Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada

What is a plan sponsor? What is a premium? What is funding? What is a group benefit plan?

Find the answers to these questions and many more!  The Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada Online Course explains what a group insurance arrangement is, how risk and insurance concepts influence the design of group insurance products, benefits offered, standard provisions and the roles and interrelationships among the plan sponsor, insurer, plan advisors and plan members. The course then addresses factors that impact the types of benefit plans offered by plan sponsors and how they are administered and funded. Finally, ethical considerations and responsibilities are examined from the perspectives of all parties involved in a group insurance arrangement.

Learning Objective

The Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada 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 Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada Online course?

• Individuals needing a basic understanding of the group benefits business.
• 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 20 hours. There are 15 modules, each of which 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. 

The Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada 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 Introduction to Group Benefits in Canada test is not permitted.  You have three opportunities to pass a 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.

Module Descriptions

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: Ethical Decision Making

How to Register for the Course

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.

About this Course

The content for this online course is taken from the Canadian Group Life and Health Online Primer Course developed by Dalhousie University specifically for those selling group insurance products and services.  Unlike the Primer course, this course does not include those modules addressing the specifics on the Life Cycle of Group Benefit Plans covering prospecting, quoting/proposing/selling, implementing and servicing to termination.  If you work for a member company of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA), and you need to meet the proficiency standards, you should view the Canadian Group Life and Health Online Primer information on the CEBS Web site:  www.ifebp.org/canadianprimer.

We would like to acknowledge the CLHIA and the Member Companies of CLHIA for their financial support, sharing their vision and expertise and working with Dalhousie University to develop the course content and tests. 

Additional Links

Course Registration (online or pdf) 
How to earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) Designation
Continuing Education Credit
Contact Information