REBC® - Registered Employee Benefits Constulant®
Short Summary
REBC – Registered Employee Benefits Consultant
The REBC – Registered Employee Benefits Consultant designation is a specialized credential awarded by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), formerly NAHU. It is designed for professionals advising employers on group insurance, health benefits, retirement planning, and executive compensation. REBC holders are recognized for their fluency in plan design, cost containment, and ACA compliance.
The program includes five courses—three required and two electives. Required modules cover group benefits fundamentals, retirement planning, and advanced benefits strategy. Electives may include executive compensation, personnel management, and managed care. Each course concludes with a comprehensive exam. Candidates must meet experience and ethical standards, including three years of business experience or a qualifying degree. Continuing education of 30 hours every two years is required for licensed professionals.
Earning the REBC signals advanced expertise in employee benefits consulting and regulatory alignment. Designees are often employed as brokers, consultants, HR professionals, or financial advisors, and are valued for their ability to optimize benefit offerings and support workforce well-being. The REBC complements broader credentials such as CEBS, RHU, and CLU, supporting career growth in benefits strategy, insurance sales, and financial planning.
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Course Description
The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation, offered by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), is designed for professionals specializing in group benefits, healthcare plans, retirement planning, and executive compensation. It equips holders with expertise in benefits consulting, compliance, and strategic plan design.
Purpose of the REBC® Designation
The REBC® credential serves several key functions:
- Comprehensive Benefits Knowledge – Covers group insurance, retirement benefits, and executive compensation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Helps professionals understand state and federal benefits regulations.
- Strategic Benefits Planning – Equips consultants with tools to optimize employee benefits packages.
- Career Advancement – Recognized as a valuable credential in HR, insurance, and benefits consulting.
Topics Covered in the Course
The REBC® program consists of core and elective modules covering key aspects of employee benefits consulting:
- Group Benefits – Covers medical plans, long-term care, and disability insurance.
- Retirement Planning – Explores pension plans, 401(k) structures, and retirement savings strategies.
- Executive Compensation – Examines incentive compensation, stock options, and deferred compensation plans.
- Advanced Topics in Group Benefits – Focuses on cost containment, underwriting, and alternative funding methods.
Specialization Options
While the REBC® designation provides a comprehensive benefits education, professionals can further specialize in:
- Corporate Benefits Consulting – Advising businesses on group insurance and retirement benefits.
- Executive Compensation Strategy – Focusing on high-level compensation structures and incentive plans.
- Healthcare Benefits Optimization – Managing cost-effective healthcare solutions and compliance strategies.
The REBC® credential is a recognized symbol of expertise, providing professionals with a competitive advantage in benefits consulting and insurance.
Cost
- Course Fees – Each course costs $599, plus $25 for shipping and handling of course materials.
- Exam Fees – The exam fee is included in the course tuition.
- New Student Fee – A one-time, non-refundable fee of $135 applies to new students.
- Continuing Education (CE) Requirements – REBC® holders must complete 30 CE hours every two years.
Prerequisites
Course Completion – Candidates must complete five courses, including three required courses and two electives.
- Exam Requirement – Each course includes a two-hour, 100-question, computer-administered exam.
- Experience Requirement – Candidates must have three years of business experience immediately preceding the date of use of the designation.
- An undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution qualifies as one year of business experience.
- When using formal education as qualifying experience, the remaining two years must immediately precede the date of the award.
- Ethical Standards – Candidates must adhere to industry-leading ethical business practices.
Renewal Requirements
Maintaining the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation, offered by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), requires meeting continuing education (CE) requirements and paying renewal fees.
Renewal Requirements
- Continuing Education – REBC® holders must complete 30 CE hours every two years.
- Ethics Requirement – At least one approved ethics CE course is required in most states.
- Self-Reporting – CE credits earned outside NABIP must be self-reported, with documentation maintained for verification.
Renewal Fees
- The biennial recertification fee is $85 for NABIP members or $125 for non-members.
- Additional fees may apply for late renewals or reinstatement if CE requirements are not met.
Average Time to Complete Course
- Candidates must complete five courses—three required and two electives.
- Each course typically requires 50–70 hours of study.
- Most candidates complete the program within 15–24 months, depending on their schedule and study pace.
Exams
- Number of Exams – Candidates must pass five exams, one for each course.
- Format – Each exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, administered via computer-based testing.
- Duration – Each exam is two hours long.
- Testing Window – Exams are available year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers, with results provided immediately upon completion
Certifying Body
The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation is administered by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP). NABIP is a leading organization dedicated to employee benefits, healthcare plans, and retirement strategies. The REBC® credential is recognized for its expertise in benefits consulting, compliance, and strategic plan design
