FAQs

FAQs

General Information

ACoBS is a professional educational organization dedicated to upskilling benefits professionals. We provide expert-led training and certifications in medical, pharmacy, retirement, and voluntary benefits to help individuals and organizations stay competitive in an evolving workforce.

Our programs are designed for a wide range of professionals, including:

  • Current Professionals:Benefits managers, HR specialists, consultants, and brokers looking to sharpen their technical expertise.
  • Career Advancers:Individuals aiming to improve their prospects for promotion by gaining specialized, high-demand credentials.
  • Career Switchers:Those looking to break into the benefits industry with a foundational, expert-led education that provides immediate credibility.
  • Stakeholders:Executives and financial officers who want to better understand the cost-drivers of their organization’s benefit plans.

ACoBS certifications (like the CPBS or CMBS) provide a “signal” to employers that you possess specialized knowledge in cost-containment and plan design. This expertise often leads to higher-level decision-making roles, increased earning potential, and a competitive edge in the job market.

While our programs dive deep into complex topics like PBM contracts and fiduciary duty, they are structured to build from the ground up. The combination of self-paced learning and expert-led discussions makes it an ideal pathway for those entering the field to gain years of “on-the-job” knowledge in a single course.

While the American College of Benefit Specialists (ACoBS) serves as our dedicated academic hub, our roots go back to 2015. We grew out of the Pharmacy Benefit Institute of America (PBIA), which was founded to bring transparency and elite-level education to the pharmacy benefits space. Due to the overwhelming success of PBIA’s certification programs, ACoBS was established to expand that same rigorous, expert-led training across all benefit pillars, including Medical, Retirement, and Voluntary benefits.

Certifications & Curriculum

A: We offer four specialized professional designations:

  • CMBS:Certified Medical Benefits Specialist
  • CPBS:Certified Pharmacy Benefits Specialist
  • RBMS:Retirement Benefits Management Specialist
  • VBMS:Voluntary Benefits Management Specialist

A: To accommodate different learning styles and schedules, we offer courses through various formats: Virtual, Self-Paced (eLearning), In-Person workshops, and On-Demand sessions

Yes. Depending on the specific program, our courses offer CE credits for L&H (Life & Health) insurance licenses, SHRM, HRCI, and ACPE (for pharmacy-related tracks).

Enrollment & Investment

We offer flexible pricing tiers:

  • Single Certification:$2,750 (one-time payment)
  • Certification Bundle (Two Programs):$4,125
  • Full Access Bundle (All Four Programs):$7,195

Yes. We offer “Pay Later” options with monthly or quarterly installments to help make professional development more accessible.

Enrollment grants you lifetime access to program materials, updates, and certification renewals, ensuring your knowledge stays current with industry trends.

Support & Resources

 We provide downloadable “Supervisor Letters” (available for both eLearning and Workshop formats) that outline the ROI and value our certifications bring to your organization.

You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which reaches over 10,000 readers and provides the latest updates on medical, pharmacy, and retirement benefit trends.

You can access our Directory directly on the website to verify certifications or network with other ACoBS-certified professionals.

The employee benefits sector is one of the most stable and impactful fields in the modern economy. Here is why professionals are increasingly choosing this path:

  • Economic Resilience:Benefits are a fundamental part of total compensation. Regardless of economic shifts, organizations must always provide health, retirement, and wellness options to attract and retain talent.
  • High Impact:You aren’t just managing plans; you are directly influencing the physical and financial well-being of thousands of employees and their families.
  • Intellectual Challenge:The industry sits at the intersection of healthcare, finance, law, and data analytics. It’s perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and staying ahead of complex regulatory changes.

Career Growth: As healthcare costs continue to rise, experts who can navigate contracts and plan design are in higher demand than ever. This specialty often leads to executive-level roles like Chief People Officer or VP of Total Rewards.

Why Certify with ACoBS?

In a rapidly changing landscape shaped by AI and rising healthcare costs, “general” HR knowledge is no longer enough. An ACoBS designation transforms you from a benefits administrator into a strategic asset.

Accelerate Your Career

  • Stand Out in the Candidate Pool:Whether you are breaking into the industry or eyeing a leadership role, an ACoBS certification proves you possess specialized expertise that 95% of your peers do not.
  • Fast-Track Your Promotion:Position yourself for a “seat at the table.” By mastering cost-containment and contract analysis, you transition from managing plans to driving organizational strategy.
  • Increase Your Earning Power:Specialized designations like the CPBS or CMBS are recognized markers of high-level competency that command higher salaries and consulting fees.

Deliver Immediate ROI

  • Stop Overpaying:Our graduates frequently identify six- and seven-figure savings for their organizations by applying the audit and contract techniques learned in our modules.
  • Master Compliance & Fiduciary Duty:Protect your organization (and your career) by gaining a deep understanding of the legal and ethical frameworks governing modern benefits.
  • Lifetime Access to Excellence:Your education doesn’t expire. Enjoy lifetime access to updated course materials, ensuring your skills remain sharp as regulations and markets shift.

“I thought I knew much more than I did before I took this course. I feel so much more equipped now to manage programs effectively.” — Charonda McGill, VP Health & Wellness