Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® Program
In the employee benefits and compensation field, the oldest and most respected professional credential is CEBS—the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. The CEBS program provides certification choices for employee benefit and compensation professionals. You can earn specialty designations as a Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) and Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), or establish yourself as a total compensation professional by attaining the CEBS designation. The certifications will set you apart from your colleagues and peers and are a great way to validate your expertise and build trust with your constituencies. To become a CEBS, you must complete six required and two elective courses, and pass the examinations. Each of the specialty designation requires completion of three CEBS courses and exams. EMU does not offer all the CEBS courses, but there is opportunity for self-study and online preparation through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).Each course requires successful completion of an exam administered by the IFEBP. Registration and exam fees are payable to IFEBP. For information about how to earn the CEBS and specialty designations and to register for exams visit: www.cebs.org.
Why enroll in an EMU classroom CEBS courses?
EMU CEBS courses offer a disciplined approach to studying the material and preparing for the national exams. You’ll have direct access to knowledgeable instructors and can ask questions about difficult material. The courses are also an excellent forum for the exchange of ideas and will provide an opportunity to network with your peers. Students may take a CEBS course to expand their professional knowledge in a specific area without working toward the CEBS designation.
CEBS Course Schedule
All classes meet for two days, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
CMS 1–January 19–20, 2010
RPA 1–August 24–25, 2010
GBA 2–March 2–3, 2010 and November 9–10, 2010
CMS 2–September 26–27, 2010
RPA 2–April 6–7, 2010
GBA 1–May 18–19, 2010
Cost
$395 per course (study materials not included)
$375 per course if enrolling in more than one (must register for multiple courses at the same time)
How do I get the study materials?
Study materials must be purchased by the participant from the CEBS program prior to the start of class. Go to www.ifebp.org to purchase your books. Click CEBS designation, scroll down, click U.S. CEBS fees, click Study Materials if you wish to order online. After you complete that form you will get an order form to indicate which books you want to order online. Click PDF version if you wish to download the form and order materials via fax or mail or to check the prices before you order online.
It is recommended that you review the material before the start of class.
Location: EMU–Livonia
All courses in the series will meet at EMU–Livonia, 38777 W. Six Mile Road, Suite 400, conveniently located at 1-275 and Six Mile Road in Livonia.
Which courses are required for each designation?
For designation requirements, exam information, and full course descriptions, visit www.cebs.org or call 734.487.9158 for a CEBS Catalog.
Do I have to take the courses in sequence?
Each CEBS course stands alone. When working toward your GBA, RPA or CMS it is suggested that you take the courses in the order presented. In some cases it is useful to have knowledge of the concepts presented in an earlier course. However, based on your personal or professional need, educational background, work experience, or course availability you can determine the sequence that works best for you.