CHSAS - Certified Health Savings Account Specialist
Employee Benefits
Jobs That Benefit Most
Course Description
The Certified Health Savings Account Specialist (CHSAS) designation, offered by the Health Savings Account Council (HSAC), is designed for professionals specializing in Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), healthcare financial planning, and tax-advantaged savings strategies. It equips professionals with expertise in HSA regulations, investment strategies, and retirement healthcare planning.
Purpose of the CHSAS Designation
- Industry-Wide Recognition – Demonstrates expertise in HSA administration, compliance, and financial planning.
- Healthcare & Retirement Integration – Helps professionals understand how HSAs fit into long-term healthcare and retirement strategies.
- Career Advancement – Strengthens skills for roles in financial advising, benefits consulting, and insurance brokerage.
Topics Covered in the CHSAS Course
The CHSAS program consists of self-study training, covering:
- HSA Fundamentals – Teaches eligibility, contribution limits, and tax advantages.
- Investment Strategies – Focuses on HSA investment options and long-term growth potential.
- Healthcare Cost Management – Covers how HSAs help reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Regulatory Compliance & Tax Benefits – Provides insights into IRS rules, employer contributions, and tax-free withdrawals.
Specialization Options
While the CHSAS designation does not have formal specialization tracks, professionals can enhance their expertise by pursuing related certifications in:
- Advanced HSA Compliance & Administration – Strengthens knowledge of HSA regulations and employer-sponsored plans.
- Healthcare Financial Planning – Focuses on integrating HSAs into retirement and investment strategies.
- Employee Benefits Consulting – Provides insights into HSA-based benefits packages for businesses.
Cost
- Course Fees – The CHSAS study program costs $574 for members and $1,024 for non-members.
- Books & Study Materials – Included in the course fee.
- Exam Fees – Certification testing is required but is part of the course package.
- Group Discount – Organizations enrolling 10+ users can receive a 50% discount with a bulk certification package.
Total Estimated Cost
The total cost for the CHSAS designation is approximately $574 for members and $1,024 for non-members, with potential discounts for bulk enrollments.
Prerequisites
- No Formal Education Requirement – The CHSAS program is open to professionals in financial services, insurance, and healthcare benefits.
- Self-Paced Training – Candidates must complete the CHSAS study program, which includes four self-paced online courses and certification testing.
- Industry Experience Recommended – While not required, prior experience in financial advising, employee benefits, or healthcare policy can be helpful.
Renewal Requirements
The Certified Health Savings Account Specialist (CHSAS) designation, offered by the Health Savings Account Council (HSAC), requires recertification every three years to maintain active status.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education (CE) – Designees must earn 4 CE Units within the last three years.
- Recertification Fee – Members pay $75, while non-members pay $150.
- Grace Period – If a designee misses their expiration date, they have six months to renew their certification.
Additional CE Unit Options
- If designees have completed non-HSAC courses, they can submit them for approval.
- There is an administrative fee of $20 per CE Unit for external courses.
Average Time to Complete Course
The Certified Health Savings Account Specialist (CHSAS) course is typically designed to be completed in a self-paced format, but most participants finish it in about 4 to 5 weeks. One example of a similar HSA-focused program includes weekly modules that take roughly 75 minutes per week, often paired with optional webinars.
Exams
- Study Time – The CHSAS program consists of four self-paced online courses, allowing candidates to complete it at their own speed.
- Exam Duration – Certification testing is required but is included in the course package.
- Flexible Learning – Candidates can finish the program in a single session or spread it out over time.
Certifying Body
The Certified Health Savings Account Specialist (CHSAS) designation is certified by the Employers Council on Flexible Compensation (ECFC) through its Flexible Compensation Institute, LLC. ECFC specializes in education, advocacy, and credentialing for professionals working with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and other tax-advantaged benefits
