CFP designees are responsible for determining whether a program is appropriate and qualifies for continuing education (CE) credit. Only courses that meet their requirements should be reported to the CFP Board for credit (see Appendix A of the CFP Continuing Education booklet Subject Topics Accepted for CE Credit). The only programs that must be preapproved by the CFP Board are programs that meet requirements for the CFP Board's Code of Ethics. The International Foundation voluntarily will submit for approval its Annual Employee Benefits Conference and will distribute at that program a list of sessions preapproved for credit. For all other programs, the CFP must determine qualification of the course to the CFP accepted subject topics.
Sometimes college credit can be earned for participation in adult education programs. Individuals requesting credit as college students will be sent a verification of attendance which will include a list of individual sessions and hours of attendance. The student must present the course to the school for credit.
The International Foundation has entered into an agreement with the Office of Director of Practice, Internal Revenue Service, to meet the requirements of 31 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 10.6(g) covering maintenance of attendance records, retention of program outlines, qualifications of instructors and length of class hours. This agreement does not constitute an endorsement by the Director of Practice as to the quality of the program or its contribution to the professional competence of the enrolled individual.
It is not necessary that educational programs be preapproved for continuing education credit when the subject matter is acceptable. International Foundation's Continuing Education Certificate will document credit earned.
It is not necessary that educational programs be preapproved for recertification credit when the subject matter is related to the human resource field. PHRs and SPHRs report credit hours on their recertification application. In the event the application is audited, proof of credit earned must be produced.
International Foundation does not submit its programs for approval for credit for professionals whose licenses are not directly related to employee benefits. However, a continuing education verification of attendance could be submitted by the individual and credit requested for sessions for which the subject matter is applicable.
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation can be earned by completing eight examinations - six required plus two electives. In addition, CEBS offers individuals the opportunity to earn specialty designations. The Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) and Compensation Management Specialist (CMS) require either a three- or four-course commitment. Each designation stands on its own, representing specialized knowledge in group benefits, retirement and compensation. However, when combined, the three designation programs form a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that leads to the only professional certification in total compensation - CEBS.
Credit hours and filing procedures vary by discipline and from state to state. If you plan to use a CEBS course for continuing professional education credit for your licensing/recertification requirements, please request information from the CEBS Department at the International Foundation or contact the continuing education administrator at (262) 786-6710, option 2 or continuinged@ifebp.org.
This is a basic-level curriculum that covers each of the components of total compensation: pay, health benefits, retirement, learning and development, and work environment. Attend three designated courses in a track and earn a Certificate of Achievement from the International Foundation.
Credit hours and filing procedures vary by discipline and from state to state. If you plan to use a Certificate Series course for continuing education credit for your licensing/recertification requirements, please call the continuing education administrator at (262) 786-6710, option 2; or e-mail continuinged@ifebp.org prior to registration to see if credit can be earned.
For more information about the Certificate Series courses, call (262) 373-7643.