Top 11 Benefits Administrator Certifications

Certifications for a benefits administrator are essential in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and knowledge in the field. Having certifications shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to become educated in the specific areas of benefits administration and can be trusted to handle sensitive employee information. Certifications also provide credentials that can help you stand out from other applicants, making it easier to find employment. Additionally, certifications can help increase salary offers and job opportunities as employers are more likely to hire an individual with certifications than one without them.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Benefits Administrators and discuss how they can help to advance a benefits administrator's career.

What are Benefits Administrator Certifications?

Benefits administrator certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and expertise in the field of employee benefits. This certification is typically obtained through an accredited organization, such as the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). By becoming certified, benefits administrators demonstrate their understanding of the laws, regulations and other relevant topics related to employee benefit plans.

This certification can be beneficial to employers in a variety of ways. It provides assurance that the individual administering their benefits program has the necessary knowledge and skills to properly manage it. Additionally, it may help with compliance issues, as well as provide employers with peace of mind that their employee benefits are being managed correctly. Having a certified benefits administrator on staff can also increase morale among employees who have access to quality employee benefits programs. Finally, certified professionals can often be more effective at communicating complex information about benefit options or changes to employees and their families.

Pro Tip: Benefits administrator certification can open up new opportunities for career advancement and provide a competitive edge in the job market. To maximize the value of this certification, be sure to stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes to regulations governing benefits administration. Additionally, look into professional networking opportunities with other benefits administrators to broaden your knowledge base and stay informed about current best practices.

Related: What does a Benefits Administrator do?

Top 11 Benefits Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Benefits Administrators today.

1. Certified Benefits Professional (CBP)

Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) is a professional certification program that provides a comprehensive education in employee benefits. It is designed to help professionals understand the complexities of employee benefits and develop the skills necessary to provide effective benefit programs to their clients.

The CBP program consists of three components: an online course, an exam, and a project. The online course covers topics such as employee benefits law, plan design, communication and compliance. The exam tests knowledge of the material covered in the course and requires passing scores in order to receive certification. The project requires participants to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts learned in the course by creating a detailed benefits plan for a hypothetical organization.

The program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how much time you are able to devote each week. To get started, you must first register for the program and pay the associated fee ($1,500). Once registered, you will be provided with access to all materials needed for completion of the course including textbooks, videos, quizzes, and practice exams. After completing all components of the CBP program successfully, you will receive your certification from WorldatWork.

2. Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) is a professional designation awarded by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). It is designed for those who work in the employee benefits field and provides them with the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage employee benefit plans. CEBS certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the employee benefits field.

To obtain CEBS certification, one must complete five courses offered by IFEBP and pass an exam. The courses are divided into two tracks: Group Benefits or Retirement Plans. Each course must be completed within three years of starting the program.

The cost of obtaining CEBS certification varies depending on whether you take individual courses or enroll in a full program. The cost of individual courses ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 per course. The cost of a full program ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 depending on the track chosen.

Once all five courses have been successfully completed and the exam has been passed, you will receive your CEBS certificate and become a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS).

3. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of compensation. The CCP credential is offered by WorldatWork, a global human resources association.

To become a Certified Compensation Professional, individuals must demonstrate knowledge and experience in the areas of job evaluation, compensation program design and implementation, executive compensation, international compensation, employee benefits and total rewards.

The certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To qualify for the CCP exam, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience requirements. Those who are eligible to take the exam must first register with WorldatWork and pay an exam fee of $795 USD.

Once registered, applicants may begin studying for the exam using WorldatWork’s study materials and practice exams. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their CCP designation from WorldatWork and be able to use it on their resumes and other professional documents.

4. Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in retirement planning. The CRC is the only retirement-specific certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

In order to become a CRC, an individual must meet certain requirements. These include completing a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits in retirement planning, passing an exam administered by the International Foundation for Retirement Education (IFRE), and having at least two years of experience in providing financial advice or services related to retirement planning.

The cost of becoming a CRC varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000. This includes the cost of registration, study materials, and the exam fee. It usually takes around six months to complete all requirements and receive certification.

To get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Retirement Counselor, you will need to find an approved provider who offers courses designed to prepare you for the IFRE exam. Once you have completed all required coursework, you can register for the exam with IFRE and pay any applicable fees. After passing the exam, you will be eligible to receive your CRC designation.

5. Certified Pension Consultant (CPC)

A Certified Pension Consultant (CPC) is a professional designation awarded by the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). The CPC is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of pension consulting.

The CPC designation requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination and an ethics review. The exam covers topics such as retirement plan design, administration, compliance, investment selection and management, fiduciary responsibilities, and other related topics.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPC designation. To get started on this process, you must first become a member of ASPPA and then register for the certification program. You will then need to complete various coursework requirements and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CPC program varies depending on whether you are already an ASPPA member or not. If you are already an ASPPA member, it will cost around $1,000 plus any additional fees associated with coursework materials or other services that may be needed. If you are not an ASPPA member yet, it will cost around $1,500 plus any additional fees associated with coursework materials or other services that may be needed.

6. Chartered Benefit Consultant (CBC)

Chartered Benefit Consultant (CBC) is a professional designation awarded by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). The CBC designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of employee benefits.

To become a Chartered Benefit Consultant, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements, including:

• Having at least three years of full-time experience in employee benefit plan consulting or administration;
• Holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• Successfully completing IFEBP's Chartered Benefit Consultant program; and
• Passing the Chartered Benefit Consultant exam.

The Chartered Benefit Consultant program typically takes about six months to complete. It consists of four courses that cover topics such as retirement planning, health care plans, and employee benefits law. The program also includes an online study guide and practice exams to help prepare for the final exam.

The cost for the Chartered Benefit Consultant program varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person. Online courses usually cost around $2,000 while in-person classes can range from $3,000-$5,000. Additionally, there is a fee for taking the final exam which is usually around $300.

Overall, becoming a Chartered Benefit Consultant requires dedication and commitment but can be very rewarding as it opens up many career opportunities in the field of employee benefits consulting and administration.

7. Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHIS)

Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHIS) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals understand the complexities of health insurance. The CHIS credential is offered by the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful health insurance professionals.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CHIS program. The program consists of two components: an online course and an exam. The online course includes topics such as health insurance laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; claims processing; customer service; marketing strategies; and risk management. Upon completion of the online course, students must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their CHIS certification.

The cost for the CHIS program varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $600-$700 for both the online course and the exam fee.

In order to become a Certified Health Insurance Specialist, you must have at least two years of experience in health insurance or a related field such as finance or accounting. You also need to be a member of NAHU in order to apply for the certification program. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the CHIS program through NAHU’s website or by contacting them directly.

8. Accredited Pension Administrator (APA)

Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to administer pension plans. This designation is administered by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA).

To become an APA, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of five years of pension plan administration experience;
• Pass the CIA’s Accredited Pension Administrator Exam;
• Have completed or be in the process of completing a post-secondary education program in actuarial science, mathematics, finance or economics;
• Have successfully completed at least one year of professional development activities related to pension plan administration.

The exam consists of two parts: Part 1 covers topics such as plan design, funding and investment issues, and Part 2 covers topics such as communication and regulatory compliance. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for taking the APA Exam is $350 CAD plus applicable taxes. The cost for becoming an APA member is $150 CAD plus applicable taxes.

Once you have passed the exam and become an APA member, you will receive a certificate from the CIA confirming your status as an Accredited Pension Administrator.

9. Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA)

A Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) is an individual who has met the requirements set forth by the IRS to become a qualified administrator of 401(k) plans. The QKA designation is granted by the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA).

To become a QKA, individuals must have at least three years of experience in the administration of qualified retirement plans, pass a comprehensive exam administered by ASPPA, and agree to abide by ASPPA’s Code of Professional Conduct.

The process to become a QKA can take anywhere from 3-6 months depending on when you register for the exam and how quickly you are able to complete it. Once you have registered for the exam, you will be given access to study materials and practice exams that can help prepare you for taking the actual exam.

In order to get your QKA designation, you will need to pay an application fee which typically ranges from $100-$200. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam itself.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, ASPPA will issue your QKA designation which will allow you to administer 401(k) plans in accordance with IRS regulations.

10. Professional in Human Resources – Benefits Management (PHR-BM)

Professional in Human Resources – Benefits Management (PHR-BM) is a certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage employee benefits programs. This certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the areas of employee benefit plans, compliance, administration, and communication.

The PHR-BM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as: Employee Benefits Law and Regulations; Benefit Plan Design; Benefit Plan Administration; Communication Strategies; and Financial Analysis. The exam must be completed within three hours.

To obtain the PHR-BM certification, you must first meet the following eligibility requirements: hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; have at least three years of professional experience in human resources management; and pass the PHR-BM exam with a score of at least 500 out of 800 points.

The cost for taking the PHR-BM exam varies depending on your country of residence. In the United States, it costs $395 to take the exam.

11. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Designation Program

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Designation Program is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage employee benefit plans. The program consists of four levels of certification: Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Certified Pension Consultant (CPC), Certified Retirement Plan Administrator (CRPA), and Certified Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC).

The program takes approximately two years to complete, depending on the individual's experience and commitment level. To get started, individuals must first become a member of the International Foundation. Once membership has been established, individuals can register for the CEBS coursework. After completing the CEBS coursework, individuals can then move on to the CPC or CRPA courses. Finally, after completing both of these courses, individuals can apply for the CRPC designation.

The cost of the program varies depending on which courses an individual chooses to take. The CEBS coursework costs $2,200 plus applicable taxes; the CPC or CRPA courses cost $1,100 plus applicable taxes; and finally, the CRPC course costs $1,000 plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Benefits Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your specific career goals and the type of benefits administration role you are seeking. If you are looking to become a professional benefits administrator, then it is likely that a certification or degree in benefits administration would be beneficial. Having a certificate or degree can increase your knowledge base and give you an edge over other job applicants. It can also provide proof of your expertise and dedication to the field of benefits administration.

However, if you are already working as a benefits administrator or have experience in the field, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate or degree in order to continue working in the profession. Many employers will accept prior experience and knowledge as sufficient qualifications for certain roles; however, having additional credentials could help you stand out from other candidates for more competitive positions.

Ultimately, obtaining a certificate or degree in benefits administration is an individual decision that should be based on your own unique goals and circumstances. If you feel that having additional credentials could help further your career goals, then pursuing one may be worth considering.

Related: Benefits Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Benefits Administrator Certifications

Q1. What is a Benefits Administrator Certification?

A1. A Benefits Administrator Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in benefits administration. It typically involves completing coursework and passing an exam to demonstrate mastery of the material.

Q2. Who should consider getting certified in benefits administration?

A2. Anyone who is responsible for administering employee benefit plans, such as Human Resources professionals, business owners, or insurance specialists, should consider getting certified in benefits administration.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Benefits Administrator Certification?

A3. The length of time it takes to complete a certification varies depending on the program chosen, but most certifications can be completed within six months to a year.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Benefits Administrator?

A4. Becoming certified as a Benefits Administrator demonstrates expertise in the field and can lead to increased job opportunities and higher salary potential, as well as greater respect from employers and colleagues alike.

Q5. Where do I find accredited certification programs for Benefits Administrators?

A5: There are many accredited certification programs available online or through universities or professional organizations such as Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Additionally, some companies offer their own internal certifications for their employees who specialize in benefits administration.