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​Inside This Issue

Broaden Your Horizons With Instructor-Led Online Classes!

A summer getaway gives you insights. Stepping away from your daily routine refreshes you and provides a new perspective on your daily life. The same can be said for learning. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons by developing new knowledge and skills and to see your work from a strategic vantage point. Consider taking a CEBS online class as you embark on your epic learning journey. A weekly schedule sets the pace so that your intention becomes action. Study tools created by your instructor help you explore new information as you prepare for your CEBS exam. Your CEBS designation will put you on the map as an expert in your field! Set out to reach new heights in your career.

An optional instructor-led online class is an ideal way to support your independent study efforts. Your CEBS instructor is a benefits industry insider who will be your guide through new content. With an internet connection, you can log in to your class any time you want during the 12-week session! A selection of tools and content will help you level up your knowledge. Network with other benefits industry professionals and master the content so that you feel confident on your CEBS exam day. With an online class, you get:


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Online Class Schedule

​Fall 2019

August 26 through November 15, 2019

​Spring 2020

January 20 through April 10, 2020

​Three Tips to Study Smarter With Mindful Studying

It’s well-known that the practice of mindfulness can enhance your well-being. Being present in the moment, focused and relaxed can also boost your CEBS study efforts.

1Set the stage for success. Choose a comfortable, quiet place to study. Put your smartphone on silent mode. Set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes.

2Breathe in. Take a few deep breaths and settle into your chair. Scan your body and note how you’re feeling today. Inhale and exhale for two or three minutes, focusing on your breath. Tell yourself that you’re calm, alert and ready to learn.

​3Stay focused. It’s normal for your mind to wander when you’re learning. When a distracting thought crosses your mind, acknowledge it and let it go. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths and refocus on your studies. Be patient and kind with yourself.  

​What's Your CEBS Story? The Spotlight Is on You!

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​Nicholas Landry, CEBS

Senior Benefits Consultant 

BFL CANADA

​Share Your Story

Nicholas on how pursuing the CEBS designation demonstrated that he’s a lifelong learner and an expert in employee benefits:

 
“The big day arrived when I completed my last course, and I was so excited to be a CEBS designation holder. It must’ve been a week later when I received a congratulatory note from Ann O’Neill, the Canadian Academic Director, suggesting that I could be content with just being a CEBS designation holder or I could grow even more professionally. She knew her audience! ‘Did you know there is more to learn with the ISCEBS content, and you can pursue a Fellow title?’ The Fellowship program is arguably my favorite part of being an ISCEBS member. As a consultant, time is my most valuable asset. I’ve hosted and sat through enough presentations at this stage of my career to not be entirely motivated to go and listen to a topic that I’m not really passionate about to earn continuing education credits. The Fellowship program almost feels like a personalized learning experience for my industry needs. Content is refreshed and updated annually. The topics of discussion change to comply with current market trends and government regulations. I’m always taking away something new to discuss with my peers. I look forward to writing the exam every other year to maintain my Fellowship and CEBS Compliant status as well as to add more value to the plan sponsor I am accountable to and plan members that I am indirectly accountable to, too.”
 
How Nicholas studied for his CEBS exam and applied what he learned to his work:
 
“Today’s curriculum is modern with online classes and study tools such as lectures narrated by experienced benefits professionals. Having access to instructors has allowed me more opportunities for success. I appreciate that the new curriculum has become more accessible and streamlined for benefits professionals.”
 
Nicholas on professional growth with the CEBS designation:
 
“If your reason for attaining the CEBS designation is for a promotion, bonus or raise, I would humbly suggest you are pursing this for the wrong reasons. 
 
My first experience with CEBS was when I was in my first role as a wholesaler for a major national insurer. Most of us neophytes were fresh-faced and straight out of university, all vying for head office management’s love and attention. Our corporate culture really promoted continuing education and pursuit of designations.  We may have received a token amount of compensation for the successful completion, but earning a designation did separate us from the pack. Every year, the peer conversations would eventually lead to which designations you were pursuing. Management appreciated that you pursued a deeper understanding of concepts of insurance or government benefits, allowing you to be better in the field while trying to achieve more within your career. The real catalyst for me with CEBS was when one of our leading brokers successfully completed the CEBS program. Most of us had started or completed smaller designations or others specific to life insurance. The next logical step was the CEBS or one of its specialty designations (GBA or RPA).  Paraphrasing what our regional director told me, the CEBS designation was ‘The Big One.’ Together we celebrated his accomplishment as his partner, but I was hooked!
 
The good news was just beginning for me. The quality of the content provided in the courses took me from being a competent broker to being the one you do not want to be up against in a competitive situation. I emerged from the courses speaking an entirely different language in relation to employee benefits, total compensation and total rewards. 
 
With more knowledge and experience, my problem-solving ability had grown immensely by applying the fundamental academic knowledge to real-life scenarios.  I’ve been fortunate enough to apply the content by working with more challenging situations for plan sponsors. People are often airdropped into unique scenarios where another broker with limited working knowledge has not satisfied the needs of the plan sponsor, but anyone in the benefits practice can see challenges from another perspective thanks to the CEBS program. A colleague just recently passed his final exam to earn the CEBS designation, and I couldn’t have been happier for him. He’s chosen a path to be better than his competitors.
 
Although this ideology may be polarizing, the current employee benefits marketplace for the most part presents no inequality of opportunities. There is, however, an inequality of outcomes. The CEBS program has assured me that we are not equal in situation in comparison specifically to non-designation holders. I would challenge the individuals reading this that if you are a passionate professional who adheres to a strong code of ethics, with the CEBS designation you, too, will separate yourself from the pack.”

Are you interested in sharing your CEBS story? Please email us at cebs@ifebp.org to submit it. We'll help you to develop a great article.

​CEBS Student Survey

​Meet the Instructor

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​Patricia Noble, CEBS

Director of Policy, Research and Labour Market Analysis 

Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, New Brunswick

GBA/RPA 3—Navigating the Plan Environment

​ Patricia on the GBA/RPA 3 online class:

"I would have to say that I have found the CEBS designation has helped to open doors regarding networking opportunities. I have also found that having the designation means that I also understand what it is like to be a student, having taken the instructor-led courses for my own CEBS. I understand the challenges of studying while working, and the pressure of prepping for an exam at the same time. Both work and life demands are competing for your time.  My own instructors were extremely helpful and supportive, and I strive to do the same for the students in my class."

​Course Corner

There is an upcoming revision for GBA/RPA 3.  Please read this important information about the course update.

All study materials are available through Books for Business. Order online at www.booksforbusiness.com or by calling (844) 809-2698. Contact CEBS at (800) 449-2327 with questions.  Please check your online Study Guide or the Readings Update for Canadian Courses page for any study materials updates.



The 38th Annual ISCEBS Employee Benefits ​Symposium

​​The 38th Annual Symposium will take place September 8-11, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here's the latest information about the ISCEBS Symposium and sessions:

​2019 ISCEBS Symposium

Two Upcoming CEBS Graduation Recognition Events

Have you just completed your CEBS or specialty designation?  Are you looking for a reason to cross the finish line? 2019 is the year to reach your goals!  You went above and beyond, and now is your time to shine at a special event designed to celebrate your diligence and achievements. You'll also get to meet benefits professionals from all over North America who have the same passion for employee benefits as you.

Representatives from the International Foundation and Dalhousie University will take part in each of these events. All new graduates, specialty designees and first-time ISCEBS Fellows are invited to attend.


CEBS Conferment Ceremony

Sunday, September 8  

New Orleans, Louisiana

Each year, the conferment ceremony is held in conjunction with the ISCEBS Symposium. The conferment kicks off the annual Symposium—2½ days of education sessions, networking and discussion opportunities with some of the brightest minds in the business. A special Symposium registration rate is available for new graduates.

 

CEBS Graduate Recognition Reception

Thursday, November 7

Toronto, Ontario

This event brings together new graduates from across Canada to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments and dedication to the employee benefits profession. Registration is complimentary for you and one guest. 

 

Complete program details for each event will be sent to all eligible individuals. If you have any questions, please contact CEBS at cancebs@ifebp.org.



​New Graduates

February-May 2019

CEBS Graduates


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Group Benefits Associates (GBAs)


​Retirement Plans Associates (RPAs)