Employee Benefits Manager Certification
Stop Fearing ERISA Audits. Master the Rules of Benefits Compliance.
Approved for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits
The session delivers complete coverage of the new BBB benefits changes and the rules that will impact every employer. Benefits compliance is a minefield, and errors with ERISA, COBRA, or the ACA can result in staggering penalties. This certification gives you the confidence to manage the full benefits lifecycle with a clear, compliant, and defensible process. Learn what is changing, how to protect your organization, and why acting now is critical for compliance and success.
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Here's What You Can Expect From the Course
Stop getting buried in the complexity of benefits administration. This program provides a clear system to manage compliance and optimize your plans. With the new BBB updates now reshaping HSAs, FSAs, student loan repayment, and fringe benefits, you will move from reacting to regulatory changes to proactively building a benefits strategy that protects your organization and attracts top talent.
Course Outcomes
- Master ERISA Fiduciary Responsibilities and Compliance
- Navigate ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA Requirements
- Implement the latest BBB updates, including expanded HSA eligibility, higher Dependent Care FSA limits, and permanent student loan repayment benefits
- Administer HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs Correctly
- Design Compliant Wellness, Disability, and Fringe Benefit Programs
- Manage Retirement Plan Rules, Vesting Schedules, and Contributions
Outline
This five-day certification provides a complete A-to-Z guide for benefits managers. We begin with the foundational law of ERISA, then dedicate full sessions to health-related benefits, wellness and disability programs, and retirement plans. We conclude with a detailed look at fringe benefits and overall plan design.
Day 1: ERISA and Core Plan Administration
- Understand the purpose and scope of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
- Identify key roles, including the Plan Sponsor and Plan Administrator
- Learn to differentiate between fully insured, self-funded, and level-funded plans
- Fulfill fiduciary duties, including the prudent expert rule and undivided loyalty rule
Day 2: Navigating Health-Related Benefits (ACA, COBRA, HIPAA)
- Comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer mandate and affordability rules
- Administer Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), HSAs, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Manage the COBRA notification and election process to avoid daily penalties
- Maintain confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA
Day 3: Wellness Programs, Voluntary Benefits, and Disability
- Design wellness programs that comply with HIPAA, ADA, and GINA rules
- Understand the taxation of wellness incentives like gift cards and gym memberships
- Evaluate voluntary benefits such as accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans
- Administer short-term and long-term disability plans, including taxation of benefits
Day 4: Retirement Plans, Claims, and Appeals
- Differentiate between Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, and Defined Contribution (401k) plans
- Manage 401k vesting schedules, contribution limits, loans, and hardship distributions
- Conduct non-discrimination testing for highly compensated and key employees
- Follow the strict ERISA rules and timelines for handling claims and appeals
Day 5: Fringe Benefits and Strategic Plan Design
- Administer Dependent Care Assistance Plans (DCAPs) and their contribution limits
- Understand the tax rules for transportation, parking, and adoption assistance benefits
- Manage group term life insurance, including the $50,000 tax exclusion rule
- Structure educational assistance programs and qualified employee discounts
RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE
Who Should Attend?
- Human resources professionals
- Business owners
- Benefits professionals
- Financial officers
- Senior executives
- Employee relations staff
- Chief executives
- Executive directors
- Program directors
What Our Students Say
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He was very knowledgeable and I appreciated the materials put together.
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Excellent. Favorite part was the fringe benefits.
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King Q.
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detailed slides
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Presenter is very easy to listen to which made the presentation outstanding!
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ALL WAS GOOD
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The presenter looks like Rick from Pawn Stars
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Covered all general topics
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Mariana
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Excellent. Learning more about 401K
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Jennifer L.
Verified learner
Q & A - always learn much from this
Posted 4 years ago
Earn Your Certification
Each certification is hosted on CareerLearning's website ensuring its authenticity with hiring managers.
Your Instructor
ABOUT —
Dennis Hartin
- Started his insurance career in 1994 and moved up the ranks with a national carrier
- serving at every level
Dennis started his insurance career in 1994 and quickly moved up the ranks with a national carrier, serving at every level. Born in Kentucky and relocating to Tampa in 2014 with his wife and two boys he managed a sales team of 700 and an asset base of over $100 Million. He founded Hartin Dynamics in January of 2018 doing anything necessary to help his clients attract and retain the best talent. His firm merged with HUB International in October of 2022 to bring international tools and resources to his clients. He has been written up in Benefits Pro Magazine along with multiple national speaking engagements based on his unique approach to benefits and employee engagement. He is a contributor to an Amazon bestseller and his last book, “25 Changemakers in Florida,” launched in March 2021. Dennis has a unique passion for helping others and serves on multiple board roles for Neuro Shifts, Keystone Prep High School, HR Tampa, and The National Center for Performance Health, which addresses the growing mental health concerns in America.
All Inclusive
The Employee Benefits Manager Certification, both on demand or live, comes with the following.
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Two Year Course Access
The on-demand video training available 24/7 for 2 full years -
Templates & Tools
Downloadable documents, checklists, templates, and forms -
Certification Exam
One exam attempt included. Credentials valid for 2 years -
Small, Customized Classes
Live sessions tailored to participant needs—never generic
Credits
This program has been approved for general recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.
This program is valid for PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.
Why CareerLearning?
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Focus on Practical Skills
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Enhance Career Growth
Courses designed to help professionals advance their careers, improve their knowledge, and make a greater impact in their organizations. -
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Flexible Learning Options
Both live and on-demand options available, learn at a pace and time that suits your schedule. -
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Potential for Certifications
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Access to Valuable Resources
Course materials and resources provided to support your learning and implementation of new skills.
5 Sessions 90 Minutes Each
$0.00
Self-Paced; On-Demand Recordings
$999
Qty
Self-Paced; On-Demand (Qty: 0)
$0.00
Total
$0.00
What You'll Receive:
- ✓ On-Demand recording access for two years
- ✓ PDF slides + course resources & links
- ✓ Certificate of completion
- ✓ One certification exam attempt
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