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Please note:

This program is no longer accepting new applicants. You may wish to review the new Employee Benefits and Retirement Professional program.

If you are currently enrolled in the program, please contact Crystal Hayhoe about plans for completion.

About the program

In this part-time, online program, you will explore theories, concepts and business applications as they apply to strategic benefits management. You will receive a formal background in practical skill competencies as they relate to total reward strategies. This program will assist individuals in the human resources field to develop benefit management skills as well as provide an opportunity for further professional development. Overall, the focus is in the design, delivery and evaluation of materials in the strategic benefits management field.

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 2 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$1,000.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, OR 19 years of age or older, AND CHRP designation
OR
  • Graduate of Conestoga College Human Resources Management (Co-op, graduate certificate) program or Human Resources (part-time) program or equivalent
OR
  • The following three courses:
    • BUS1021 Organizational Behaviour
    • HRM2040 Human Resources Management
    • ACCT1035 Financial and Managerial Accounting
    OR
  • Five (5) years of work experience in the area of human resources and compensation

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students should be aware that excellent reading and comprehension skills are required for success in this program.
  • Many of the courses in this program are delivered on-line. Basic computer skills are an asset.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Benefits Specialist program are qualified to work as a Benefits Specialist within any Human Resource department.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment!

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Communicate accurately using appropriate terminology and tailoring benefits concept description in a manor that meets the needs of specific stakeholders.

  • Compare and contrast various rewards strategies that support employers' benefit plan administration activities.

  • Explain the integration and relationship between government and benefits programs.

  • Explain the process of the benefits program design including financial, cost and administration components to support an employer's choice of a benefit program.

  • Calculate payroll contributions, deductions, and remittances for government and employer sponsored plans.

  • Articulate process involved in benefits plan administration.

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Now open
Fall registration: Opens July 21, 2025