PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT (PEBC™)

The Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC™) designation is a premier early-career program for professionals in Employee Benefits brokerage. Developed by The Council in partnership with The Institutes Agent & Broker Group, PEBC™ equips new benefits professionals with the knowledge and confidence to advise clients, understand plan design and compliance, and apply learning directly on the job — all while earning Continuing Education (CE) credits.

The PEBC™ program is designed for new-to-the-industry Employee Benefits professionals, typically with less than two years of experience. It’s particularly valuable for:

• Benefits producers or consultants
• Account executives and account managers
• Cient service representatives
• Licensed professionals and business development associates

Participants should be ready to build strong technical, analytical, and client-consulting skills.

There are two ways to earn the PEBC™ designation, depending on how you like to learn:

• PEBC™ Hybrid (via The Council): A five-month, instructor-led program that combines live, virtual sessions with independent coursework. Taught by University of Wisconsin School of Business professors and industry experts, this option is ideal for learners who prefer structure, collaboration, and peer discussion.
• PEBC™ On-Demand (via The Institutes): A self-paced, fully online program featuring video modules, flashcards, and interactive activities. Best for independent learners who want the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere.

The PEBC™ designation can be completed in approximately five months, depending on the format:

• Hybrid: Structured, five-month timeline with weekly live lessons (about four hours per week).
• On-Demand: Flexible, self-paced schedule that allows completion within five to seven months, depending on your pace.

Both paths lead to the same respected Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC™) designation.

Tuition varies by format and Council membership status:

• Hybrid: $1,800 per person for Council members, $3,000 for non-members.
• On-Demand: $778 per person, with Council members receiving a 20% discount using code 2025PEBC20CIAB.

Exam fees are not included.
Discounted corporate pricing is also available for firms enrolling multiple participants.

Yes. Participants in both the Hybrid and On-Demand formats can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits in select states. The Council provides guidance on CE eligibility, requirements, and documentation so participants can apply credits toward professional licensing or ongoing education requirements.

It depends on your learning preferences:

• Hybrid (via The Council): Ideal for learners who prefer structure, real-time discussion, and accountability. You’ll engage directly with professors, peers, and industry experts during live sessions.
• On-Demand (via The Institutes): Best for self-motivated learners who want flexibility and the ability to complete lessons independently on their own schedule.
  Both formats offer the same comprehensive curriculum and lead to the PEBC™ designation.

You can enroll directly through the platform that matches your learning preference:

• Hybrid format: Register via The Council’s website to join an upcoming cohort.
• On-Demand format: Register via The Institutes’ website to start immediately.

For group enrollment, corporate pricing, or eligibility questions, contact The Council’s Leadership & Management Resources (LMR) team.

There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in the PEBC™ program. It’s intended for professionals in Employee Benefits brokerage who are in the early stages of their careers, whether newly licensed or transitioning from another area of insurance or HR consulting.

Graduates join a national network of trained benefits professionals and gain access to continued development opportunities through The Council. Participants at Council member firms can build on their success by enrolling in advanced programs such as Broker Smackdown or The Council at Lloyd’s. Many firms use the PEBC™ designation as a key milestone in producer or leadership development tracks, recognizing graduates as ready to take on broader client and management responsibilities.

For firms, the PEBC™ designation provides a structured, turnkey approach to developing new Employee Benefits professionals. It accelerates onboarding, improves technical and consulting accuracy, and fosters consistent client-service excellence. Firms that sponsor participants often see stronger retention, improved client satisfaction, and faster readiness for production or leadership roles.

All coursework and resources are delivered digitally.

Participants need:

• A computer or tablet with internet access
• A webcam and microphone for live sessions (Hybrid only)
• Access to email for program updates
No textbooks or printed materials are required.

The PEBC™ designation focuses specifically on Employee Benefits brokerage, emphasizing real-world consulting, client strategy, and benefits plan design — not just academic theory. PEBC™ was built by brokers, for brokers, to strengthen the technical and advisory skills needed in today’s competitive benefits marketplace.

Earning the PEBC™ designation sets you apart as a knowledgeable, client-ready professional. Graduates gain confidence in benefits consulting, credibility with clients and colleagues, and faster advancement within their firms. Many Council member firms use the PEBC™ as a stepping-stone for internal promotion and producer development tracks.

Yes. The Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC™) designation is widely recognized across the insurance brokerage industry as a trusted credential for early-career Employee Benefits professionals. Developed collaboratively by The Council and The Institutes Agent & Broker Group, it carries strong credibility among leading firms and industry partners.

Yes — both Council member and non-member professionals can enroll in the PEBC™ program. However, Council members receive exclusive tuition discounts, additional support, and access to a broader portfolio of professional development opportunities. If your firm is not yet a member, The Council’s Leadership & Management Resources (LMR) team can help you explore membership options.