Each Certificate Series course runs from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Day One and 8:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m. on Day Two. In order to earn credit towards a certificate, you must attend each day in its entirety. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.
The Certificate Series is separate and distinct from the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) program. The Certificate Series covers basic concepts and current issues in employee benefits and compensation. For those seeking an intense educational program, CEBS is an eight-course professional designation covering all areas of employee benefits including: health and welfare, retirement, financial planning, human resources, and compensation. CEBS also offers specialty designations in group benefits (GBA) retirement (RPA), and compensation (CMS). CEBS is co-sponsored by the International Foundation and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania .
While there is no direct relationship between the Certificate Series and CEBS programs, those who earn a certificate in the Certificate Series will be offered a free registration to the CEBS program (when you order study materials), to encourage the continuation of your professional development.
YES. The Certificate Series courses are of value not only for individuals working with single employer plans but also for administrative staff of multiemployer trust funds and public sector systems. Registrants benefit from hearing the viewpoints of various types of plans. For programming specific to multiemployer or public sector plans, consult the IFEBP 2004 Educational Programs Catalog. Call toll free to request a catalog at (888) 33-IFEBP, option 2, or view a complete listing of our programs.
Only the Global Benefits Management course covers some information specific to Canada . Other courses are not recommended for professionals in Canada unless you work with U.S. plans as well.
YES. The Certificate Series can be brought to your location of choice, enabling your organization to avoid expensive hotel charges and costly travel. Your staff does not have to leave the office—making more efficient use of their time. See page 8 for more information or call (262) 373-7648.
Formal application is not required. By completing the requirements of a certificate course (course attendance and case study participation), you will have started your progress on a Certificate track.
NO. The highly interactive nature of the program, its hands-on approach and the case study evaluation necessitate that individuals attend classes rather than self-study for the Certificate Series.
YES. Earning multiple certificates can further enhance your skills and knowledge. Several courses meet the requirements of more than one track, so earning multiple certificates is more practical.
YES. You may take any course in this series to expand your professional knowledge without working toward a certificate.
While not required, it is suggested that the Retirement Plan Basics course be taken first when working toward a Certificate in Financial Planning Management. It may also be advisable to have completed Health Benefit Plan Basics prior to completing Health Care Cost Management. In these cases, the course recommended will provide you with a foundation of the terms and concepts presented in the drill down course. However, all courses stand alone by design and are scheduled in such a way as to offer multiple opportunities to complete a track in a given year.
There is no time limit to complete the requirements for a particular track. Certificates can be completed at your convenience.
Request credit on your registration form (i.e., insurance, CPA, attorney, PHR, SPHR, etc.). You will receive confirmation of credit earned no later than four weeks following the course taking place. Note: For insurance credit, the course must be pre-approved by your resident state of licensing. Learn more.
For questions on the Certificate Series curriculum, call Tom DeRoche at (262) 373-7648.