The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Program (CEBS) offers all exams exclusively in a virtual format within four testing windows:
Window 1: January 15-March 15
Window 2: April 15-June 15
Window 3: July 15-September 15
Window 4: October 15-December 15
All exam registrations are available online or through a printable order form. Please note, you must submit your order to purchase your exam at least five business days before the end of the window you have selected. You will receive exam access instructions via email once your order has been processed (approximately 3-5 business days). You will select a testing window for your exam but do not need to schedule a specific date and/or time within that window for your virtual exam.
Access your exam when the testing window opens, and complete any time until 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of the window. If you do not complete by the deadline, the exam will be removed from your account. You will need to register and pay a transfer fee for another exam. Please keep in mind that customer service support is available to assist with exam access related questions Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm CST.
In order to take an exam, you must have a device with internet access, the Chrome browser and a webcam. Make sure you have your valid, government-issued photo ID with you when you are ready to take the exam as it is required. Allow additional time prior the start of the two-hour timed exam to download the required extension and complete the pre-exam steps.
Each exam is a two-hour timed exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions. When you purchase the exam for each course, you will receive an email with exam access instructions for your selected testing window. Below is detailed information on the exam process.
Prior to Starting the Exam
Please approach your on-line exam as you would an in-person exam with your workspace clear of any materials in a quiet environment free of distractions. You are required to take the exam using a device with a webcam.
Which Internet browser is required to take the exam?
Google Chrome is the only browser compatible with the virtual exam process. Once in the exam environment and prior to launching the timed exam, you will be required to download a Chrome extension provided by Proctorio for added security.
Will I be required to present identification within the exam environment prior to launching the exam?
Yes, you will be required to present to your computer screen your valid, government-issued photo ID to validate your identity and protect the integrity of the exam. Failure to complete this required step will invalidate your exam and you will forfeit your exam fee.
CEBS Virtual Exam Code of Conduct
You will also be required to agree to the CEBS Virtual Exam Code of Conduct before launching your exam. To review the Code of Conduct, please visit www.cebs.org/ExamCode.
Will I be able to earn Continuing Education Credit for completing my course by passing my exam?
Some provinces/territories require that self-study exams be taken in a proctored (monitored) environment. It is your responsibility to confirm CE rules that apply to you before completing an application for a virtual exam. The Proctorio extension is not a proctored environment for CE purposes. If your province/territory board requires a monitored exam, you MUST complete the Continuing Education Monitor Affidavit and return it per the instructions on the form. Failure to return a required form will result in no credit being reported.
Proctor requirements may vary by province/territory, but in general a proctor must meet these requirements:
• Must be over 18 years old
• Must be a disinterested third-party with no financial interest in promoting a successful examination result
• May be a co-worker provided there is no direct reporting relationship
• Must not be anyone in direct line of authority with the examinee (not an employee, employer, or supervisor)
• Must not have a family interest in the success of the examinee
• Must not be a teacher or former pupil
• Must commit to being in the room with the examinee for the entire virtual online exam.
During the Exam Taking Process
What role does the Proctorio extension play in the exam-taking process?
The Proctorio component provides audio, video and screen recordings during your exam. Proctorio only records during an exam. Recording starts right as you enter the exam, after the diagnostics pre-check and exam agreement have been completed. Recording stops when you submit or close the exam.
What behaviour is flagged by Proctorio during the exam process?
To protect the integrity of the exam, behaviours monitored include eye movement, background noise, time away from the computer, etc. You must complete the exam without assistance from any other persons and may not communicate with anyone during the exam. You must take the examination in a space that is private and clear of all extraneous materials such as study notes, course materials, programmable calculators, erasable whiteboards and all mobile devices including cell phones, handheld computers and additional computer monitors. Each CEBS exam is a timed exam and once the exam starts, the timer continues to run and cannot be paused. All results are final, numerical scores are not released, and grading is on a Pass/Non-Pass basis.
Can Proctorio access any of my personal computer files or data or have access to my web history?
No, Proctorio does not access any files or data stored on your computer nor does it have access to your web browser history.
After Taking the Exam
Who reviews the recordings of my exam process?
Only approved representatives of the CEBS program have access to your audio, video and screen recordings. The CEBS Program reserves the right to follow up on potential breaches of exam integrity and affirm responses meet the standards of certification or the CEBS Program can disallow the results.
Once I install Proctorio, is it always on?
No. Proctorio only runs during an exam. You can tell when Proctorio is "on" because the Proctorio extension shield icon will turn green. Since Proctorio is a browser extension, it can be uninstalled or disabled immediately after an exam is submitted, and reinstalled or enabled in time for the next exam.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the CEBS Customer Service team Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm CST at (833) 886-3749 or cancebs@ifebp.org.