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CEBS.

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist

CEBS
 

Skip Navigation LinksIFEBP>CEBS Designation>How to Get Your CEBS

How to Get Your CEBS

To earn your CEBS designation, you will complete five required courses, using a self-paced, self-study curriculum. Earn your Group Benefits Associate (GBA) or Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) specialty designation by completing a specified combination of three courses—all counting toward earning the full CEBS designation.  

CEBS Designation

 
GBA 1
 
GBA 2
 
GBA
RPA
 
RPA 2
 
RPA 1
 
GBA 1
 
GBA 2
 
GBA
RPA
 
RPA 2
 
RPA 1

Your Next Steps

No prerequisites required—Jump right in. The new CEBS offers streamlined core courses with laser-focused content so you can learn more in less time. You are only a few simple steps away from beginning your CEBS journey.

1. Select Course

2. ​Order Study Materials online or download form

​3. Select  Exam Timeframe

1. Select Course

2. ​Order Study Materials at www.booksforbusiness.com

3. Order Exams and Online Classes  online or download form

​4. Select Exam Timeframe

New CEBS Registration

Former Curriculum Questions

Please contact Customer Service at (800) 449-2327, option 3 or cebs@ifebp.org.  

New CEBS Registration

Former Curriculum Questions

Please contact Customer Service at (844) 809-2698, or cancebs@ifebp.org.  

How to Prepare for Each Exam

Your best CEBS journey depends on your experience, your learning style and may even vary from course to course. The new CEBS is designed to flex to fit you.

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Schedule Required Exam

Each course requires the successful completion of a 100-question comprehensive exam.

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Order Study Materials

Exams cover content from the study guide and textbook​ assigned to each course.

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 Consider Guided Classes

Instructor-led online classes provide access to instructors, structured time frame and peer interaction.

CEBS Required Courses

Earn your CEBS designation by successfully completing five required course exams. We recommend starting with GBA 1 or RPA 1 and work toward earning your Group Benefits Associate (GBA) or Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) on your path to the full CEBS.

  • GBA 1—​​​Directing Benefits​ Programs Part 1
  • GBA 2—Directing Benefits Programs Part 2
  • GBA/RPA 3—Strategic Benefits Management
  • RPA 1—Directing Retirement Plans Part 1
  • RPA 2—Directing Retirement Plans Part 2

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Download the full brochure

  • GBA 1—Managing Benefit Plans Part 1
  • GBA 2—Managing Benefit Plans Part 2
  • GBA/RPA 3—Navigating the Plan Environment
  • RPA 1—Managing Retirement Plans Part 1
  • RPA 2—Managing Retirement Plans Part 2​

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Download the full brochure​​


Study Options

Choose a study method and timeline that fits you. Consider your professional and educational experience with the content of each course—You'll find a path that fits your needs for each course.

  • Self-Study
    Each course Study Guide is designed to guide you through the content that will be covered on that exam. You will need a textbook and a study guide, which includes a printed copy of the Study Guide and access to an online environment with added digital features, including supplemental readings and a practice exam.
  • Instructor-Led Online Classes
    Optional online classes complement the self-study approach with added instruction, guidance and community support.​
  • Formal Classes
    There are a few select locations that offer formal in-person CEBS courses.
  • Self-Study
    Each course Study Guide is designed to guide you through the content that will be covered on that exam. You receive a textbook, a printed copy of the Study Guide and access to an online environment with added digital features, including supplemental readings and a practice exam.
  • Instructor-Led Online Classes
    Optional online classes complement the self-study approach with added instruction, guidance and community support.​
  • Formal Classes
    There are a few select locations that offer formal in-person CEBS courses.

​Your Commitment

​The new CEBS focused curriculum allows students to attain the credential in less than three years. ​​Course costs vary depending on the study method you choose. 

New York Scholarship Opportunity

If you are a resident of New York State, or a current or recent graduate of a New York State public university, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship to participate in the CEBS program.  This scholarship is made possible by the former New York State Public Sector Coalition on Health Benefits.  [MORE]

Learn More

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Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us

Still looking for more information? Check out CEBS FAQ for further details on curriculum updates. ​
​Questions about your next step? Give us a call at (800) 449-2327, option 3 or e-mail cebs@ifebp.org.

Find Answers​

Find Answers​