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.
Updated on October 30, 2023
Canadian CEBS Study Materials Updates
As the employee benefits industry evolves, the CEBS® designation’s curriculum is updated to reflect this reality.
Study Materials Updates have been issued for the following Canadian CEBS courses:
GBA 1—Managing Benefit Plans Part 1
GBA/RPA 3—Navigating the Plan Environment
RPA 1—Managing Retirement Plans Part 1
RPA 2—Managing Retirement Plans Part 2
Study Materials Updates are required reading for purposes of the CEBS® program and the national exams for the GBA 1, GBA/RPA 3, RPA 1 and RPA 2 courses administered on or after October 15, 2023.
Please view your Online Study Guide or the Readings Update for Canadian Courses page to access Study Materials Updates.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Study Materials, please reach out to our CEBS Customer Service team at Cancebs@ifebp.org.
Updated on October 25, 2023
Three Tips for Successful CEBS Studies
Understanding how the brain functions can make you a better learner. Here are some insights from the neuroscience field for making the most of your study time for your CEBS® exam.
- Know your limits. The maximum attention span for most adult learners is around 20 minutes. Set a timer and give your study materials your undivided attention. When you’re done, be sure to take a short break. Studying for too long leads to interference, which occurs when your brain’s working memory gets overloaded with new information and doesn’t have time to process and make sense of the content.
- Sleep on it. Regularly getting a good night’s sleep helps your brain convert working memory into long-term memory, which is critical to learning.
- Practice makes permanent. For new content you’re trying to learn, review at least three times with time to sleep in between. Multiple learning sessions and retrievals focusing on the same content strengthens neural pathways, which will help you remember more.
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! For assistance with the U.S. curriculum, give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3, or email cebs@ifebp.org. To learn more about the Canadian curriculum, contact us at (833) 886-3749 or cancebs@ifebp.org.
Posted on September 23, 2023
Navigate Uncertainty With Confidence With the CEBS® Designation—From Your Peers
In today’s business environment, change is constant. The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation speaks for your expertise as a benefits professional in managing change in your organization. You’ll gain the critical knowledge and skills to scan the environment and strategically tailor your benefit offerings to motivate and engage today’s workforce while controlling costs.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below is a little extra motivation from other benefits industry professionals on how earning the CEBS designation has helped them navigate uncertainty.
“The CEBS designation has given me a better understanding of all of the moving parts in benefits plans and helps me advise clients on changes in the industry.”
David Ghirardini, CEBS
Senior Vice President, Alliant Employee Benefits
“My organization can depend on me to understand and keep abreast of legislative changes. My employer considers me an expert in my employee benefits role.”
Wanda Wallace, CEBS
Benefits Manager, G&J Pepsi Cola Bottling Inc.
“I have developed a strong foundation of knowledge to understand what may be impacted during uncertain times and to ask the right questions and pursue the right information to remain compliant and on track.”
Jennifer Bergman, CEBS
Global Benefits and Well-being Program Manager, Zendesk
“Earning my CEBS designation and staying CEBS Compliant keeps my company compliant. I know where to find resources for emerging issues.”
Marcella Kaminski, CEBS
Director Benefits Planning, Pilkington North America, Inc.
“The CEBS designation has made me aware of how individual bias impacts decision making and strategic planning. This has assisted me greatly and benefitted my organization.”
Chris Camp, CEBS
Chair, Halifax Professional Firefighters Benefits Trust
“The CEBS designation has helped me understand the current legislation and how it is changing. It has given me a network of resources for learning more.”
Katrina Amoroso, CEBS
Benefits Manager, MRI Software
“The CEBS designation has helped me grasp some of the COVID-19 benefits-related legislation.”
Alexander Rohlfs, CEBS
Financial Analyst, Milliman, Inc.
“The broad curriculum of the CEBS designation sets a fabulous knowledge baseline. Having that strong foundation has assisted me in quickly applying context to the constant bombardment of emerging legislation.”
Jeffery Redford, CEBS
Manager, Service Delivery Management, ADP
“With the CEBS designation, I’ve been able to help my organization manage new challenges such as FMLA administration, pension termination and new health plan designs.”
Peggy West, CEBS
Principal Owner, Benefit Plan Diagnostics LLC
“With the addition of a Study Materials Update about the SECURE Act to the U.S. CEBS curriculum, it confirmed the fact that this retirement legislation is here to stay.”
Catherine Stone, CEBS
Manager of Employee Benefits, Southern Ohio Medical Center
“The past few years have been difficult for many HR professionals as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of legislation in relation to the pandemic. Benefits have been hit particularly hard, as many legislative changes directly affect benefit plans and give employers the opportunity to adopt changes. Being able to track, understand and consider these changes so we can adequately interpret their impact on compliance with our plans and how our plans operate has been invaluable.”
Caitlin Leidy, CEBS
Senior Benefits Specialist, Lehigh University
“I have a deeper understanding of the entire benefits landscape that allows for better strategic thinking.”
Paul Stoehr, CEBS
Partner, Ledbetter Parisi LLC
“My focus is on compliance. Using knowledge from the CEBS designation, I have assisted with keeping plans compliant and reported to government agencies. I handle all plan and DOL audits.”
Carol Day, CEBS
Director Benefits Compliance & Accounting, AECOM
“The CEBS designation has helped shape and fine-tune my critical thinking skills in the employee benefits area.”
Gerald Wernette, CEBS
Principal, Rehmann
“The knowledge I’ve gained from the CEBS designation gives me the confidence to move forward during this time of uncertainty and legislative changes to ensure that our benefit plans are not only fully comprehensive to our employees but remain compliant with quickly changing legislation.”
Patricia Florkowski, CEBS
Director of Benefits, Lehigh University
Are you ready to learn how to help your organization transform uncertainty into opportunity? Learn more about the industry’s most respected credential—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation
Updated on August 14, 2023
Congratulations to the Newest U.S. CEBS® Graduates
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists through June 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 August 14, 2023
Congratulations to the Newest Canadian CEBS® Graduates!
Congrats to the newest Certified Employee Benefit Specialists thru June 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 July 29, 2023
Meet Your U.S. CEBS Instructor: Mark Dunlop, CEBS
A summer getaway gives you insights. Stepping away from your daily routine refreshes you and provides a new perspective on your daily life. The same can be said for learning—It’s an opportunity to expand your horizon by developing new knowledge and skills and to see your work from a strategic vantage point. Consider enrolling in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support as you embark on your epic learning journey. A weekly schedule sets the pace, so your intention becomes action. Study tools created by your instructor help you explore new information as you prepare for your CEBS exam. Your CEBS designation will put you on the map as an expert in your field, empowering you to reach new heights in your career!
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 September 4-November 24, 2023.
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 Mark Dunlop, CEBS
Mark Dunlop, CEBS, AEC, AFC, CFP, ChFC, CLU, FLMI, REBC, RHU
Principal
Designed Benefit Incentives
Instructor: GBA 2—Directing Benefits Programs Part 2
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
The CEBS designation has not only provided me with the tools to strategically apply information and industry knowledge, but it also has helped me to consider issues from various perspectives, including those of decision leadership teams at various sizes of unions and public, corporate and nonprofit employers. It has helped me understand the viewpoints of third-party administrators, employer or union plan administrators, board members, brokers, consultants and participants. This has enabled me to empathize with the personnel involved in plan design and advance in my career progression in the employee field. Holding the CEBS designation helps me speak with confidence and credibility on various topics.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking GBA 2?
GBA 2 places an emphasis on managing and directing employee benefit plans while clarifying the ever-changing dynamics of the United States health care system, including applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Benefits in Action Mini Case Studies and the Integrated Case Study, the course examines real-world issues, helping benefits professionals develop a framework to navigate complex, multifaceted benefit issues requiring strategic thinking and tactical problem solving.
The course provides an overview of emerging marketplace innovations in care delivery platforms and quality improvement initiatives. The study materials also delve into disability income programs, long-term care insurance and life insurance concepts.
GBA 2 explores considerations for plan design, including rating and premium setting and different approaches to funding. The course also discusses capitalizing on the enhanced delivery landscape by utilizing the patient-centered medical home model.
Are there any interesting current events or regulatory updates related to concepts the GBA 2 course explores?
Employers and unions are focused on safeguarding employees’ data and health information while striving to offer integrated patient care. There is a renewed focus on tech-driven innovations, including health apps that offer early warnings to mitigate issues to prevent them from becoming serious and minimize the likelihood of spreading contagious illness.
There’s a movement toward virtual health care, including behavioral healthcare. It’s critical for all patient care to be integrated and not siloed.
The COVID-19 pandemic gave people an awareness that they need more than just health insurance coverage. Individuals are now taking a proactive approach to addressing their own life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care needs and coverage.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Enrolling in a CEBS Online Study Group encourages you to interact with other benefits professionals, which helps reinforce your learning. Being part of a community of learners can also reduce your anxiety when you realize you’re not alone in preparing for your CEBS exam.
I also suggest learners plan for frequent, short, focused study sessions. For most adult learners, taking on smaller segments of content leads to better long-term retention.
Why would you encourage benefits professionals to earn the CEBS designation?
I’m a huge advocate for CEBS candidates to get involved with the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS), even while still studying for their CEBS exams. The interaction with this peer group is quite uplifting.
Networking with my CEBS “family” continues to be a huge blessing for my career. When I moved to St. Louis, Missouri from Miami years ago, having a ready-made network of professionals helped me with my geographic transition. Likewise, when I’m researching options for a solution, I’m able to tap into my CEBS peer network for their considerations, which gives me insight.
The 12-week fall session of the U.S. Online Study Groups With Instructor Support are September 4-November 24, 2023. 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 July 29, 2023
Meet Your Canadian CEBS Instructor: Jeff Billard, CEBS
A summer getaway gives you insights. Stepping away from your daily routine refreshes you and provides a new perspective on your daily life. The same can be said for learning—It’s an opportunity to expand your horizon by developing new knowledge and skills and to see your work from a strategic vantage point. Consider enrolling in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support as you embark on your epic learning journey. A weekly schedule sets the pace, so your intention becomes action. Study tools created by your instructor help you explore new information as you prepare to take your CEBS exam. Your CEBS designation will put you on the map as an expert in your field, empowering you to reach new heights in your career!
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 August 21-November 10, 2023.
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 Jeff Billard, CEBS
Jeff Billard, CEBS
Senior Pension Solutions Specialist
CAAT Pension Plan
Instructor: RPA 1—Managing Retirement Plans Part 1
How has earning the CEBS designation enhanced your career?
Earning the CEBS designation has helped my career in several ways. It’s provided me with a wide range of understanding of the employee benefits field, covering various topics such as retirement plans, benefits in general and compensation. This broad knowledge base not only helped me in my previous role as a pension policy advisor, but it has also given me credibility and recognition among industry peers and HR professionals in my current career path of advocating for defined benefit pension plans, demonstrating my commitment to both professional development and expertise in the field.
What will benefits professionals learn from taking RPA 1?
Benefits professionals gain a solid foundation in retirement plan concepts and regulations from RPA 1. The course covers key topics such as plan types, plan design considerations, fiduciary responsibilities, compliance and communication strategies. Participants will learn about the various retirement plans available—such as defined benefit and defined contribution plans—and understand how to evaluate plan design options based on organizational goals and employee demographics. They’ll also acquire knowledge about compliance requirements and reporting obligations. In short, even if someone is a benefits professional, RPA 1 provides a very comprehensive view of the complexities of retirement plans that professionals may not regularly work with or be familiar with.
Are there any interesting current events or regulatory updates related to concepts the RPA 1 course explores?
One of the interesting evolving elements in the retirement plan landscape in both Canada and the U.S. is the resurgence of the viability of defined benefit pension plans after over 30 years of DB plans disappearing. Alaska replaced its public sector DB plan with a DC plan in 2014, causing a devastating effect on the retention and attraction of public sector employees and teachers. There is currently a bipartisan effort to move back to a DB structure. In Canada, both CAAT Pension Plan and OPTrust Select have supported regulatory changes allowing them to open their jointly sponsored DB plans to new participating employers over the past few years, with better dollar-for-dollar retirement outcomes than DC plans or group RRSP contributions, but at fixed contribution rates and no balance sheet risk for employers.
What are your best study tips for CEBS students?
Here are a few pointers:
- Establish a study schedule. The CEBS course has a large amount of information to process and digest, so allocating specific time slots for studying each week is very helpful. Consistency is key!
- Take notes and summarize the information you’re reading. Summarizing the main points in your own words helps reinforce the information and aids in retention.
- Utilize the various study materials you have access to. Use the Study Guide, textbook, any professional enrichment resources and the 100-question practice exam. If you’ve enrolled in a CEBS Online Study Group With Instructor Support, be sure to access the interactive games and quizzes, flashcards and additional study tools you have access to.
- Seek clarification in your Online Study Group. I’m an online instructor for a reason: to help students better understand the complexities of RPA 1 and explain concepts in many ways. If you encounter challenging concepts or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I enjoy answering questions, and as instructors are human, too, getting a question where I must dig deeper to really understand and explain it to you clearly helps me learn even more about employee benefits as well.
Why would you encourage benefits professionals to earn their CEBS designation?
I’ve had a few students reach out to let me know the designation has helped them with career advancement, which is great to hear. Aside from that, the CEBS designation is internationally recognized and provides a quick check on someone’s knowledge level of employee benefits, and it signals that someone has committed time and energy to understand the world of employee benefits.
The 12-week, fall session of the Canadian Online Study Groups With Instructor Support are August 21-November 10, 2023. 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 August 31, 2023
Course Corner–CEBS Study Materials Update: SECURE 2.0 Act
As the employee benefits industry evolves, the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) curriculum is updated to reflect this reality.
Enacted in December 2022, the SECURE 2.0 Act has authorized sweeping changes to United States tax law for retirement plans and individual retirement savings. This retirement reform legislation contains over 90 separate provisions; some stipulations are mandatory for plan sponsors and others are optional.
The April 2023 Study Materials Update has been provided to acquaint U.S. CEBS students with the significant changes the SECURE 2.0 Act makes to prior law as well as to update the course material for RPA 1, RPA 2 and the Strategic Benefits Management course (GBA/RPA 3).
This Study Materials Update is required reading for purposes of the CEBS program and the national exams for the RPA 1, RPA 2 and GBA/RPA 3 courses administered on or after July 15, 2023.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Study Materials, please reach out to the CEBS Customer Service team at cebs@ifebp.org.