Whether you’re beginning or continuing your Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) journey, you’ll acquire strategic knowledge and skills that set you apart in the employee benefits industry. Small, repeatable good study habits will help you absorb and retain new content and connect it to the big picture of the employee benefits landscape. As you apply what you’re learning to your work, you’ll embark on a learning journey that’s uniquely your own, transforming your career trajectory.
We recently surveyed holders of the CEBS designation. Below is a little advice from other benefits industry professionals on earning the CEBS designation and maximizing your professional development.
“Continue with it and do the Online Study Groups With Instructor Support to help you study!”
Laila Lee, CEBS
Director, HR Operations, Westland Insurance
“Study, study, study… and take the practice exams often.”
– Michael McCarron, CEBS
Fund Administrator, Local 26 IBEW-NECA Joint Trust Funds
“Dedicate time to getting your CEBS designation done. Block schedule study time into your schedule so that you are focused on it.”
Kimberly Bowman, CEBS
SRVP Chief Talent Officer, Dacotah Banks Inc.
“The CEBS program equips you with the practical knowledge that is sought after in the benefits industry, reflecting excellence for the profession.”
David White, CEBS
Manager, Benefits and Wellness, PVH Canada
“There is so much amazing information in the CEBS curriculum! Make sure you have the time to do the reading and the studying and give it your full commitment.”
Kari Luehmann, CEBS
Total Rewards Manager, Zinpro
“The CEBS designation increases your marketability as a professional.”
Fatima Munshed, CEBS
Sr. Business Analyst, Avenu Insights and Analytics
“Do this for yourself. Earning the CEBS designation is a great goal of self-improvement to achieve.”
Karyn Crosbie, CEBS
Senior Benefits Manager, PotlatchDeltic Corporation
“I would encourage anyone considering the CEBS designation to certainly pursue it. The program is extremely flexible for those who are working and prioritizing a balance with learning. The ability to connect with other professionals through the International Foundation while studying is particularly appreciated.”
Samantha Probetts, CEBS
Pension & Benefits Specialist, Manitoba Government Employees Union
“Ask for work projects that involve the information you’re studying.”
Jessica Rust, CEBS
Manager, Total Rewards, CGB
“Plan out your studies and be ready to commit to the process.”
Mohammad Shaikh, CEBS
Benefit Analyst, Maple Lodge Farms
“Persevere! Many of us made a few detours to get to the end of the CEBS designation requirements, but we’re all glad we were able to complete the exams and have the knowledge and expertise under our belt. Don’t be shy about reaching out to your local chapter of ISCEBS if you have questions or just need encouragement.”
– Laura Miller, CEBS
Director of Employee Benefits, Advocates Inc.
“Ask questions! Anytime you are around an individual who has their CEBS designation, ask them how it has helped them. I can tell you from my own personal experience, it has furthered my career immensely!”
Josh Periard, CEBS
Account Executive, National Accounts Group Benefits, Canada Life
“Stay passionate about your field. Do not get discouraged should you fail an exam. Keep plugging along.”
Andrew Perch, CEBS
Fund Administrator, Painters DC 14 Benefits Office
“Your investment of time to earn the CEBS designation will have a significant payoff and value in your career.”
Jenna Kennedy, CEBS
Senior Business Specialist, Co-operators
“Benefits is a heavily regulated area. Having the knowledge gained from a CEBS designation allows you to stay compliant while knowing where you can be creative and flexible.”
Emily Erkel, CEBS
Director Benefits, Windstream Communications
“Having my CEBS designation opened many growth opportunities for my career and set me on a path I never expected. It really does set you apart from others, so go for it!”
Lisa Spinney, CEBS
Group Benefits Specialist, Halifax Regional Municipality–Employee Services
“Get your GBA or RPA designation first, and then your CEBS designation. Doing so will help make you feel like you are accomplishing goals along the way to your full CEBS designation. It will help you stay motivated to continue.”
DePree Jenkins, CEBS
Sr. Benefits & HRIS Specialist, The Simons Foundation
“The CEBS designation is a great designation for the pension and benefits industry!”
Marisa Tobin, CEBS
Senior Manager, Plan Member Services, HRM Pension Plan
“Earning the GBA, RPA, or CEBS designation goes far beyond the core education. Earning one of the designations makes you part of a community, which will give you opportunities to develop your career and be the best professional you can be. Stay the course and do the work, no matter how long it takes.”
Tim Valencia, CEBS
Deputy Director, WA Law Enforcement Officers & Fire Fighters Plan 2 Retirement Board
“Study hard and see the difference!”
– Samaneh Arkani, CEBS
Compensation and Benefits, Team Lead, Fedex Express
“Never stop learning and expanding your knowledge. It doesn’t stop after your last CEBS exam.”
Tom Moore, CEBS
Sr. Retirement Benefits Analyst, GuideStone Financial Resources
“Seek a mentor that has the CEBS designation to keep you accountable and motivated.”
Michelle Randazzo, CEBS
Retirement Benefits Manager, AlixPartners LLP
“The CEBS designation will help you do and understand your current and future roles.”
Dominique Mailom, CEBS
Group Underwriter II, Wawanesa Insurance
“The CEBS designation will undoubtedly set you apart as an HR professional, as it is among the most respected in the benefits industry, with over 14,000 individuals earning this designation. The program offers well-structured content that provides relevant information, enhancing your ability to deliver effective benefits solutions. Investing your time in this designation will not only boost your credibility but also equip you with the tools needed to make a meaningful impact in your organization.”
– Jenni Lee, CEBS
Director–U.S. Benefits, Payroll & Employee Programs, Amway
“For those considering earning the CEBS designation, just go for it. It has more than paid for itself in terms of the knowledge I’ve gained, and it’s allowed me to further my career prospects. The knowledge obtained has been invaluable, especially in today’s benefits landscape where compliance is ever changing and ever complex.”
Caitlin Leidy, CEBS
Assistant Director, Benefits, Lehigh University
Make plans to go ‘back to school’ this fall! Embark on this self-study program and transform your career trajectory! Visit CEBS online to learn more about Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Group Benefits Associate (GBA) and Retirement Plans Associate (RPA) designations.
