2. What is Professional Development?
Acquisition of knowledge
Commitment to professional ethics
Keeping up-to-date and continuously seeking to improve through education, certification, on-the-job training, mentoring, etc.
A life-long investment

3. Why Professional Development?
“The most successful companies will be those that manage human capital in the most effective and efficient fashion—investing in their workers, encouraging workers to invest in themselves and providing a good learning environment ”
Gary S. Becker, Nobel Laureate
Favorite quote that sums up why professional development is so important.

4. What is CEBS?
The leading and most respected credential program in the employee benefits industry
Five courses that focus on the core elements of group health and retirement, covering plan design, funding and administration
Knowledge based with practical applications
Attainable in 3 years or less
Over 1,700 CEBS graduates in Canada
CEBS began in Canada in 1986 and continues to serve as the mark of excellence in employee benefits education.
It is structured to meet flexible learning demands with online access to study guides and the option of enrollment in instructor-led online courses.
The application component allows you to apply what you learn and the 5-course curriculum lends itself to completion in 3 years or less.

5. Who Takes CEBS? HR Professionals in Group Benefits or Retirement
Service Providers/Vendors from
Insurance, HR, Benefits Consulting, Third Party and Benefits Administration, Investment Management, Legal, Accounting, Actuarial, Financial Planning Advisors
Staff in
Association Plans, Multiemployer Plans, Public Employee Plans, Single Employer Plans
CEBS is open to anyone that works in employee benefits. It appeals to service providers and plan sponsors as well as those who work for a multi-employer or a public employer.
There are no age, experience or education requirements needed to enroll.

6. Academic Partner
CEBS is a university-based curriculum, which distinguishes it from other designations. Since CEBS began in 1986, the International Foundation has partnered with Dalhousie University. In this partnership, Dalhousie is responsible for all of the academic standards including course development, writing and grading the examinations and developing the study materials.

7. The New CEBS.
Each student needs to complete the five exams to earn their CEBS credential. There are no electives or cross credit.
Students will enter the program through the GBA or RPA. They can choose to take the “bridge course—GBA/RPA 3 to complete a specialty credential or take it last to earn both specialty credentials in conjunction with their CEBS.

8. Group Benefits Associate
Complete these courses:
GBA 1—Managing Benefit Plans Part 1
GBA 2—Managing Benefit Plans Part 2
GBA/RPA 3—Navigating the Plan Environment
The GBA designation is a great fit for those dealing with life, health and other group benefits. The courses reflect up-to-date and relevant information needed to effectively design, administer and communicate group benefits.

9. Retirement Plans Associate
Complete these courses:
RPA 1—Managing Retirement Plans Part 1
RPA 2—Managing Retirement Plans Part 2
GBA/RPA 3—Navigating the Plan Environment
The RPA designation is ideal for those who work with pension plans or government-sponsored plans or who are involved with the management of plan assets. The courses reflect the most current and relevant information needed to effectively design and manage retirement plans.

10. The New CEBS.
Focused curriculum in group health and retirement
Application component: “Benefits in Action” case studies
Updated content, enhanced engagement
Comprehensive Capstone Case unifying the learning experience
As you can see, the course curriculum aligns with the two key business lines in the industry – group benefits and retirement. It also provides for a deeper dive into the subject matter.
The addition of the application component – entitled Benefits in Action, allows students to apply what you’ve learned to real-life situations that you’ll encounter on the job.
your path.

11. CEBS is also introducing technology into the delivery of the curriculum. In addition to the traditional print copies of the study guide, one of the features of the new CEBS is the online accessibility that provides for different learning preferences and allows students to study where and when they want.
As we like to say – it’s device agnostic, so its accessible on tablets, laptops, desktops and smartphones.
When students purchase the Study Guide through their registration, they will be given access to the online version. They will enter from the Foundation’s home page under a special tab called “My CEBS”. From here, they can go right to their Study Guide.
They can also link to their Online Class if they selected this added educational tool.

12. Online Study Guide
From there, they will land on their course’s home page. There’s “how to get started” instructions from a video tutorial that walks them through the course.
Students will now have online access to PDFs of the Study Guide, the Practice Exam, and Enrichment Resources all in one location.
This also allows CEBS to include content updates and curriculum changes as needed.  

13. Practice Exam Answers and Explanations
And here’s a quick look at the practice exam which scores the test and provides feedback, referencing the Module the question came from, and the rationale for the correct response.

14. Instructor-Led Online Classes
Instructor access
Review materials
Discussion boards
Interactive games
Quizzes
Audio overviews
Instructor-led Online Classes are available to enhance your studying. They provide:
Access to instructor, review materials
Interaction with fellow students, discussion boards
Games and activities to strengthen knowledge, understanding of content
Sample quizzes

15. CEBS Exam Format 2-Hour Timed Exam 100 Questions
Multiple Choice Format
70% Correct to Pass
Computer-Based Testing
CEBS
Exam
Format
The CEBS exam format remains the same:
100 multiple choice questions
2 hour timed exam
70% correct to pass
Immediate exam scoring

16. Program Costs
Study Guides: $270* (includes print version and online access)
Textbooks: $85-$170 (GBA 1 and GBA 2 share the same textbook)
Exams: $540
Instructor-led Online Class: $220
* Study Guide only for GBA/RPA 3: $385
Costs for each course include:
Study Guide - $270
Textbooks – range in price
Exam - $540
Instructor-led Online Class - $220

17. How Do I Get Started?
Your CEBS journey depends on your experience, your learning style, and may even vary from course to course. The new CEBS is designed to flex to fit you.
Exams cover content from the study guide and textbook assigned to each course.
Instructor-led online classes provide access to instructors, structured time frame and peer interaction.
Each course requires the successful completion of a 100-question comprehensive exam.
The first step is to select the course you would like to start with and order your materials from Books for Business.
Consider an instructor-led online class.
Apply for and schedule exam.

18. Continuing Education Credits (CE)
Meet continuing education and licensing requirements.
Accepted in some provinces as continuing education credit for insurance agents and other professions.
Credit hours and filing procedures vary by province.
New CEBS courses are currently being reviewed.
Participation in the CEBS program may help you meet your continuing professional education and licensing requirements. CEBS courses have been accepted in some provinces as continuing education credit for insurance agents and other professions.
Credit hours and filing procedures vary by discipline from province to province.
The new CEBS courses are being reviewed for continuing education credit. It is anticipated that they will continue to qualify for CE credit.
elevate.

19. ISCEBS– A Community of Benefits Professionals
Open to CEBS graduates and students
Brings together benefits professionals who are among the best and brightest in the industry
Over 3,500 members and 43 Chapters in Canada and the United States
Membership services include unlimited Webcasts, Information Center, discussion forum and publications
We all know the saying: “It’s not only what you know – but who you know” that makes a difference.
The International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) brings together benefits colleagues who are among the best and brightest in the industry—exclusively open to CEBS students and graduates only. There are over 3,500 members and 43 local Chapters in Canada and the United States.

20. Local Chapter Information
43 Chapters throughout Canada and the United States. Involvement in your Local Chapter can:
Expand your industry knowledge
Build professional connections
Increase career and company visibility
“The networking offered through the local chapter and Society is huge. I would never be able to interact with all the people in the field as often as I do.”
Kerry Deveau, CEBS Human Resources Manager, Acadia University,
Nova Scotia
Connecting with benefits professionals with a wide range of experience is imperative to professional development. It’s also a great way to provide visibility for yourself and your organization.
Chapters in Canada include:
Alberta
British Columbia
Halifax
Montreal
Southwestern Ontario
Toronto

21. Annual ISCEBS Employee Benefits Symposium
Expert speakers, timely topics with actionable takeaways
Sessions designed for experienced benefits professionals    
On-site resources and research
Networking at meals, receptions, social events and more
Continuing education credit for CEBS and other professions
The ISCEBS Symposium offers premier educational and networking opportunities. This 2 ½ day conference also honours new graduates. This year, the Symposium will be held September in Denver, Colorado.

22. What’s in it for You? Gain credibility with clients and peers
Credibility with potential employers
Enhance daily work performance
Impact long range career objectives
Broaden
expertise
Career resilience
Financial incentives
Insurance License CE Credits
Local network
One of the most important slides in the presentation – What’s In It for YOU?
(Best to talk to these items personally)

23. What’s in it for Your Employer?
Measure and recognize job knowledge
Recognize and motivate staff
Increase productivity and service
Improve morale
Improve retention
Increase client satisfaction
Whether you are the Employer or you’re looking at presenting CEBS to your Employer for reimbursement – there’s definitely a benefit for CEBS participation.

24. iscebs@iscebs.org or cebs@ifebp.org
For More Information or
Chapter officers and board members are happy to answer any questions, otherwise you can contact Society or the CEBS Department at the International Foundation for more information.