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What is the REBC Designation?
The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC designation) is a widely recognized credential for group benefits and retirement planning professionals. This credential is awarded by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) to those who have dedicated themselves to learning about creating and managing employee benefits.
The REBC designation is more than a credential; it’s a mark of excellence. It sets you apart as a leader in your field, accelerates your career, and assures clients they are partnering with a distinguished consultant committed to the highest standards of expertise and professionalism.
Did you know getting the REBC Designation will set you apart in the industry?
REBC Program Overview & Prerequisites
The REBC curriculum primarily covers group medical plans and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
The curriculum for the REBC designation includes taking a series of mandatory and elective course
- Three Required Core Curriculum Courses: Ethics in Business, Group Benefits: Basic Concepts, and Advanced Topics in Group Benefits
- One Required ACA Curriculum Course: ACA and Beyond: A Modern Look at Employee Benefits
- Three Elective Courses
The elective courses REBC designation recipients can take, include:
- Account-Based Health Plans
- Advanced Benefit Account Manager Certification
- Advanced Self-Funding Certification
- Benefits Account Manager Certification
- Corporate Wellness Certification
- ICHRA
- Individual Health Insurance Certification
- Pharmaceutical Facts, Policy, and The Market Today
- Self-Funded Certification
- Single-Payer Healthcare Certification
- Voluntary Worksite Certification
These courses ensure anyone with the REBC designation has a strong understanding of group benefits, retirement plans, and regulatory compliance requirements.
After completing these courses, you will also need to pass an examination for each course to earn your designation.
With the REBC Program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in benefits planning while learning how to choose the right health plans and manage retirement options.
REBC Designation FAQs
If you are interested in getting the REBC designation, here are some frequently asked questions.
How can I prepare for the REBC designation exams?
Best practices say to dedicate 15-20 hours per week studying over 3-4 months.
Effective exam preparation involves having a structured study schedule that includes practice exams, study groups, and summarizing key concepts that will be in the exam.
How can I maintain my REBC status?
To keep your REBC designation, follow these steps:
- Renew the designation every 2 years
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education
- Ensure the certification does not lapse or expire
Note: these requirements may vary for different agents. Maintaining your REBC designation and education ensures you stay up to date with new government regulations, modified coverages, and cost-control techniques.
What will I learn from the REBC course?
NABIP outlines the following learning objectives for the REBC designation:
- Describe the legal regulations and methodologies involved in benefits management
- Describe the main features of commonly provided group insurance benefit plans, including applicable regulations, contract provisions, marketing, underwriting, rate making, plan design, and cost containment
- Describe the main components of the Affordable Care Act as they relate to group health benefits and ethically guide clients toward compliance with the legal regulations while minimizing tax penalties and related employment costs
- Identify the main features of employer-provided benefits
- Describe the COBRA election process, and explain the rules that apply to the determination and payment of the COBRA election process, and explain the rules that apply
- Understand core ethical business practices
- Understand HIPAA Privacy and Security and ERISA regulations and requirements
Why should I earn the REBC designation?
Individuals who earn an REBC designation gain a deep understanding of group benefits and retirement plans. You’ll be prepared to offer valuable guidance to your clients about employee benefits. Additionally, an REBC designation can offer you:
- Career advancement opportunities
- Professional credibility and recognition
- Client trust and confidence
- Competitive advantage in the market
- Higher earning potential
- Expert knowledge in benefits and compliance
- Industry networking access
- Job security and marketability
How much does the REBC designation cost?
The initial costs of the REBC designation are:
- NABIP membership: $395 annually (you must be a NABIP member)
- Course materials: $800-$1,200
- Exam fees: $750 total
- Total investment: $2,145-$2,545
What are the financial benefits of the REBC designation?
Some benefits you can experience from having the REBC designation:
- Salary boost: 15-25% because REBC credentials demonstrate valuable specialized knowledge that employers actively seek and are willing to pay higher rates for
- Entry-level: $55,000-$75,000 (vs. $45,000-$55,000)
- Experienced: $75,000-$120,000+
- Break-even: 12-15 months
- 5-year additional income: $50,000-$100,000
The REBC designation is worth the investment. The salary boost, earning potential, and credibility make it a smart move for your career. Employee benefits is a specialized field that requires deep technical knowledge. REBC certification proves you have expertise in these areas.
Do I need to be a NABIP member to get the REBC designation?
Yes, the REBC designation is only available to NABIP members. For more information, check out these resources:
How to Be a Successful REBC Certified Broker
As an REBC designated broker, you’ve already proven that you value setting yourself up for success. Using the right tools can help you continue that success and grow it further. One of the most impactful tools is how you manage your client data and policy information — like an insurance CRM or agency management system.
Every agency management system (AMS) is different, so choosing the right system for your agency is crucial. AgencyBloc is the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform for health insurance agencies and uplines. With the AgencyBloc experience, you’ll get help from our sales consultants, data specialists, and step-by-step resources to ensure you have the support you need.
Posted
by Shannon Beck
on Tuesday, August 19, 2025
in
Group Benefits
- industry news
About The Author
Shannon is the Marketing Specialist at AgencyBloc. She creates and curates engaging, helpful content across blogs, social media, and other digital platforms for health, benefits, and senior insurance agencies looking to grow. Favorite quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it." &m
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