CAS - COBRA Administration Specialist
Short Summary
CAS – COBRA Administration Specialist
The CAS – COBRA Administration Specialist designation is a focused credential offered by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), designed for professionals who manage COBRA compliance and benefits administration. It equips HR specialists, benefits administrators, and third-party service providers with the regulatory knowledge and operational skills needed to navigate COBRA’s complex requirements, including eligibility, premium calculations, notifications, and continuation coverage.
Candidates must complete a self-paced study course and pass a 100-question exam with a minimum score of 60%. Topics include COBRA eligibility rules, qualifying events, plan coverage, premium payment structures, mergers and acquisitions, retiree coverage, and COBRA’s interaction with consumer-directed health plans. The program also covers case law and regulatory updates to ensure designees stay current with evolving compliance standards. Recertification is required every three years through continuing education.
Earning the CAS designation signals expertise in one of the most technical and compliance-sensitive areas of employee benefits. Designees are trusted to manage COBRA obligations accurately and ethically, reducing employer liability and improving participant experience. The credential is especially valuable for professionals working in benefits outsourcing, payroll administration, and HR compliance roles, and it complements broader certifications such as CCS or CEBS.
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Course Description
The COBRA Administration Specialist (CAS) designation, certified by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), is designed for professionals who manage COBRA compliance, benefits administration, and regulatory requirements. It provides specialized education on the rules and regulations governing COBRA administration and is ideal for individuals working in HR, benefits consulting, and insurance administration.
Purpose of the CAS Designation
The CAS credential serves several key functions:
- Ensuring Compliance – Helps professionals understand COBRA regulations, employer responsibilities, and employee rights.
- Enhancing Benefits Administration – Provides expertise in COBRA enrollment, eligibility tracking, and premium payments.
- Strengthening Regulatory Knowledge – Covers COBRA in mergers and acquisitions, retiree coverage, and alternative health plans.
- Expanding Career Opportunities – Recognized as a valuable credential in HR, finance, and insurance industries.
Topics Covered in the Course
The CAS program consists of self-paced study modules covering key aspects of COBRA administration:
- COBRA Eligibility & Coverage – Defines who is subject to COBRA and which plans qualify.
- COBRA Premium Calculations & Payments – Explores cost-sharing models and employer contributions.
- COBRA in Mergers & Acquisitions – Examines compliance strategies during corporate transitions.
- COBRA & Consumer-Directed Health Plans – Focuses on integration with FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs.
- COBRA Case Law & Compliance Best Practices – Helps professionals navigate legal precedents and IRS guidelines.
Specialization Options
While the CAS designation provides a comprehensive benefits education, professionals can further specialize in:
- Corporate Benefits Consulting – Advising businesses on COBRA compliance and alternative coverage solutions.
- Healthcare Benefits Optimization – Focusing on cost-effective COBRA plan design.
- COBRA Administration & Compliance – Managing COBRA notices, enrollment, and premium tracking.
The CAS credential is a recognized symbol of benefits expertise, providing professionals with a competitive advantage in HR, finance, and insurance industries
Cost
- Application Fee – Included in the certification package.
- Course Fees – The CAS Study Course & Exam costs $574 for ECFC members and $1,024 for non-members.
- Study Materials – The program includes four recorded study courses, PowerPoint presentations, and a study guide.
- Exam Fees – The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, requiring a 60% passing score.
- Recertification Fees – The CAS designation is valid for three years, after which holders must submit 12 CE units and pay a recertification fee:
- $150 for members
- $300 for non-members.
- Additional CE Unit Fees – If candidates complete non-ECFC courses, they can submit them for approval at $20 per CE unit.
- Group Discounts – Organizations enrolling 10+ candidates can receive a 50% discount with a bulk certification package.
Prerequisites
The COBRA Administration Specialist (CAS) designation, offered by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), has specific eligibility requirements.
Prerequisites for CAS
- Industry Experience – No formal education or work experience is required, but candidates should have a strong understanding of COBRA administration.
- Course Completion – Applicants must complete the CAS Study Program, which includes four self-paced online courses.
- Exam Requirement – Candidates must pass the CAS Exam, which consists of 75 multiple-choice questions with a 60% passing score.
- Application Submission – Applicants must complete the CAS application and verify that all requirements are fulfilled.
Once certified, CAS holders must renew their designation every three years by completing 12 Continuing Education (CE) units.
Renewal Requirements
Maintaining the COBRA Administration Specialist (CAS) designation, offered by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC), requires meeting continuing education (CE) requirements and paying renewal fees.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education – CAS holders must complete 12 CE units every three years to stay updated on COBRA regulations, compliance, and best practices.
- Membership Maintenance – Renewal requires maintaining active membership with ECFC.
Renewal Fees
- The recertification fee is $150 for ECFC members and $300 for non-members.
- Additional fees may apply for late renewals or reinstatement if CE requirements are not met.
- Non-ECFC continuing education may be approved by submitting course details and paying a $20 per CE unit fee.
Average Time to Complete Course
- The CAS program consists of four self-paced online courses.
- Candidates must complete a 12-hour study course before taking the exam.
- The certification process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the candidate’s availability and prior experience.
Exams
- Number of Exams – The CAS designation requires one exam.
- Format – The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions.
- Passing Score – Candidates must achieve at least 60% to pass.
- Duration – The exam must be completed within three hours once started.
- Testing Window – Candidates have 120 days from purchase to access and complete the exam.
Certifying Body
The COBRA Administration Specialist (CAS) designation is certified by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC). ECFC specializes in tax-advantaged benefit plans, employee compensation strategies, and compliance training, ensuring that professionals who earn the CAS credential have expertise in COBRA regulations, benefits administration, and compliance best practices
