PEBC™ Hybrid
A PATHWAY TO THE PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONSULTANT (PEBC™) DESIGNATION
OUR CURRICULUM
This curriculum delivers a comprehensive foundation in employee benefits and the broker’s role in designing, delivering, and managing effective programs. Participants will gain:
- A clear understanding of the employee benefits landscape and group benefits operations
- A solid grounding in health insurance, pharmacy benefits, plan design, and funding arrangements
- Insight into how wellness, ancillary, and voluntary benefits enhance total rewards and workforce well-being
- The ability to align benefits strategy with employer goals and workforce needs
- An understanding of how to identify, manage, and mitigate risk across employee populations
- Working knowledge of key regulatory and compliance requirements
- Practical understanding of the client lifecycle—from strategy and plan design to enrollment, renewal, and ongoing management
- Skills to serve as a trusted advisor, guiding clients through complex benefit decisions in a dynamic marketplace
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- Employee Benefits Landscape
- Healthcare and Health Insurance Fundamentals
- Types of Health Plans
- Prescription Drugs
- Health Savings and Spending Accounts
- Dental, Vision, Ancillary and Voluntary Benefits
- Plan Funding
- Stop-Loss Insurance
- Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Benefits Plan Design & Strategy
- Government Sponsored Healthcare
- Retirement Benefits
- Compliance and Regulatory Issues (e.g., ACA, ERISA, COBRA)
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Being a Trusted Advisor
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The PEBC™ Hybrid program is intentionally designed to allow participants the time they need to do their job while simultaneously building foundational knowledge and skills. The program features:
- Live Virtual Sessions (1 hr. per week)
- Instructor-led
- Held via Zoom
- Reinforces course content and application
- Online, Self-Paced Course Work (3 hrs. per week)
- Readings
- Video Lessons
- Workbook Pages
- Quizzes
- Assignments/Discussions
Total participant time commitment: approximately 4 hours per week.
- Live Virtual Sessions (1 hr. per week)
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$1,800 per person for Council members*
$3,000 per person for non-Council members*
Cancellation Policy: Refunds will not be issued after the second week of live virtual instruction.
* Exam fees not included
Frequently Asked Questions
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The PEBC™ Hybrid is a five-month, instructor-led program that combines live, virtual sessions with independent coursework. Participants engage weekly with University of Wisconsin School of Business professors and industry experts in a collaborative online classroom setting. This format is ideal for learners who value structure, peer discussion, and accountability while completing their coursework.
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The PEBC™ Hybrid program is designed for early-career Employee Benefits professionals who prefer structured learning and real-time interaction. It’s especially well-suited for producers, account managers, and client service professionals at Council member firms who want to strengthen their technical expertise and consulting confidence.
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Cohorts typically begin twice a year and follow a structured five-month schedule with weekly lessons. Each cohort moves through the material together, combining live Zoom instruction with independent coursework to reinforce key concepts and real-world application.
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Tuition is $1,800 per person for Council members and $3,000 per person for non-members. Group discounts are available for firms enrolling multiple participants. Exam fees are not included.
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Yes. Participants in the Hybrid format can earn Continuing Education (CE) credits in multiple states. The Council provides detailed guidance on eligibility and documentation so credits can be applied toward professional licensing or other continuing education requirements.
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All coursework and resources are delivered digitally through The Institutes’ online learning platform.
Participants need:
• A computer or tablet with internet access
• A webcam and microphone for live sessions
• Access to email for program updates
No printed materials are required — everything is included in tuition. -
Yes, but the process depends on which format you’re currently enrolled in:
• From Hybrid → On-Demand: You can transition at any time. The Council and The Institutes will ensure a smooth transfer so you can continue your coursework without losing progress.
• From On-Demand → Hybrid: Because the Hybrid program runs in structured cohorts, you’ll need to wait for the next session to begin. A price difference applies and will be reflected at the time of transfer.
If you’re considering switching formats, contact The Council’s education team for help with timing, pricing, and credit transfer.
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Graduates earn the Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC™) designation and join a national network of benefits professionals. Participants at Council member firms can continue their professional growth through advanced Council programs such as Broker Smackdown and The Council at Lloyd’s, or through internal leadership and producer pathways at their firms.