Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ FAQ’s

1: Why do I want to become certified?

Becoming a Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ by the Global Benefits Association (GBA), is one of the best ways to advance your career by setting yourself apart and giving you that competitive edge and knowledge of your field. This Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ course is designed to bring you the most up to date information about global benefits, including successful employer case studies, industry best practices, product and service innovations, and the direction of the industry in the years to come. This certification is for individuals whose involvement in global benefits is both a career choice and passion.

2: How was this certification created and how is it different from others I've seen in the industry?

The Global Benefits Association (GBA) has spent the last several years developing the Certified Global Benefits Specialist™. For the certification program we partnered with senior leaders from some of the most successful industry leading companies to incorporate industry best practices. In collaboration with one another, we've put together very topical and industry specific information for this program. The GBA is the only non-profit association developed in the country by employers for employers. Our Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ course is the most comprehensive and will give you an actual designation that will not only be helpful to build your knowledge base but to develop you into a more marketable individual as well. Recipients of the certification must pass a comprehensive exam showing a thorough understanding of global benefits best practices and programs. Certification is not granted to those who simply "sit in" on the certification programs. Exam questions are developed through the Global Benefits Certification and Education Committee which is made up of HR professionals who are experts in wellness. Our program is the only one that offers continuing education credits to ensure that participants stay up to date on industry best practices and case studies.

3: Who are the certification course instructors?

Our program is unique because our instructors are the leading HR professionals who've implemented the most innovative and successful global benefits programs in the country. The program does not cover theoretical or hypothetical. They are not vendors, service providers, or consultants who are selling the services. Participants are learning best practices from actual employer case studies.

4: Are there any prerequisites/requirements to be eligible to participate in the certification courses?

You must have a minimum of one year experience in human resources or employee benefits.

5: Are there any course materials/books required for certification?

Yes, you must purchase "Global Benefits for Human Resources Professionals" which is the Global Benefits Associations certification curriculum text book which is available in print ($80) or electronically ($35). The "Global Benefits for Human Resources Professionals" book provides critical information required for passing the exam.

6: Can I receive my certification either in person or online?

Yes, either way.  There are several key advantages to receiving your credit hours onsite at the 3rd Annual Global Benefits Conference, which is taking place at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa ~ On the Beach, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, FL, October 24-26^th, 2012, www.GlobalBenefitsConference.com.  Studies have shown that people retain more information and learn faster through interactive, in person learning. The main advantage is being able to sit face to face with your colleagues discussing what you've learned, collaborating with other HR professionals and discussing the applicability to your specific organization.  You will have hands on experience during the sessions and also have the opportunity to participate in the live Q&A.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to share best practices and experiences with other individuals within your industry.

7: If I cannot attend, how can I take the course online?

Participants can register now for the online course which will be available starting December 15^th 2012. You are not required to complete all your online hours at one time, you can pace yourself and do it within your own schedule.  You will receive a confirmation letter via email that you have registered as soon as you sign up.  Approximately 2 weeks prior to the online classes being available you will receive an email with instructions on how to sign in and take the courses.  For the online courses you will be able to pause the video during the course and come back to watch it whenever you want. You will be prompted to go on to the next module as you complete each course.  At the end you will be prompted to take the online exam.  To sign up for online registration CLICK HERE.

8: How do I sign up for the event so that I can receive the credits in person?

To register to attend educational session's onsite now, CLICK HERE.  Sign up today!

9: What is the purpose of taking an exam?

The exam is designed by HR professionals to make sure that you understand and have retained the information outlined in the educational sessions and online courses. It's also a key factor that differentiates our certification from others in that it gives the program much more value as it allows you to test your own skills for learning and proves that you've personally gained the knowledge for certification. Most importantly it shows prospective employers that you've done your due diligence in learning what is most important for your industry.

10: When does my certification become active?

Your certification will become active as soon as you pass the exam.

11: When can I take my certification exam?

Participants can take their online exam beginning October 26^th, 2012. You must take the exam and receive a passing grade within four weeks of completing your certification hours.

12: Once certified, how can I use this certification? Where can I display my designation?

You can put this designation on your resume, business card and your professional social media sites. You will be provided a certificate of completion as well as the logo to put on your professional social media sites, resume and signature line in your email.

13: Where will I be able to receive the credits necessary to fulfill the 8 hours required for the certification?

You can receive your 8 hours of certification by attending the 3rd Annual Global Benefits Conference, October 24-26, 2012 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa ~ On the Beach, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, FL.  Registration for online courses is available now:  CLICK HERE. The online courses will be available to you starting December 15, 2012.  You will receive an email confirming your online registration.  A reminder email and sign up information will be sent to you approximately 2 weeks before the online sessions are available.

14: What is the process for completing the certifications?

1. Complete the online application and pay for the certification.

2. Register for the training program/classes: 8 hours of credit required for certification.

3. Attend to all sessions of the program (Choose to participate in our distant learning online program or attend our 3rd Annual Global Benefits Conference and sit in on educational sessions in an active learning environment.   This year's Conference will be taking place October 24^th-26^th, 2012 on the beach in Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida).

4. Read our comprehensive industry textbook, "Global Benefits for Human Resources Professionals" as part of the certification curriculum (Certification fee does not include the cost of the handbook.  Choose to purchase a digital textbook for $35 or a printed hard cover copy of the handbook for $85).

5. Take the online exam within 4 weeks of completing the training program.  Participants must receive a passing grade of 75% in order to receive their certification.

15: Will I be able to apply the certification credit hours I receive towards any other industry certifications? Are they approved to count towards the PHR designation?

All of our courses are also SPHR approved. In addition, most of our courses are also applicable to certain states CE programs.

16: Are there continuing education requirements for certification?

Yes. You are required to do 5 hours of continuing education annually at a cost of $100 per year.

17: Do you have a list of the types of work/courses that would qualify as continuing education requirements needed to maintain the certification designations?

Each year the Global Benefits Conference will hold an annual event at which Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ participants will be able to receive their continuing education credits.  We are in the process of working with other associations, professional organizations and event coordinators to get their educational content approved for the continuing education.  We will update registered participants via email as these opportunities become available. If you are interested in having your continuing educational content approved for the Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ course, please contact us at Info@GlobalBenefitsAssociation.com.

18: Why are continuing education credits required after completion of the certification course?

The Certified Global Benefits Specialist™ course is the only one that offers continuing education credits to ensure that participants are up to date on best practices and case studies. The global benefits industry is evolving and participants must stay up to date on industry best practices, compliances, engagement, and legal issues. These are ever evolving and to continue to stay up to date on the most important topics related to your field such as compliance and industry best practices, it is imperative to take continuing education courses. The continuing education credits will set you apart from other professionals in the industry who have not pursued specialized education in global benefits.

19: Is it possible to receive group discounts if multiple people from our organization are obtaining certification?

Yes.  Since many organizations are looking to get more than one employee certified, for every 3 people certified, you will receive one complimentary certification.  Please email Info@GlobalBenefitsAssociation.com or call 561-204-6567 for more information.

20: Who do I contact for more information on the certifications?

For more information email us at Info@GlobalBenefitsAssociation.com or call USA: 001-561-204-6567 to speak to us in person.

21: Can I be reimbursed by my employer for my certification?

Yes, in most cases. Many employers reimburse their employees for specialized continuing education.  Please check with your organization to see if they will reimburse you for the certification. If you need assistance in obtaining approval to be reimbursed, please feel free to utilize our "Employer Reimbursement" sample letter regarding the importance and benefits to obtaining a certification.  CLICK HERE to download the form.

22: How do I begin? Where and when can I sign up/register for the certification courses?

There are two options.  You can choose to sign up today and attend the sessions in person by opting to sit in educational sessions with the leading industry professionals at the 3^th Annual Global Benefits Conference, www.GlobalBenefitsConference.com, or you can opt to take the classes online.  You can register to attend the certification courses by registering for the 3^th Annual Global Benefits Conference today.  To register for the event please CLICK HERE.  You can also sign up to take the course online.  To register and take the certification course online CLICK HERE.  The online classes will be made available to you no later than December 15, 2012.

23: If I fail the exam can I take the exam again?

Yes, you can take the exam up to two times without having to pay a fee. If you are not able to pass the exam after the second time, you will be required to pay a re-examination fee of $200.