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Remember, you must:
Register for this course online or [PDF] before you can start. |
What is a plan sponsor? What is a premium? What is funding? What is a group benefit plan?
Using simple question and answer formats, the Canadian Group Life and Health Primer provides the answers to questions like these and many others that surface repeatedly during the first several months on the job.
The Canadian Group Life and Health Online Primer explains what a group insurance arrangement is, how basic risk and insurance concepts influence the design of group insurance products, typical benefits offered in group benefits plans, standard provisions and the roles and interrelationships among the parties to a contract – the plan sponsor, insurer, plan advisors and plan members. With this understanding it then addresses factors that impact the types of benefits plans offered by plan sponsors and how they are administered and funded. Considerable emphasis is given to the role of insurers through the life cycle of a group insurance account – from prospecting a new client, to quoting, proposing and selling the account, right through implementation, servicing, amending and renewing and termination if necessary. Finally, ethical considerations and responsibilities are examined from the perspectives of all parties involved in a group insurance arrangement.
Learning Objective
The Canadian Group Life and Health Primer is designed to provide a general introduction/overview, describe the scope and impact, introduce key stakeholders and terminology and provide an overview of basic design principles, programs, and regulatory framework of this business line. The course length and online testing methodology emphasize education (versus testing proficiency). The course content and testing are developed and revised by Dalhousie University.
Who should take the Canadian Group Life and Health Online Primer Course?
- Individuals needing to meet the Proficiency Standards and earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) Designation
- Individuals new to the area needing a basic introduction/overview
- Individuals needing a refresher course on group life and health policies and practices
Online Course Format/Testing
This is a self-paced online study course that can be accessed from any internet browser (home or work), any time, using a simple user name and password system. The completion time for the course is approximately 25 hours. There are 19 modules. Each contains approximately four to six learning objectives.
As you work through the course you will encounter Real Life Applications to add clarity to the concepts, Knowledge Builders to give you additional background and facts on aspects of the content and Check Your Knowledge questions to assess your learning progress. There also is an online Glossary of Terms. It is recommended that you take the modules in sequential order and that you finish the entire course before taking the test. You will have 180 days to complete the course and pass the test.
You can access the test at any time using the same username and password provided for the course. If your company requires “supervised” testing, make sure you are aware of your company's policy when registering for an online primer course.
The online primer test is designed by Dalhousie University and is comprised of 50 questions utilizing the multiple choice and true/false formats. There is a 60 minute time limit to complete the test, and the pass rate is 70%. Test scoring is immediate. You are required to take the test without utilizing study notes or any other materials. Printing an online primer course test is not permitted. You have three opportunities to pass an online primer course test.
Reports of improper conduct relating to the course/testing process, including conduct during the test, will be investigated by the CEBS program. Such conduct may result in you being barred from taking further primer course tests or from receiving the Certificate of Completion.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the test, you will be awarded a “Certificate of Completion” from the CEBS program and Dalhousie University. Allow three weeks for delivery.
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Group Insurance
Module 2: Introduction to Insurance
Module 3: Group Insurance Arrangements
Module 4: Group Insurance Arrangements Continued
Module 5: Introduction to Group Benefits Programs
Module 6: Benefits Program Design
Module 7: Group Benefits Program Design
Module 8: Group Benefits Programs Administration
Module 9: Group Benefits Programs Administration Continued
Module 10: Funding Group Benefits – Pooled Methods
Module 11: Funding Group Benefits – Experience-Rated Methods
Module 12: Funding Group Benefits – Self-Insured Methods
Module 13: Pricing Group Insurance Plans
Module 14: Pricing Group Insurance Plans Continued
Module 15: Life Cycle of a Group Benefits Plan – Prospecting
Module 16: Life Cycle of a Group Benefits Plan – Quoting/Proposing and Selling
Module 17: Life Cycle of a Group Benefits Plan – Selling and Implementing
Module 18: Life Cycle of a Group Benefits Plan – Servicing to Terminating
Module 19: Ethical Decision Making
How to Register for the Course
There are two ways to register: through the designated “Company Supervisor/Test Administrator” at your organization, or complete the registration form (online or PDF). The fee for the online course and test is $275. Within three business days after receipt of your registration form and fee, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with login instructions, user name, password and any other pertinent instructions. Note: You must include the “insurance company priority code” or "other" code on all registration forms and communications.
Enrollment is open to individuals that work for CLHIA member and non-member companies.
Continuing Education Credit
Insurance professionals licensed in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario can use the Group Life and Health Primer to meet continuing education requirements. Each province accepts 15 credit hours when the test is passed. Alberta accepts 15 hours of life and accident and sickness credit. Quebec has assigned recognition number CSF07-04-15472 to the Group Life and Health Online Primer course and awards 15 continuing education units (PDUs) in Sector 3-Group Insurance of Persons. The Retirement Online Primer is currently under review.
Additional Links
Course Registration Online Form or [PDF]
How to earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) Designation
Company Supervisors and Test Administrators
Contact Information