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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].
#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 [email protected].
#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 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected]. To learn more about the Canadian curriculum, contact us at (833) 886-3749 or [email protected].