Updated on September 9, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru June 2024!
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 [email protected].
#CEBSgoals
Posted on August 23, 2024
Meet Your U.S. CEBS Instructor: Elizabeth McBurney, CEBS
It’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes, strolls through fallen leaves and back to school. Now is the perfect time to contemplate your professional goals and take the next step forward in your education. Sign up for Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) Online Study Group With Instructor Support to help you perform like a star student on exam day. With round-the-clock access to course content, it’s time to learn whenever and wherever you decide, no backpack required. Choose from a variety of Study Tools to learn your way.
Do you have a question about what you’re learning? Our industry expert instructors have the answers and bring their acumen and experience to you. The discussion forum is a space for you to share your insights and experiences with your professional peers to learn together.
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. fall session runs from September 9-November 29, 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 Elizabeth McBurney, CEBS
Elizabeth McBurney, M.B.A., CEBS, ACHRM, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Assistant Human Resources Manager
Columbia County Board of Commissioners
Instructor: GBA/RPA 3—Strategic Benefits Management
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
There is no doubt that earning the CEBS designation brings with it industry recognition and value. For me, once I obtained my CEBS, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity for an adjunct teaching position at a local university in the fields of human resources and organizational behavior. The CEBS designation truly opened doors for me in ways that I don’t believe would have happened otherwise. To me, the CEBS designation is the gold standard in the benefits industry. It brought me knowledge and the ability to act strategically within my organization. My proudest accomplishments, however, are being able to lead the U.S. GBA/RPA 3 Online Study Group and being part of a great organization.
What will benefits professionals learn from GBA/RPA 3?
Benefit professionals will learn the foundations of ERISA, the value of using analytics in the healthcare arena and the legal ramifications of the benefit industry, among many other things. This course is truly the “nuts and bolts” of benefits. It is extremely important to understand the complexities of health and retirement plans and this knowledge can be gained from getting the CEBS designation.
Are there any interesting current events, regulatory updates or industry trends related to concepts or issues your course explores?
As we explore the various modules of the course, each one interacts in some way with current events. In today’s world we are dealing with an increasingly diverse workforce and post-pandemic survival. We ask, how do we put our organizations back to the pre-COVID days? We don’t—We must adjust to a new way of doing business and look at every benefit offered. Many organizations are looking to increase voluntary benefits to keep employees as organizations are fighting for talent. We must know what those industry trends are and how we can maintain our organizations. Without the knowledge provided by the CEBS designation, it would be more difficult to see a clear path forward.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Read the study materials thoroughly and utilize all the available study tools in your Online Study Group. Also, put yourself in the position of a company CEO and ask yourself what you would do if you had to run the company. How would you use your knowledge to become a strategic business partner in employee benefits for your organization? Instead of just trying to memorize the data, get to understand the theory behind the material.
What sort of success stories have you heard from your students? Why would you encourage people to earn their CEBS designation?
Many students have told me that they have been able to offer knowledge to their organizations and have a clear understanding of the legalities of benefits and retirement. They have commented that once they have the designation, it is easier for them to “gain a seat at the table” and make meaningful input.
In my geographical area, there are only a few individuals who hold the CEBS designation, and that puts them at a tremendous advantage in the benefits world. Not everyone has a clear understanding of the rules and laws surrounding benefits. There is no doubt that CEBS has made a success out of many people.
The 12-week fall session of the U.S. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support runs from September 9-November 29, 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 [email protected].
Updated on August 28, 2024
Meet Your Canadian CEBS Instructor: Brian Will, CEBS
It’s the season of pumpkin spice lattes, strolls through fallen leaves and back to school. Now is the perfect time to contemplate your professional goals and take the next step forward in your education. Sign up for Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) Online Study Group With Instructor Support to help you perform like a star student on exam day. With round-the-clock access to course content, it’s time to learn whenever and wherever you decide, no backpack required. Choose from a variety of Study Tools to learn your way.
Do you have a question about what you’re learning? Our industry expert instructors have the answers and bring their acumen and experience to you. The discussion forum is a space for you to share your insights and experiences with your professional peers to learn together.
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 fall session runs from September 9-November 29, 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 Brian Will, CEBS
Brian Will, CEBS
Associate Vice President, Group Retirement & Savings Sales
Co-operators Life Insurance Company
Instructor: RPA 2—Managing Retirement Plans Part 2
What will benefits professionals learn from RPA 2?
The CEBS designation provided me with a broader view of the industry and has allowed me to grow within the industry and better support client needs. I have also been able to make new industry contacts through discussions with other CEBS designation holders.
Are there any interesting current events, regulatory updates or industry trends related to concepts or issues your course explores?
Personally, I’m very interested in new investment trends and solutions being made available to CAP plan members. I try to tie this into the Online Study Group.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Keep up with your reading. Remember, all assigned reading is testable content. Review the instructor notes in your Online Study Group and any supplementary resources. Most of all, ask questions if something does not make sense.
Why would you encourage people to earn their CEBS designation?
The CEBS designation is very recognizable in the industry. It will help you progress your career and support your clients. The continuing leaning opportunities post-designation and CEBS Compliance are also important to keep in mind.
The 12-week, fall session of the Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support are open through September 9-November 29, 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 [email protected].
Updated on July 10, 2024
Canadian CEBS Student Survey Results: Time Spent Studying for Your CEBS Course
Studying consistently and diligently is essential for success in the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) program. It’s important to regularly dedicate time to completing the assigned reading from the Study Guide and textbook for your course. Frequently reviewing the content you’ve already read allows your mind to fully absorb new knowledge and connect the key takeaways from the course to action items you would like to achieve at work.
Many people wonder how many hours per week they should dedicate to studying for a CEBS course. We recently surveyed Online Study Group With Instructor Support students to see what their time commitment is for studying for the CEBS designation. Below is a summary of their study habits.
Study time varies from person to person and depends on reading speed, study habits, prior knowledge of content and work experience. Consider enrolling in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support for access to helpful resources and a structured timeline to help you advance in your learning journey. With every page you read, you’ll gain confidence as you become a more knowledgeable benefits professional!
Questions?
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! Reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at [email protected].
Updated on July 10, 2024
U.S. CEBS Student Survey Results: Time Spent Studying for Your CEBS Course
Studying consistently and diligently is essential for success in the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) program. It’s important to regularly dedicate time to completing the assigned reading from the Study Guide and textbook for your course. Frequently reviewing the content you’ve already read allows your mind to fully absorb new knowledge and connect the key takeaways from the course to action items you would like to achieve at work.
Many people wonder how many hours per week they should dedicate to studying for a CEBS course. We recently surveyed Online Study Group With Instructor Support students to see what their time commitment is for studying for the CEBS designation. Below is a summary of their study habits.
Study time varies from person to person and depends on reading speed, study habits, prior knowledge of content and work experience. Consider enrolling in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support for access to helpful resources and a structured timeline to help you advance in your learning journey. With every page you read, you’ll gain confidence as you become a more knowledgeable benefits professional!
Questions?
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! Reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at [email protected].
Updated on July 2, 2024
Create Good Habits for CEBS Success: Top Tips to Study Smarter From International Foundation Staff
To learn about all things related to employee benefits and provide the best possible education for members, many International Foundation staff pursue the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation. It’s a life changing learning experience that helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of 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.
Below is a little advice from International Foundation staff on earning the CEBS designation and maximizing your professional development.
“I made index cards of important Key Terms and read them aloud multiple times.”
Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS, Senior Editor Publications,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“I know there are a lot of thoughts on what that ‘one’ thing is that will help you pass the test! While I can’t offer you the silver bullet, I’ll share what made me successful with every exam that I took. First, be kind to yourself. Celebrate the fact that you’re looking to stand out! You’ve just tackled a lot of material and what you’ve learned during the many hours of preparation. Second, literally picture yourself getting the pass notification on the exam. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first exam or your last one—Capture and remember the smile that’s on your face and everything you’ve accomplished!”
Linda Bielski, CEBS, Executive Director CEBS/ISCEBS,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“Make sure you take the practice exams – they help reinforce and test your knowledge of the content and get you comfortable with the testing format!”
Terry Davidson, CEBS, Chief Executive Officer,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“I learn best by note-taking. Not only does note-taking make me think about and rephrase things in a way that makes more sense to me, but also the physical act of writing something seems to reinforce the concept and engrain it in my brain. So, I took notes in the margins of my Study Guide. When I was done with the entire course, I typed all those handwritten notes into a document. This gave me further reinforcement of concepts, and then I had a shorter study aid.
I also found the Online Study Groups very helpful. Access to the instructors notes, quizzes and flash cards were incredibly helpful. In many cases, the instructors explained the concepts in ways that stuck in my brain and helped me understand better than the textbook for the course.
Finally, ALWAYS take the practice exam! It will point you to the items you need to study up on more when you’re prepping for the test.”
Amanda Gilszmer, CEBS, Sr. Video Editor Producer,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“I took the practice exam repeatedly until I could explain and understand not only the right answer, but why all of the wrong answers were wrong.”
Teri Dougherty, CEBS, Supervisor, Content Services, LLC,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“• Be overly detailed in your study plan (e.g., cover one module per week). Vague goals make for poor results.
• Use multiple study avenues to reinforce concepts (create flash cards and Word documents, view the digital study guide, etc.)
• Create flash cards with basic terminology. Then you can cover those topics when completing other daily tasks.
• Break study time into small chunks. Instead of cramming for hours over the weekend, add an hour of study time to each workday.”
Justin Held, CEBS, Associate Director, Research and Education,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“I’ve always found it helpful to study right before going to bed. It seems like information sticks better if it’s the last thing in your brain before sleeping.
Take the practice exam a day or two before testing. Being fully prepared for the practice exam is a great way to boost your confidence and discover if there are any topics you need to review one last time.”
Jonas Leyrer, CEBS, Instructional Designer,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“When I made flash cards, on the front I’d write a question and on the back, I’d write the answer. On the front, I’d also note the chapter/section, so it was easier to re-read information.
I also found it helped me to read out loud. Sometimes my husband would help me study. When I took the test, I could imagine him asking me questions and telling me the answer. Other times, I’d read the textbook out loud to myself. After my youngest was born, I would read to her while we snuggled. It helped put her to sleep and help mom finish up U.S. GBA/RPA 3!”
Jen Mathe, CEBS, Director of Member Services, ISCEBS
“Don’t make it harder than it is. Once you have taken one CEBS exam, you will understand the process and have a better understanding of how to study for the rest. The worst you will do is fail a test. Nobody’s life is riding on that. That’s just gaining experience.”
Barb Pamperin, CEBS, Instructional Technologist,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“My best study tip is to create flash cards of the Learning Objectives and Key Terms within each Learning Objective for each module of the Study Guide.
I would go through the stack of flash cards, and if I felt that I could say all that I needed to about a topic, I would put the card in a ‘done’ pile. A week or so prior to the exam, I would review all of them and pull any flash cards I was really struggling with to spend extra time studying the content on the last few days leading up to the exam.”
Laura Scholz, CEBS, Manager, Continuing Education,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“When studying, I focused on my notes, the highlights in the Study Guide (Outline of Knowledge, Learning Objectives and Key Terms) and the practice exam.
I made sure I really understood what was in the Study Guide. I did carefully read the book, but I focused on the Study Guide because I felt that reflected what the course developers thought was most important to know.”
Julie Stich, CEBS, Vice President, Content,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“My first tip is, the list of Key Terms in each module of the Study Guide is your vocab test from high school. Write out the definition of each term in your own words, and if you have an example of it from your own experience, noting that can help, too. Focusing on the Key Terms was a big part of my success, especially for course content that I had little to no practical experience with.
My second tip is believing that you can do this! Be confident and reward yourself along the way!”
Erika Turner, CEBS, Director Professional Development,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Greta James Van Wonderpants
“Throughout the course, I dedicated several hours each Sunday afternoon to reading the modules and reviewing the study guide questions. Once I got through all the modules, about two weeks before my testing date, I took the practice exam.
I never tested well on that first run, but that didn’t bother me. The practice exam would queue up how I did on each module, and there was always a pattern—There were a few modules that I performed spectacularly badly on. I would go back and read those pages, often explaining the concept out loud to my faithful study partner, Greta James Van Wonderpants. (She totally got it.) Then I’d take the practice exam again. I’d usually do much better the second time, but I would still trip on the more abstract concepts. These I would write out in longhand. The physical act of writing helped cement the correct answers in my mind.”
Stacy Van Alstyne, CEBS, Director, Strategic Communications,
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“My study tip is to use the Outline of Knowledge to create flash cards you can use to study. I find that creating flash cards is almost as beneficial as using them leading up to the exam. Also, remember to use the practice exam to prep for the real thing! It’s a great way to get you ready for the exam experience.”
Carey Wooton, CEBS, Director, Educational Program Development, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
“On a colorful index card or sheet of paper, list the reasons why you would like to earn the CEBS designation and what you would like to learn more about. Before I worked at the International Foundation, I was a Spanish instructor. Here I was aspiring to speak another language—the language of employee benefits. I hoped the CEBS designation would help me gain, ‘Credibility, Excellence, Benefits knowledge, Strategic vision,’ and that’s exactly what my learning unlocked for me. Define what the four letters C-E-B-S mean for you! Place your inspiration card somewhere where you can see it every day and even frame it if you would like to. Remembering your ‘why’ will carry you forward every day of your learning journey, inspiring you to make progress one page at a time, one course at a time.”
Christine Vazquez, CEBS, Director, CEBS Educational Services, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
Visit CEBS online for information about purchasing course materials, signing up for an Online Study Group, virtual exams and more details on the program.
Posted on May 22, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru March 2024!
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 [email protected].
#CEBSgoals
Posted on May 22, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru March 2024!
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 [email protected].
#CEBSgoals
Updated on May 22, 2024
Course Corner: U.S. RPA 1 Revisions
As the employee benefits industry evolves, the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation’s curriculum is updated to reflect this reality. The U.S. RPA 1 course has been fully revised to meet the changing retirement plans landscape. This new CEBS course will help you gain valuable skills that you can put into practice on the job today as well as provide emergent, cutting-edge knowledge that will prepare you for future roles.
RPA 1 conveys essential knowledge for understanding retirement plan design. The course outlines requirements for achieving tax-qualified status, distinguishes differences between defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) structures, and provides a framework for understanding DC plan types whose use depends on the sponsor’s legal entity and the employee group’s characteristics. It provides a comprehensive understanding of 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans and other specialized niche plans. This course goes over the appropriateness of these plans, and the latitude sponsors possess in defining eligibility and establishing plan provisions. Unique situations involving executive talent, nonprofit employees and governmental workers are addressed. The course also examines the challenges of small employers in sponsoring a retirement plan. As such, it reviews simplified employee pensions (SEPs), SIMPLE plans, safe harbor 401(k)s and solo 401(k)s. Key plan issues such as fee transparency; environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments; and inclusion of cryptocurrency investments are also addressed. The course incorporates both currently applicable law and future, to-be-phased-in requirements from the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Study Materials for RPA 1, including a new Study Guide and textbook, are available for purchase. You’ll be able to take exams for the new course beginning in the third testing window of 2024. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support for the new courses will be offered for the first time during the fall 2024 session.
Below is an outline of the new U.S. course:
RPA 1—Directing Retirement Plans Part 1
Module 1: Private Retirement Plans: Background and Context
Module 2: Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit Structures
Module 3: Defined Benefit Approaches and Executive Plan Arrangements
Module 4: Overview of Defined Contribution Plan Structures and Stock Compensation Plans
Benefits in Action #1: Filing a Section 83(b) Election
Module 5: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans
Module 6: Foundations of 401(k) Plans
Module 7: Defined Contribution Practice Issues
Module 8: Special Purpose Plans: 403(b)s, 457s and ESOPs
Benefits in Action #2: Retaining Key Executives
Module 9: Small Employer Retirement Plan Alternatives
Benefits in Action #3: Selecting a Small Employer Retirement Plan
Module 10: Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Benefits in Action #4: Leaving a Job: What to Do With Your Retirement Plan
Module 11: Integrated Case Study: Retirement Planning: Achieving Personal Goals for Plan Participants and Strategic Results for Senior Management
Questions?
If you have any questions about Study Materials or the new U.S. RPA 1 course, please reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at [email protected].
Updated on May 22, 2024
Course Corner: Canadian RPA 2 Revisions
As the employee benefits industry evolves, the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation’s curriculum is updated to reflect this reality. The Canadian RPA 2 course has been fully revised to meet the changing retirement plans landscape. This new CEBS course will help you gain valuable skills that you can put into practice on the job today as well as provide emergent, cutting-edge knowledge that will prepare you for future roles.
RPA 2 presents investment theory that is transferable to management of assets in any type of employer-sponsored retirement plan, whether pension or nonpension. This includes plans such as group tax-free savings accounts and employee savings plans, which are mostly unrestricted by government regulations and contribution limits. Investment environment, financial markets and instruments, risk and return, asset allocation, performance measurement and portfolio management techniques are addressed. The practical application of this theory is identified through examination of investment-specific legislation and regulations, roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, management of issues in each step of the investment cycle, reporting and communication practices, and industry tools and guidelines that support sound plan investment management. Text-based reading is supported with regulatory guidance and industry-based practice guidelines.
Study Materials for RPA 2, including a new Study Guide and textbook, are available for purchase. You’ll be able to write exams for the new course beginning in the third testing window of 2024. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support for the new courses will be offered for the first time during the fall 2024 session.
Below is an outline of the new Canadian course:
RPA 2—Managing Retirement Plans Part 2
Module 1: Navigating the Investment Environment of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Module 2: Inventorying the Major Asset Classes
Benefits in Action #1: What should you know about your DC plan investment options before enrolling?
Module 3: Managing Investment Risk and Return
Module 4: Constructing an Investment Portfolio—Part 1
Module 5: Constructing an Investment Portfolio—Part 2
Benefits in Action #2: How do we decide on the assets to include in our pension fund?
Module 6: Evaluating Active Management Performance
Benefits in Action #3: How do Retirement Plan Committees review DB plan investment activities?
Module 7: Leveraging Managed Funds to Achieve Investment Objectives
Benefits in Action #4: How can we use managed funds to meet tests of investment prudence?
Module 8: Complying With Legislative and Best Practices in Plan Asset Investment
Module 9: Developing the Statement of Investment Policy
Module 10: Implementing the Defined Benefit Pension Plan Investment Policy
Module 11: Implementing the Capital Accumulation Plan Investment Policy
Module 12: Capstone Case: Managing Pension Plan Investments in Accordance With Governance and Regulatory Requirements
Questions?
If you have any questions about Study Materials or the new Canadian RPA 2 course, please reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at [email protected].