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International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
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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. 

Webinar: Your Complete Guide to Earning the CEBS Designation

Whether you are contemplating starting your CEBS® designation or you're right in the thick of studying for your next exam, this 30-minute webinar follwed by a live question and answer session is a complete guide to earning your CEBS. Join CEBS staff live for an upcoming webinar or watch a recorded previous session.


CEBS Designation

(Click on the Course Name for Detailed Information)

 
GBA 1Directing Benefits
Programs Part 1
 
GBA 2
Directing Benefits
Programs Part 2
 
GBA
RPA
Strategic Benefits
Management
 
RPA 2
Directing Retirement
Plans Part2
 
RPA 1
Directing Retirement
Plans Part1
 
GBA 1
Managing Benefit
Plans Part 1
 
GBA 2
Managing Benefit
Plans Part 2
 
GBA
RPA
Navigating the Plan
Environment
 
RPA 2
Managing Retirement
Plans Part 2
 
RPA 1
Managing Retirement
Plans Part 1


Your Next Steps

No prerequisites required—Jump right in. 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 Study Groups online or download form

​4. Select Exam Timeframe

New CEBS Registration

Curriculum Questions

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


New CEBS Registration

Curriculum Questions

Please contact Customer Service at (833) 886-3749, 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 Online Study Groups With Instructor Support

Online study groups provide access to instructors, structured time frame and peer interaction.

Exam Accommodations Policy

CEBS will attempt to assist candidates requesting testing accommodations to the extent that it is reasonably able. If you have a disability or other need that may affect your ability to take the CEBS or ISCEBS Fellowship examinations under standard conditions, requests for accommodations must be made at the same time your examination application is submitted or at least two weeks prior to booking an exam appointment. Please click here for additional information and the request form.

CEBS will attempt to assist candidates requesting testing accommodations to the extent that it is reasonably able. If you have a disability or other need that may affect your ability to take the CEBS or ISCEBS Fellowship examinations under standard conditions, requests for accommodations must be made at the same time your examination application is submitted or at least two weeks prior to booking an exam appointment. Please click here for additional information and the request form.

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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View 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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View 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.
  • Online Study Groups With Instructor Support
    Optional online study groups complement the self-study approach with added instruction, guidance and community support.
  • 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.
  • Online Study Groups With Instructor Support
    Optional online study groups complement the self-study approach with added instruction, guidance and community support.​

​Your Commitment

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

Young Professionals Scholarship

In an effort to advance the knowledge of young employee benefits professionals and encourage their future participation as volunteers in the benefits industry, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists (ISCEBS) have created a scholarship opportunity. [MORE]

Learn More

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions | Contact Us

Still looking for more information? Check out CEBS FAQ for further details on the program. ​
​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​

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