Frequently Asked Questions
What is CEBS?
What is the role of SMU in the CEBS program?
Who should enroll?
How do I enroll in the CEBS program?
How do I enroll in the SMU CEBS study courses?
How do I register for a CEBS exam?
What does it cost?
What about textbooks?
What courses are required for CEBS certification?
What study courses are being offered this semester?
How often do these study courses meet?
Do I have to take these courses in a particular order?
Where are the SMU study courses located?
Are CE Units available for taking CEBS exams or CEBS Study Courses?
New Certificate Program!
Want more information?
What is CEBS? TOP
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist program is an eight course program designed to help individuals develop a comprehensive understanding of employee benefit principles and concepts. Individuals who complete the CEBS program earn the professional designation Certified Employee Benefit Specialist, the most widely recognized and highly respected designation in the employee benefits field. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania cosponsor the CEBS program. The International Foundation administers the program, while the Wharton School oversees the academic content and standards.
What is the role of SMU in the CEBS program? TOP
Southern Methodist University is one of a small number of leading universities (and the only institution in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex) selected by the IFEBP and the Wharton School to offer study courses leading to the CEBS designation. Taught by practicing professionals in the benefits field, these study courses prepare the student to successfully pass the ten certifying examinations required by the IFEBP and the Wharton School to be awarded the CEBS certification. No transcripts or qualifying exam is required for admission to these study courses. Courses grant continuing education units (CEUs) but do not award academic credit. Grades given at the end of a study course attest to a student's performance and are often required by employers who offer financial reimbursement.
Who should enroll? TOP
Participants represent all sectors of the employee benefits industry: plan sponsors, consulting firms, HMOs, insurance companies, the defense industry, banks, software and telecommunications firms, small businesses, retail, hospitals, law and accounting firms, government agencies, investment firms, labor organizations and professions dealing with employee benefits.
The CEBS program can present career opportunities for many different positions and levels of experience. For those new to the benefits field, the CEBS courses provide a solid knowledge of the concepts and principles on which employee benefit plans are designed. For those with experience, CEBS can give direction in areas where additional emphasis is needed. Those who receive the CEBS designation can establish an advantage over others in the field and gain public recognition and respect for their expertise.
How do I enroll in the CEBS program? TOP
To enroll in the CEBS program, contact the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) by phone: (262) 786-6710 x8579 or email: cebs@ifebp.org, or online. For more information on the International Foundation please visit www.ifebp.org.
How do I enroll in the SMU CEBS study courses? TOP
Click here to register for an SMU CEBS study course, or call 214-768-2327.
How do I register for a CEBS exam? TOP
CEBS examinations are computer based, and are offered at several Prometric Test Centers in the metroplex. To register for a CEBS exam, contact the IFEBP at (262) 786-6710 x8579 or www.ifebp.org.
What does it cost? TOP
SMU charges tuition of $275 per study course. This is payable to SMU at registration. SMU will accept check, money order, or one of several types of credit: Mastercard, Visa, Diner's Club or Discover. Employer payments, or other third-party payments, are allowed. For more information, please call the SMU CEBS Study Programs office at 214-SMU-CEBS (768-2327).
In addition to the tuition charge payable to SMU, the IFEBP requires fees for program registration, exam registration, and textbooks. These fees are payable to the IFEBP. Contact the IFEBP for more information at (262) 786-6710 x8579 or www.ifebp.org.
What about textbooks? TOP
Textbooks and study guides for the study courses must be purchased from the IFEBP. SMU does not sell these textbooks. Cost of textbooks and study materials range from $150 to $200 per course. Contact the IFEBP to purchase texts: (262) 786-6710 x8579 or click here.
What courses are required for CEBS certification? TOP
For a description of the required courses, click here.
What study courses are being offered this semester? TOP
To view a current listing of available study courses, click here. For more information, call our SMU CEBS coordinator at 214-768-2327 or email at smuthink@smu.edu.
How often do these study courses meet? TOP
Each course meets in the evening once a week for 6 weeks. Individual class sessions are three hours. Classes are offered on a quarterly basis, year-round.
Do I have to take these courses in a particular order? TOP
No, you make take these courses in any order you desire.
Where are the SMU CEBS study courses located? TOP
SMU CEBS study courses are offered on our main campus in Dallas, located within the boundaries of Lovers Lane (north), Mockingbird (south), Hillcrest (west) and US 75 (east).
Are CE Units available for taking CEBS exams or CEBS Study Courses? TOP
For more information about gaining CE Units for CEBS exams and CEBS Study Courses, visit: www.ifebp.org.
New certificate programs TOP
IFEBP announces new certificate programs! Students enrolled in the CEBS program can earn Recognition of Academic Achievement Certificates in two specialty designations: Group Benefits Associate and Retirement Plans Associate . This is a unique way to add to your professional credentials by specializing in those areas that can provide immediate assistance in your job. To earn the Associate credential Group Benefits you must successfully pass the CEBS exams for Courses 1, 2, and 9 and either course 8 or the new PFP1 (Personal Financial Planning 1). To be awarded the credential in Retirement Plans you must pass the exams for Courses 3, 4, and 7 and either course 8 or the new PFP1 (Personal Financial Planning 1). For more information, call the SMU CEBS coordinator at 214-768-2327.
For More Information TOP
Contact the SMU CEBS coordinator at 214-768-2327 or email at smuthink@smu.edu.