Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Your CEBS
What are the study materials like?
The study materials are essential to mastering the material tested on the national CEBS examinations. Each course includes a study guide that will lead you through the content needed to prepare for the exam. Each course also has an accompanying textbook/supplemental readings. These provide the theory and content of the topics covered in the study guide. The study guide is provided in digital and print versions including module presentations, identified textbook and other required readings, outlined learning objectives and key concepts, and content review questions with answers and page number references. The case-based applications entitled Benefits in Action are an opportunity to explore on-the-job benefit problems/challenges and use what you have learned to work through the scenarios and develop a resolution or action plan. Throughout the case work, other assessment tools are interspersed to help you move through the exercise. This experience also heightens understanding of the many roles/jobs of benefit professionals.
In addition, an online practice exam is available within the digital study guide for each course to gauge mastery of the content while preparing for the national exam.
What are my study options?
CEBS continues to be a self-study program offering you the flexibility to study at your own pace, when and where you want. If you're looking for support and structure, consider participating in an online study group where you can learn from the instructor, interact with your peers and take advantage of additional study tools.
Why enroll in an online study group with instructor support?
The online study group is taught by an experienced and knowledgeable instructor who enhances the study materials with instructor notes and summaries, games, quizzes, and live review sessions. The discussion board—a place to connect with fellow students or post questions—is an ideal forum to talk about the scenarios, people, problems and solutions presented in the case studies, how they boost your understanding of the course's content and how you can relate your knowledge to your job.
What are the requirements to earn the CEBS?
To earn the CEBS designation, you will need to master five courses covering group health and retirement benefit plans. Two health courses, two retirement courses and one course that bridges these two specializations and includes principles and practices that are applicable or essential to both areas. There are no electives. You must pass the national exam for each of the five courses. Exams, online study groups and course materials are not returnable and no refunds will be made.
What are the requirements to earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) credentials offered through the CEBS program?
To earn the GBA designation, you need to complete both health courses (GBA 1, GBA 2) together with the bridge course (GBA/RPA 3). To earn the RPA credential you need to complete both retirement courses (RPA 1, RPA 2) together with the bridge course. The bridge course contains material that applies to both the health and retirement areas when designing, funding and managing employee benefit plans.
You can begin your CEBS studies in either the health or retirement track and take the bridge course to earn a credential. You can also choose to take the two health and two retirement courses and take the bridge course last. Upon completion, you would earn the CEBS designation as well as both the GBA and RPA credentials. Choose the path that maximizes your professional credential goals.
Where should I start in the CEBS program?
The CEBS program is aligned with the natural career development paths in the industry with entry through the health or retirement track. This format facilitates completion of a specialty credential (GBA or RPA) by first completing three required courses that support your career objectives.
What are the advantages of earning the GBA or RPA designation?
Earning your GBA or RPA is a great way to validate your knowledge and enhance your professional standing in group benefits or retirement. It also allows you to customize your education path to have an immediate impact on your day-to-day job responsibilities and strengthen your value proposition within your organization.
How long will it take to earn a designation?
The CEBS program is designed so that you can complete the CEBS/GBA/RPA designations within a three-year time frame. Depending on personal/professional demands, you can determine how many courses you take each year and how long it will take you to finish the program.
CEBS examinations are administered through computer-based testing. Access to the exam expires 120 days from the date your order is processed or from the start date of an Online Study Group, if enrolled. There is no time limit for earning the CEBS, GBA or RPA and there is no limit on the number of courses you can take in any given year.
Will the CEBS Program accept exam credit for coursework completed through other professional credentials or programs?
No, to earn the CEBS designation you need to master the five courses outlined in the CEBS credential requirements.
Can I use the CEBS, GBA and RPA after my name on business cards, stationery, resumes, etc?
Yes, you are welcome to acknowledge and promote your accomplishments.
Exam Registration and Access
Where do I access my exam?
Exams are accessed through the International Foundation's Learning Management System (LMS) at ifebp.org. Log in using your existing International Foundation username and password, then navigate to My Account > My Learning.
How soon will I have access to my exam after purchasing?
Your exam will be available immediately after your order has been processed, approximately 3-5 business days after purchase.
How long do I have to complete my exam?
You have 120 days from the date your exam was processed, or from the start date of your Online Study Group if you purchased one, whichever is later. Exam access expires at 11:59 p.m. CT on the final day. You can view your expiration date at any time in the LMS. You will continue to have 90 min to complete your exam.
Are there still testing windows?
No. Scheduled testing windows have been eliminated. You can take your exam at any point during your 120-day access period.
Do I get more than one attempt?
Yes, each exam purchase includes two attempts. Any unused attempts will expire when your exam access period ends.
How do I access my second attempt?
No additional registration is needed. Your second attempt will be available automatically in the LMS once Integrity Advocate has completed its review of your first attempt. Please allow approximately one business day.
Does my second attempt have the same expiration date as my first?
Yes. Both attempts must be used before your exam access period expires.
What if I need more than two attempts?
You can purchase an Additional Attempt online. Additional Attempts are valid for 60 days from the date of processing.
What if I can't complete my exam by the expiration date?
You can purchase an Exam Extension online, which adds 60 days from the date of processing.
What do I need to take my exam?
You will need a device with internet access, a webcam, and a microphone. Supported browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Make sure any pop-up blockers are disabled and that you are not connected to a VPN when you begin your exam. You will also need a valid, government-issued photo ID.
What monitoring software is used?
Exams are monitored using Integrity Advocate, which records audio, video, and screen activity during your exam session only.
Continuing Education
Does the CEBS credential have a continuing education component?
CEBS graduates have the opportunity to be recognized for ongoing professional education through CEBS Compliance. This status is defined as earning and reporting 30 hours of professional education activities over a period of up to 2 calendar years. Upon reaching the 30 credit threshold, you are recognized as CEBS Compliant, which is a great way to show your stakeholders that you are keeping your knowledge current in a dynamic industry. Most courses and programs offered by the IFEBP and ISCEBS earn CEBS Compliance credit. Education from other organizations can qualify. For details, visit www.cebs.org/compliance.
ISCEBS | Connect With Peers
How do I become part of a Community of Benefit Professionals?
Pursuing the CEBS designation is an important step in your professional development path. It cements your place in the Community of Benefits Professionals, a diverse group of individuals who serve the benefits world in a wide range of job roles across all industries, employer types and sizes.
Although the profession is diverse, its principal goal is making sound decisions to safeguard participants' financial security, while maintaining plan compliance and financial solvency. Such a Community relies on its members and the ideas and best practices it creates, shares and implements to grow and thrive.
Is there an organization that can help make me a more valuable player?
Yes, the ISCEBS (International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists) is here for you at all stages of your career. ISCEBS is committed to providing education and networking forums to CEBS students and graduates at the national and local chapter level. Connect with local professionals across Canada and the United States at one of the Society's 43 chapters and at the annual ISCEBS Employee Benefits Symposium. You also have access to career building experiences, job opportunities, benefits expertise, leadership and mentoring roles. The "secret handshake" is to purchase a CEBS exam. Visit www.iscebs.org to learn more about joining the Society and giving back to the industry.