CLHIA, CEBS, Dalhousie University
The Proficiency Standards, adopted by member companies of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) require that employees who represent the insurer in the sale and service of group life and health insurance and group retirement contracts earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation or the Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) through the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Program co-sponsored by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and Dalhousie University.
The intent behind the industry’s move to voluntarily adopt accreditation standards recognized that those in contact with and giving advice to the policy holders or prospective policy holders should have a measurable standard level of competence in the field. It was also recognized that all standard levels of competence would benefit all key stakeholders. In addition to enhancing consumer protection in an expanding and complex marketplace, meeting Proficiency Standards contributes to an image of professionalism in the insurance industry.
More information can be found on the CLHIA Web site.