Posted on February 23, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists through December 2023!
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 cebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on February 26, 2024
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru December 2023!
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 cancebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on February 2, 2024
24 Tips to Study Smarter—From Your CEBS Peers
Whether you’re beginning or continuing your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) journey, you’ll acquire strategic knowledge and skills that set you apart in 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.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below is a little advice from these benefits industry professionals on earning the CEBS designation and maximizing your professional development.
“Schedule time to study a bit at a time and honor it.”
Paul Ashley, CEBS
SVP and Advisor, NFP
“Take the time to really apply yourself! Set aside the time to study and fully immerse yourself in the subject matter. Not only will it help you prepare for the exams, but it will allow you to apply your knowledge to your role as you’re learning.”
Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Client Relationship Manager / Communication & Education Manager, Canada Life
“Think about this process as lifelong learning rather than cramming for a test.”
Trudy Fidyk, CEBS
Senior Group Underwriter, People Corporation
“Don’t just think about what you need for your current job when you study; think about your next job in your career!”
Joanna Gomes, CEBS
Director, Total Rewards and Corporate Programs, Bimbo Canada
“Be engaged! You will get way more out of earning your CEBS designation if you participate in a local chapter of ISCEBS.”
Michael Kohl, CEBS
VP of Sales – Strategic Accounts, Vida Health
“Too many new CEBS students underestimate themselves. I would tell them not to do that and encourage them to keep pursuing the designation.”
Heather Shaw, CEBS
Payroll & Benefits Lead, Elk Island Catholic School Board
“Make sure to allocate enough study time to be successful.”
Eric Powell, CEBS
Senior Pension Benefit Analyst, Willis Towers Watson
“Even if you must go slowly or take time off, it is a worthwhile process. Keep going! It’s worth the effort to be well-rounded in the employee benefits field.”
Paula Stop, CEBS
Director of Total Rewards, The Fresh Market
“The CEBS designation is an excellent professional development path to take if you’re interested in becoming an expert in employee benefits. Start early in your career!”
Cheryl Andrews, CEBS
Vice President, Alec G. Henley Group
“Learn the key employee benefits laws and principles. They matter the most in the workplace.”
Katrina Amoroso, CEBS
Benefits Manager, MRI Software
“Establish successful study habits from the start. Don’t expect that just skimming the materials is enough to pass the courses. Establish relationships with other CEBS students and benefits professionals who can serve as mentors and cheerleaders throughout the process.”
Melissa Zaino, CEBS
Director, Global Benefits, Zayo Group
“Don’t rush through it. Take your time and study for retention. Be patient and diligent.”
Jane Daniels, CEBS
Director, Benefits & Leave Management, O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.
“Focus on the current course and absorb the material, not just for passing your CEBS exam, but for the knowledge you’ll gain.”
Michael Picard, CEBS
Chief Financial Officer, SWBR Architecture, Engineering and Landscape Architecture, D.P.C.
“Learn the material by reading it carefully. Then, make sure you understand the key terms and learning outcomes. Don’t procrastinate.”
Kerry Lawson, CEBS
Director, Consulting Expert, CGI
“First, determine how you learn best and use that to build your study skills.”
Tara Tam, CEBS
Specialist, Group Benefits, OSCO Group Services Limited
“Take the practice exams over and over again!”
Jason Blair, CEBS
DC Domain Leader, Hewitt Associates
“Start with your expertise. For example, if you are working in pensions, start there. If you are working in group benefits, start there with your first course.”
Debbie Liska, CEBS
Account Manager, HUB International
“Try to connect with someone in the industry and be mentored, or at the very least, have pointed conversations with.”
Francoise Cassidy, CEBS
Director Payroll Pensions & Benefits, Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Co.
“Keep pushing yourself. You’ll find that you have an amazing capacity to learn. You’ll become even more curious about employee benefits and being the bridge to employees who need your help!”
Shannon Tupper, CEBS
Benefits Specialist, State of Minnesota
“Keep on going, even if you fail an exam.”
Elaine Hsu, CEBS
Account Manager, The Dupuis Langen Group
“Take in the content in small chunks. There is a lot of information. It can be overwhelming to be staring at a massive Study Guide, but break it down. Coffee is your friend!”
Sarah Corrigan, CEBS
Account Manager, Diverse Benefits and Financial Planning Inc.
“Study, study, study.”
Jessica Ropelato, CEBS
Client Service Manager, Gallagher
“Continue and persevere. Keep your eye on the prize!”
Robert Fredericks, CEBS
President, Fredericks Benefits
Are you ready to elevate your career? Visit our website to learn more about attaining professional excellence with the industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
Updated on January 17, 2024
Meet Your U.S. CEBS Instructor: Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
When you need to hold yourself accountable for achieving something important, one of the best ways to do so is by joining a community of like-minded individuals seeking to grow in the same ways as you. Consider taking a CEBS® Online Study Group With Instructor Support—a garden of learning for benefits professionals. This offering includes a weekly schedule to set the pace and help you keep your resolve, as well as Study Tools created and curated by your instructor to help you prepare for your CEBS exam! Growing your employee benefits knowledge with the CEBS designation will impress your clients and delight your plan stakeholders. Brightening your employee benefits bouquet in a strategic way attracts the brightest and best employees to your workplace. The CEBS designation will say it all for you—You’re truly a benefits industry expert!
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. spring session runs from January 22-April 12, 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 Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
Kyle Riddle, CEBS, CFP
Financial Advisor
Valeo Financial Advisors, LLC
Instructor: RPA 2—Directing Retirement Plans Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
When I first earned my CEBS designation, it was early in my career in benefits. Although there was an acknowledgement among peers that this was an important and relevant accomplishment, what I think helped me the most was the knowledge I gained from the program. It gave me significantly more confidence in making recommendations and presenting them to colleagues and clients. I now work as a financial advisor. I’m not directly involved in the benefits space, but I use knowledge and skills from the designation and my experience working in employee benefits all the time by helping clients navigate their employer benefit selections and retirement plan options.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking RPA 2?
RPA 2 focuses on the internal aspects of retirement plans. It delves into investment and portfolio criteria, including risk and return calculations, and several other ways to compare and review investment selection. There is even a section on wealth management. The information in RPA 2 will help any benefits professional reviewing a retirement plan, but it is also helpful for anyone who participates in a retirement plan or invests. The course covers critical concepts involving mathematical formulae and compliance topics. Conceptually, the entire course is important for anyone looking to learn more about retirement plan construction and implementation.
Are there any interesting current events or regulatory updates related to concepts the RPA 2 course explores?
The big question in the retirement plan space is, “When will we see implementation of the fiduciary rule?” Although some version of this rule has nearly come to pass since 1975, there was a big push during the Obama administration in 2015 to finally implement fiduciary standards for plan sponsors. Industry pushback and a court decision in 2018 led to an indefinite suspension of final implementation, but the Department of Labor under President Biden has reissued the rule as recently as October 31. It is currently under a sixty-day comment window. The final rule would impose a fiduciary requirement upon plan sponsors. If we consider the definition of fiduciary as “acting in the client’s best interests,” impressing this standard makes sense. However, the increased regulatory burden and more importantly liability, for plan sponsors must be considered and has proved to be the obstacle blocking this rule in the past.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Study all the time! There are so many minutes in between meetings or calls that can be used to review flashcards or skim through a section of text. Always have study materials on your person to take advantage of these times. Use all the resources available to you. Carefully read both the Study Guide and the textbook. Often when we read the same subject from two sources, one will resonate more than the other. If we don’t draw on both, we might miss details offered by the source we would have interpreted better. If you’re enrolled in a CEBS Online Study Group, consider attending the live review sessions and actively participating in the discussion forum. If you get stuck, you can ask your instructor for help. Writing a discussion post with your questions and comments about topics covered in the course will benefit from others’ knowledge applied to your sticking points.
Why would you encourage benefits professionals to earn the CEBS designation?
I heartily encourage anyone in the benefits field to earn the CEBS designation. It will advance your professional knowledge extensively and it opens a new world in terms of contacts within the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) and your local chapter. Benefits is a dynamic field that requires a strong knowledge base and constant learning, both of which can be gained with a CEBS designation, by staying CEBS Compliant and with ISCEBS membership at the national and local level. With my experience, I’m considered a resource to others for employee benefits information, but even more so from the knowledge I’ve gained from the CEBS program.
The 12-week spring session of the U.S. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support runs from January 22-April 12, 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 cebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on January 18, 2024
Meet Your Canadian CEBS Instructor: Patricia Noble, CEBS
When you need to hold yourself accountable for achieving something important, one of the best ways to do so is by joining a community of like-minded individuals seeking to grow in the same ways as you. Consider taking a CEBS® Online Study Group With Instructor Support—a garden of learning for benefits professionals. This offering includes a weekly schedule to set the pace and help you keep your resolve, as well as Study Tools created and curated by your instructor to help you prepare for your CEBS exam. Growing your employee benefits knowledge with the CEBS designation will impress your clients and delight your plan stakeholders. Brightening your employee benefits bouquet with a respected credential attracts the best employees to your workplace. The CEBS designation will say it all for you—You’re truly a benefits industry expert!
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 spring session runs from January 15-April 5, 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 Patricia Noble, CEBS
Patricia Noble, CEBS
Director of Policy, Research and Labour Market Analysis
Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, New Brunswick
Instructor: GBA 2—Managing Benefit Plans Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
The CEBS designation, in addition to demonstrating technical knowledge in the field, indicates a commitment to continuous learning. It is a signal to others that you have invested time and effort in your field and provides added credibility to employers and clients. In my case, the CEBS designation not only helped me better understand my responsibilities and communicate more effectively with service providers, but it also laid a solid foundation to help me advance in my career.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking GBA 2?
This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage various types of employee benefits, such as death, disability, health, dental and wellness benefits. You’ll learn how to design, implement and evaluate plans, as well as how to determine and balance the needs of employers and employees. You’ll also gain an understanding of the tax implications of various arrangements of benefit plans. The course includes practical examples through the Benefits in Action Mini Cases to help you apply the concepts and best practices learned from the modules.
Are there any interesting current events, regulatory updates or industry trends related to concepts the GBA 2 course explores?
A recent survey indicates that only 23% of Canadians can provide for at least two years of financial support to their dependents if they pass away or get sick, which suggests a lack of preparedness and a need for more insurance coverage. The same survey indicates that less than half of Canadians feel confident that their current level of insurance would protect them and their families from the negative financial effects of a life or health emergency. This suggests that the content of this course is not only relevant, but that there is a greater need for education and awareness. The Benefits in Action Mini Cases help students develop the skills to not only apply the technical material, but also to consider how to communicate it.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Here are a few of my suggestions to get the most out of your CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support:
- Set clear and realistic goals for each study session and track your progress.
- Create a regular and consistent study schedule and stick to it.
- Choose a comfortable and distraction-free study environment that suits your learning style.
- Create your own notes to supplement the Instructor Notes available in your CEBS Online Study Group—Compare them and review them regularly. Test yourself on what you’ve learned.
- Seek feedback and support from your instructor and peers in your Online Study Group via the discussion forum when you encounter difficulties or have questions
The 12-week, spring session of the Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support are open through April 5, 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 cancebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on December 6, 2023
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists through September 2023!
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 cebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on December 6, 2023
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru September 2023!
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 cancebs@ifebp.org.
#CEBSgoals
Updated on December 12, 2023
24 Reasons to Earn Your CEBS in 2024
Motivation is like a spark. Something with the potential to transform your life suddenly galvanizes you to grow as a person. Making a plan for action is the fuel to grow your motivation from that first spark to a glowing flame. As a new year approaches, now is the moment to contemplate what inspires you and set a course for your professional development. Resolve to ignite your potential! The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® designation distinguishes you as the ideal candidate—both a thinker with solid theoretical knowledge and a doer who knows how to apply it strategically. Now is the time to forge ahead in your career. Your future self will thank you for making this decision!
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS® designation. Below are the reflections of these benefits industry professionals on how earning the CEBS designation has benefitted them.
“The most unexpected benefit from earning my CEBS designation is the benefit professionals I have met. Not only did I gain a huge and willing network of experts to answer any question I may have, particularly those out of my field of expertise, but I have also made numerous lifelong friends.”
Tim Valencia, CEBS
Deputy Director, Washington Law Enforcement Officers’ & Fire Fighters’ Plan 2 Retirement Board
“Earning the CEBS designation expanded my knowledge, which enabled me to understand and perform my job more efficiently.”
Jessica Hoyt, CEBS
Associate Administrator, New York State Teamsters Benefit Funds
“I have the personal satisfaction of being viewed as a knowledgeable leader within my company and by my peers and clients.”
Preet Pall, CEBS
Associate, Montridge Advisory Group Ltd.
“The CEBS designation has literally given me a foundation that I’ve built my career upon.”
Gerald Wernette, CEBS
Principal, Rehmann
“Holding the CEBS designation has helped establish my creditability as an employee benefits consultant.”
Christopher White, CEBS
Vice President, BB&T – Atlantic Risk Management
“The CEBS designation has made me a top candidate for employment opportunities.”
Valerie Mammie, CEBS
Manager, Benefits, Silver Cross Hospital
“I work in a niche industry. The CEBS designation has broadened my overall knowledge of the benefits field.”
Brian Haas, CEBS
Director of Special Risk, Wellfleet Insurance
“I’ve gained a professional education and recognition with the CEBS designation.”
Lenard Slobogian, CEBS
Senior Employee Benefits Analyst, Key West Insurance Agency Ltd.
“Earning the CEBS designation has been a huge professional accomplishment for me. Not only has it helped me excel in my field, but I’ve gained the respect and admiration of my colleagues and others in my industry.”
Laura Lucyk, CEBS
Client Relationship Manager / Communication & Education Manager, Canada Life
“I experienced personal and professional growth. The CEBS designation definitely assisted me in getting my current role.”
Robin Cox, CEBS
Senior Director, Global Benefits, Immigration & Health & Safety, BlackBerry
“The CEBS designation has provided me credibility and trust when I have to make organization-wide policy decisions.”
Gavin Cohen, CEBS
Secretary-Treasurer, M-NCPPC
“I’ve gained practical knowledge that can be applied to my day-to-day work.”
Mary Ann Czarcinski, CEBS
Director Employee Benefits Americas Health & Welfare, Bristol Myers Squibb
“The CEBS designation has given me a comprehensive understanding of the employee benefits field.”
Sherri Donnelly, CEBS
Director of Human Resources, Albany Law School
“Holding the CEBS designation has earned me a level of credibility with our clients that I would not otherwise have.”
Sarah Corrigan, CEBS
Account Manager, Diverse Benefits and Financial Planning Inc.
“The CEBS designation provided me with credibility early in my career within my organization and in my industry.”
Brent Delveaux, CEBS
Benefits Consultant, HUB International Insurance Brokers
“The CEBS designation enabled me to advance in my career. I have extensive industry knowledge.”
Georgette Perez, CEBS
Client Services Manager, Clements Worldwide
“I have the technical and professional knowledge to advance in my career.”
Terri Applegate, CEBS
Senior HR Operations Manager, Baxters North America
“I’m respected by my peers and vendors.”
Ning Fisher, CEBS
Director of Total Rewards and HR Technology, Legacy Health
“The CEBS designation has given me the knowledge, confidence, and resources to be a subject-matter expert in the benefits space.”
Barb Berg, CEBS
Benefits Manager, NFI Group
“Earning the CEBS designation was the best professional development decision I made. It helped me stand out from my peers and opened many doors.”
Jeff Redford, CEBS
Manager Service Delivery Management, ADP
“The CEBS designation is a credential my clients respect.”
David Young, CEBS
Owner, David K Young Consulting
“The CEBS designation provides credibility and is a differentiator among others in the employee benefits industry.”
Jason Gutzman, CEBS
Vice President Employee Benefits, Johnson Financial Group
“The CEBS designation has given me a strong base of relevant knowledge useful for problem solving.”
Darrin Coon, CEBS
HR Manager, Bitner Henry Insurance
“Not only did the CEBS program educate me on all aspects of employee benefits, but it gave me a well-rounded perspective on compliance and legislation governing employee benefit plans. In addition, the knowledge I acquired and the continuing ongoing education that the Foundation offers put me in a desired position to take over as the director of benefits when my predecessor retired.”
Patricia Florkowski, CEBS
Director of Benefits, Lehigh University
Your bright future begins today! Make 2024 a year to remember and be proud of! Click here to learn more about taking charge of your career trajectory with the industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation.
Updated on November 17, 2023
What’s Your CEBS Story? Donna Clancy, CEBS
Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (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 Donna Clancy, CEBS
Donna Clancy, CEBS
Manager, Benefits Strategy
Eversource Energy
South Dartmouth, MA
Could you describe how expanding your professional network has helped you attain success?
“I believe networking with other benefits professionals was a strong motivator for obtaining my CEBS designation. Many of the people I respect in the employee benefits field have their CEBS certification. The benefits world is ever-changing, and it is important to stay informed, so I think the continuing education requirement for CEBS Compliance is an integral part of the CEBS designation.”
Could you share a story about how you prepared for your CEBS exam and applied what you learned to your work?
“I was working full-time and had two small children when I started my first CEBS course, so I learned to be efficient with how I studied for the exams. My approach was to stick to a time schedule (complete one module of a course per week) and write detailed summary notecards each week on the assigned reading. I gave myself two weeks to re-read all the modules and go over my notecards, and then I took the exam. This approach worked for my learning style.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS designation demonstrates that you’re a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“I took several human resources classes in business school, but most of my benefits experience had been learned over time and on the job. It was important for me to know that there were no significant ‘missing pieces’ to my employee benefits knowledge. I researched certification programs before I started my first CEBS course and the reputation of the CEBS designation drew me to the program. Having the CEBS certification provides me with increased professional confidence.”
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your role and professional growth?
“I was an individual contributor when I started my first CEBS course. I had the opportunity to apply for a position within my organization that was a big professional step in my career. I had only one course left to earn my CEBS designation at that time. I believe the confidence I had in my benefits knowledge was a factor in my decision to apply and I would like to think it’s part of the reason that I received the promotion.”
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! Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email cebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on November 17, 2023
What’s Your CEBS Story? Christine Huynh, CEBS
Earning your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (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 Christine Huynh, CEBS
Christine Huynh, CEBS
Total Rewards Specialist
Hootsuite
Toronto, ON
Could you describe how earning your CEBS designation has supported you in your professional growth?
“I started as an actuarial science student but quickly realized that path was not for me. However, I enjoyed being in the total rewards space, so I turned to CEBS to further my education. Having just finished university and exited the world of actuarial exams, studying and preparing for CEBS was a seamless transition for me. The study guides are easy to follow, and the ample practice content sets you up for success so even if you haven’t picked up a textbook in years, you’ll be able to jump right into it like it’s your first day of school.
I became aware of the CEBS program through my employer at the time. There was a study program available for those who were interested in pursuing the CEBS designation with generous time off to study and bonuses for each exam passed. I had lived and breathed pension throughout university, so I decided to start with the GBA designation. The study materials were engaging and helped me understand the importance of group insurance in Canada. So, with that, I decided I wanted to work in group benefits.
I was prepared for a long journey of selling myself in interviews since I had zero experience in group benefits, but to my surprise, beginning the GBA designation was enough to land me two job offers within a month! I ended up at a new company in health and benefits consulting that also recognized the importance of the CEBS designation and provided study time and bonuses for each exam completed.
Halfway through my studies, the pandemic hit. When most of the world hit pause, we were encouraged and supported by the International Foundation to finish our exams. Within two sittings, I was fully certified and felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I finished my CEBS journey with the GBA/RPA 3 exam. In that course, compensation plans and strategies were explored and once again, I was captivated and motivated to explore a new career path. Being here before, I knew that even though I didn’t have any compensation experience, the CEBS designation would provide employers with the confidence that I had the knowledge needed to be an asset to their team.”
Could you share a story about how you applied what you learned to your work?
“Starting any new job is challenging, but starting one with absolutely no experience can add anxiety and stress on top of that. Luckily, the GBA designation prepared me for what to expect in the real workplace. The study materials are up to date, and the Benefits in Action case studies are based on possible scenarios that you could face. Even though I didn’t have the actual work experience, I’m thankful employers recognize that benefits professionals with the CEBS designation are fully equipped to contribute and add value to their enterprise from day one.”
Could you share some insight about how pursuing your CEBS demonstrates that you are a lifelong learner and an expert in your profession?
“With the CEBS designation, I’ve been able to move from pensions to group benefits to compensation with little experience during each transition and just CEBS on my resume. I’ve also been lucky enough to apply what I’ve learned to work for a global consulting firm, one of the major banks in Canada and my present employer, a fast-growing tech company. The CEBS designation provides you with not only the foundational groundwork to understand retirement, benefits and compensation programs but also the ability to apply what you’ve learned and the resources to solve real and current problems. The CEBS designation has opened the doors to so many opportunities for me and I’m excited to see where it continues to take me.”
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! Give us a call at (833) 886-3749 or email cancebs@ifebp.org.