Once you have selected a course, your next step is to choose when you would like to take your exam. Choosing a testing window establishes your exam eligibility and allows you to take your exam at any time during the selected testing window. You will select a testing window for your exam but do not need to schedule a specific date and/or time within that window for your virtual exam.
US: If you previously purchased your exam and need to transfer to a future window, you will need to use the online order form or downloadable order form to pay the transfer fee and request a future window.
Canada: If you previously purchased your exam and need to transfer to a future window, you will need to use the online order form or downloadable order form to pay the transfer fee and request a future window.
Please note, you must submit your order to purchase your exam at least five business days before the end of the window you have selected.
For detailed exam information, visit the Virtual Exams page or scroll down on this page.
Exam Process
Ready for your exam? Apply for a CEBS exam and select a testing window.
Select a Testing Timeframe
The Certified Employee Benefit Specialist
Program (CEBS) offers all exams exclusively in a virtual format. All
exams are offered within four testing windows:
Window 1: January 15-March 15
Window 2: April 15-June 15
Window 3: July 15-September 15
Window 4: October 15-December 15
You will receive exam access
instructions once your order has been processed (approximately 3-5
business days). You will
select a testing window for your exam but do not need to schedule a
specific date and/or time within that window for your virtual exam.
Access your exam when the testing window opens, and complete any time until 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of the window. If you do not complete by the deadline, the exam will be removed from your account. You will need to register and pay a transfer fee for another exam. Please keep in mind that customer service support is available to assist with exam access related questions Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CST.
In
order to take an exam, you must have a device such as a laptop or PC with internet access, the Chrome browser, a webcam and microphone.
Make sure you have your valid, government-issued photo ID with you when
you are ready to take the exam as it is required. Allow additional time
prior the start of the timed exam to download the required
extension and complete the pre-exam steps.
Each exam is a 90-minute timed exam consisting of 75-85 multiple choice questions. When you purchase the exam for each course, you will receive an email with exam access instructions for your selected testing window. Below is detailed information on the exam process.
Prior to Starting the Exam
Please approach your on-line exam as you would an in-person exam with your workspace clear of any materials in a quiet environment free of distractions. You are required to take the exam using a device with a microphone and webcam.
Which Internet browser is required to take the exam?
Google
Chrome is the only browser compatible with the virtual exam process.
Once in the exam environment and prior to launching the timed exam, you
will be required to download a Chrome extension provided by Proctorio
for added security.
Will I be required to present identification within the exam environment prior to launching the exam?
Yes,
you will be required to present to your computer screen your valid,
government-issued photo ID to validate your identity and protect the
integrity of the exam. Failure to complete this required step will
invalidate your exam and you will forfeit your exam fee.
CEBS Virtual Exam Code of Conduct
You
will be required to agree to the CEBS Virtual Exam Code of Conduct
before launching your exam. To review the Code of Conduct, please
visit www.cebs.org/ExamCode.
Will I be able to earn Continuing Education Credit for passing my exam?
Continuing Education Credit may be available towards your license or designation. For more information related to various licenses and designations, please visit the Continuing Education website. You will find information pertaining to different designations and licenses, requirements for administration of credit, how to request credit, and forms required.
Failure to review the requirements on the website may result in credit not being able to be administered in accordance with the license or designation governing bodies regulations.
For Insurance Continuing Education Credit, some
state boards require that self-study/correspondence exams be taken in a proctored
(monitored) environment. It is your responsibility to confirm CE rules
that apply to you before completing an application for a virtual exam.
The Proctorio extension is not a proctored environment for CE
purposes. If your state board requires a monitored exam, you MUST
complete the Continuing Education Monitor Affidavit and return it per the instructions on the form. Failure to return a required form will result in no credit being reported.
During the Exam Taking Process
What role does the Proctorio extension play in the exam-taking process?
The
Proctorio component provides audio, video and screen recordings during
your exam. Proctorio only records during an exam. Recording starts
right as you enter the exam, after the diagnostics pre-check and exam
agreement have been completed. Recording stops when you submit or close
the exam.
What behavior is flagged by Proctorio during the exam process?
To
protect the integrity of the exam, behaviors monitored include eye
movement, background noise, time away from the computer, etc. You must
complete the exam without assistance from any other persons and may not
communicate with anyone during the exam. You must take the examination
in a space that is private and clear of all extraneous materials such as
study notes, course materials, programmable calculators, erasable
whiteboards and all mobile devices including cell phones, handheld
computers and additional computer monitors. Each CEBS exam is a timed
exam and once the exam starts, the timer continues to run and cannot be
paused. All results are final, numerical scores are not released, and
grading is on a Pass/Non-Pass basis.
Can Proctorio access any of my personal computer files or data or have access to my web history?
No, Proctorio does not access any files or data stored on your computer nor does it have access to your web browser history.
After Taking the Exam
Who reviews the recordings of my exam process?
Only
approved representatives of the CEBS program have access to your audio,
video and screen recordings. The CEBS Program reserves the right to
follow up on potential breaches of exam integrity and affirm responses
meet the standards of certification or the CEBS Program can disallow the
results.
Once I install Proctorio, is it always on?
No.
Proctorio only runs during an exam. You can tell when Proctorio is "on"
because the Proctorio extension shield icon will turn green. Since
Proctorio is a browser extension, it can be uninstalled or disabled
immediately after an exam is submitted, and reinstalled or enabled in
time for the next exam
CEBS Policies
Principles of conduct are standards of an aspirational and idealistic nature which serve as models of exemplary conduct. In order to support the basic objectives of high levels of competence, performance and ethical conduct, all persons who seek or obtain the CEBS designation are expected to comply with the letter and spirit of the Precertification Standards of Personal and Professional Conduct along with these Principles of Conduct. Review exam tips and policies here.Frequently Asked Questions
Still looking for more information? Check out CEBS FAQ for further details on curriculum updates.
Need More Help? The CEBS Customer Service Team is here to assist you!
Call (800) 449-2327, option 3 or email [email protected].