Beginning something new can be both exciting and a bit daunting at the same time. If you’re not exactly sure how to begin studying for the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation, enroll in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support to get guidance and maximize your learning experience. Adhere to the set schedule to make consistent progress. Access interactive games and quizzes to measure your comprehension of course content. Interact with your instructor and classmates to fill gaps in your knowledge and share study tips.
CEBS Online Study Groups are an optional educational resource designed to supplement the self-study approach. Offered over a 12-week session, Online Study Groups provide a timeline to structure your studies and are facilitated by established and experienced CEBS professionals.
What does an online instructor do?
Your online instructor has many roles, including:
- Designing all content and activities in your class 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 Brian Will, CEBS
Brian Will, M.B.A., CEBS
AVP, Group Retirement & Savings Sales
Co-operators Life Insurance Company
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
“Earning the CEBS designation has meaningfully enhanced my career by deepening both my technical knowledge of benefits and retirement programs and my strategic understanding of how these programs support organizational outcomes. The CEBS program provides a structured and comprehensive view of retirement and benefits plan design, governance, funding and regulation. I engage more confidently in complex discussions with plan sponsors, advisors and senior leadership.
Beyond technical competency, CEBS has sharpened my ability to translate complex benefit concepts into practical, decision‑ready insights. This has been particularly valuable in leadership and client‑facing roles, where credibility and clarity are critical. The designation has also strengthened my professional network and reinforced my commitment to ongoing professional development in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
What will benefits professionals learn from taking RPA 2?
“RPA 2 builds on the foundations of retirement planning by focusing on the practical design, funding, governance and administration of employer‑sponsored retirement programs. Benefits professionals will gain deeper insights into defined contribution and defined benefit plan structures, fiduciary responsibilities, plan governance best practices and the regulatory environment that shapes retirement outcomes.
Learners also develop a stronger appreciation for risk management, investment oversight and retirement adequacy, equipping them to support plan sponsors in balancing cost, compliance and workforce needs. RPA 2 connects theory to real‑world application—helping benefits professionals make informed recommendations that align plan strategy with organizational objectives and participant outcomes.”
Are there any interesting current events, regulatory updates or industry trends related to concepts the RPA 2 course explores?
“Yes, course concepts are closely aligned with several ongoing and highly relevant industry developments. These include increased regulatory and fiduciary scrutiny on plan governance, investment selection and fee transparency, as well as a growing emphasis on retirement income solutions and decumulation strategies within defined contribution plans.
Other notable trends include the rise of automatic plan features, greater focus on participant financial wellness, and evolving expectations around ESG considerations and responsible investing. Together, these trends reinforce the importance of strong governance frameworks and informed oversight—core themes that RPA 2 explores in depth.”
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
“Approach the content with a long‑term professional lens, not just an exam mindset. Focus on understanding why concepts matter and how they apply in real‑life scenarios. Creating personal examples from your own work experience makes the material more relevant and easier to retain.
Consistent study habits are key. Break the material into manageable segments, stay on schedule and actively engage with the practice exam early on. Finally, participate in an Online Study Group and utilize the discussion forum whenever possible. Explaining concepts to others is one of the most effective ways to reinforce learning.”
Why would you encourage benefits professionals to earn the CEBS designation?
“I hear from students and graduates who have leveraged the CEBS designation to advance into leadership roles, expand their professional responsibilities or transition into more specialized areas of benefits, retirement or total rewards. Many of them report increased confidence when engaging with senior stakeholders and greater credibility within their organizations.
I encourage professionals to pursue the CEBS designation because it represents a high standard in benefits education. It signals commitment, expertise and professionalism in a field that directly impacts employee well‑being and organizational sustainability. For anyone serious about building a long‑term career in benefits or retirement planning, CEBS is a powerful differentiator.”
