Employee Benefits and Retirement Professional | Continuing Education

Please note:

This new program is set to launch in September 2025. If you would like to be notified when registration opens, please email Crystal at chayhoe@conestogac.on.ca.

About the program

Employee Benefits and Retirement Professional is a fully online program that prepares you to earn the Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA), and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designations. These professional designations set you apart in the group benefits and retirement planning industry. The GBA, RPA, and CEBS designations are achieved by completing the examination process administered by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).

This five-course program is designed to help individuals develop a comprehensive understanding of employee benefit principles and concepts. The application-based education allows participants to put their knowledge into action immediately as they serve their clients or plan members. Complete all five courses in the program to earn a formal credential from Conestoga College in addition to meeting the requirements to qualify for the CEBS designation.

Facilitated by experienced group benefits professionals and supported by research-based best practices, the courses are enhanced with audio overviews, interactive games and quizzes, live review sessions and a dedicated time frame to stay on track.

To earn the GBA designation, you need to complete the following courses and pass the comprehensive exams administered by IFEBP for each of the following courses: HRM1480, HRM1490, HRM1500*. To earn the RPA designation, you need to complete the following courses and pass the comprehensive exams administered by IFEBP for each of the following courses: HRM1500*, HRM1510, HRM1520.

To earn the CEBS designation, you need to complete the following courses and pass the comprehensive exams administered by IFEBP; for each of the following courses: HRM1480, HRM1490, HRM1500*, HRM1510, HRM1520.

*Note: The HRM1500 bridge course only needs to be taken once and contains material that applies to both the group benefits and retirement areas when designing, funding and managing employee benefit plans.

You can begin your CEBS studies in either the group benefits or retirement track and take the bridge course to earn a designation. You can also choose to take the two group benefits and two retirement courses and take the bridge course last. Choose the path that maximizes your professional and designation goals.

Program information

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

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$3000.00.

*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

Note re: admission requirements

Students should be aware that excellent reading and comprehension skills are required for success in this program.

Admission procedures

Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
Submit proof of admission requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of the Employee Benefits and Retirement Professional program are qualified to work as benefits and retirement planning specialists 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

Design and administer benefits and retirement plans to meet the needs of a company, the employees, and legal compliance.
Evaluate various benefit and retirement plan options to create a program that aligns with an organization's total rewards strategy and philosophy.
Explain the integration and relationship between government and employer benefits and retirement plans including within a Canadian context.
Communicate with key decision-makers and a variety of employee groups, using both written and oral formats, in a manner that meets the needs of different working environments.

Program related resources

Student Academic Handbook

Program contact

Crystal Hayhoe
chayhoe@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220 ext 3764

Continuing Education

Upcoming registrations

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

Winter registration: Opened November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.