make more informed, strategic decisions around employee benefits. With this knowledge, I’ve been able to recommend plans and policies that balance cost efficiency with employee satisfaction, aligning closely with organizational goals. For my organization, my CEBS designation has been instrumental in optimizing our benefits offerings, ensuring that we stay compliant with regulatory requirements while offering competitive benefits packages. My training allows me to act as a trusted advisor, providing insights that enhance both recruitment and retention by aligning benefits with employee needs and expectations. This has not only improved employee engagement but also helped in maintaining a strong organizational culture and morale.”
Phi Tran, CEBS, VP, Benefits and Leave Administration, PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc.
“It has led to great opportunities for advancement in my career, as the current role I’m in required this prestigious designation. I’m thankful to have had the training, to have earned my CEBS designation and to be part of the ISCEBS local community.”
Stephanie Thwaites, CEBS, Total Rewards Director, Magna International
“The CEBS designation was worth it to me for filling the gaps in my knowledge. Before completing it, I knew the pension side very well. I barely knew group benefits. It allowed me to certify my pension experience and learn about group benefits, too.”
Fatima Munshed, CEBS, Senior Business Analyst, Avenu Insights & Analytics
“The CEBS designation has allowed me to become more knowledgeable in the benefits field and know when I need to ask additional questions or clarify information. It’s great to understand the ‘why’ behind how things are set up the way they are.”
Kristina Cox, CEBS, Director, Compensation and Benefits, Recology
“I understand what is being talked about and what needs to be done.”
Elisa Bortignon, CEBS, Human Resources Advisor, IWA-Forest Industry Pension & LTD Plans
“Earning the CEBS designation provided me with a solid foundation to launch my career in employee benefits consulting.”
Dylan Burenheide, CEBS, Sr. Benefits Consultant, Milliman
“The CEBS designation has elevated my knowledge and skills.”
Samaneh Arkani, CEBS, Compensation and Benefits, Team Lead, FedEx Express
“I’ve been able to expand my knowledge and use my skills to improve benefits offerings at my former and current companies.”
Viktoria Garber, CEBS, Associate Director of Benefits, Pacira BioSciences
“The CEBS designation helped me secure a new role with another insurer working on more complex files.”
Matthew Crites, CEBS, Account Executive, iA Financial Group
“My organization relies on me as the subject matter expert for all things benefits-related, earning the respect of my peers and colleagues.”
Robin Loos, CEBS, Lead Analyst, Exact Sciences
“Take it slow, one course at a time. Start with the GBA or RPA designation and move on from there if you want to go the distance. There’s so much content, and it’s excellent learning. The CEBS study materials are a great investment.”
Marlee Charette, CEBS, Benefits Administrator, Health Sciences North
“The CEBS designation allows my clients to feel confident that their agent is a professional putting their needs first.”
Patrick Garrabrant, CEBS, Benefits Department Manager, PrimeGroup Insurance
“It may seem daunting, but the CEBS designation is definitely a rewarding, fulfilling achievement.”
Itohan Aigbomian, CEBS, Small Group Underwriter
“The CEBS designation has given me a foundational knowledge of employee benefits. I’ve supported three additional staff members getting their CEBS designation in the last four years. The CEBS designation demonstrates my team’s commitment to improving employee benefits for the employees we serve and dedication to expanding their knowledge base.”
Olivia Walty, CEBS, Senior Director, Benefits, Anchorage School District
“The CEBS designation is a good designation to have if you wish to increase knowledge and expertise in employee benefits.”
Kinjal Chorera, CEBS, Total Rewards Specialist, FedEx Express Canada
“I gained a lot of respect after earning my CEBS designation. Additionally, it provided resources for me that I didn’t have previously. It was one of the things I wanted to do for myself!”
Maria Burgess, CEBS, AVP, Compensation and Benefits, Tower Federal Credit Union
“The CEBS designation is definitely worth the hard work!”
Heather Thomas, CEBS, Benefits and Wellness Advisor, British Columbia Institute of Technology
“I had been out of the employee benefits field for several years and, when I returned, the CEBS designation was mentioned to me as a possibility. It helped me refresh my knowledge as the world of benefits changes frequently. It gives me confidence and helps me make solid decisions in my current role.”
Angie Smallwood, CEBS, Manager, Health & Welfare Benefits Strategy, Volvo Group
“It’s a fantastic program, and I wish all benefit professionals or folks who work in the field of employee benefits got a chance to take the CEBS courses!”
Josh Periard, CEBS, Senior Account Executive, National Accounts, Canada Life
“Personally, the CEBS designation bestows credibility, respect and the ability to earn higher wages. For the organization, it provides an important foundation of knowledge that ensures compliance and accuracy of the benefits program. The ongoing education and knowledge resources have been extremely helpful to me when specific questions or concerns arise.”
Vicki Seligmiller, CEBS, Senior Account Manager, R&R Insurance Services, Inc.
“I would encourage anyone considering this designation to certainly pursue it. The CEBS program is extremely flexible for those working and prioritizing a balance with learning. The ability to connect with other professionals through the International Foundation while studying is particularly appreciated.”
Samantha Probetts, CEBS, Pension and Benefits Specialist, Manitoba Government Employees Union
“I make better decisions for our participants.”
Edward Nadeau, CEBS, Trustee, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7 W&P Fund
“I’ve enhanced my overall benefits knowledge and set an example for other team members to follow to increase their knowledge.”
Timothy Taylor, CEBS, Sr. Vice President – Chief Human Resources Officer, Hendrick Automotive Group
“Your investment of time to earn the CEBS designation will have a significant payoff and value in your career.”
Jenna Kennedy, CEBS, Senior Business Specialist, Co-operators Life Insurance
Invest in your education to enhance your impact, productivity and professional growth today and tomorrow. Committing to attaining meaningful goals in 2026 will make you feel proud when you reflect on the year! Click here to learn more about the benefit industry’s most respected credential: the CEBS designation.
