Chartered Benefit Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is covered in the course?

A:  The course deals with the evolution of Consumer Driven Health Insurance (CDHI) programs:  Self-Funding, Partial Self-Funding, FSA, MRA, HRA, MSA, and the new HSA - both the tax-qualified and non-qualified versions. 

Q:  How much time is involved with this course?

A:  The classroom and webinar versions both require 15 hours of actual time spanning two days. . 

Q:  Will there be a final exam?

A:  Yes.  There will be a final exam, with the instructions and web address given out at the end of the second day of class.  Most instructors hand out that information and NAABC emails the information to each student as well. 

Q:  What does the final exam consist of?

A:  The final exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions (worth 2 points each) and 3 case study questions (worth 10 points each).

Q:  What is considered a “passing grade”?

A. A passing grade for the seminar course is 80%. 

Q:  Since I take the final exam via the Internet, is there a deadline for submission of the exam?

A.  Yes.  Your completed exam is to be sent to the exam IP for review within one week after the end of the second day of class.  Extensions of one extra week are automatically approved with notice to NAABC. 

Q:  What if I have technical problems with my computer and cannot take and submit the exam in the required time?

A:  You must IMMEDIATELY contact either the NAABC office, its web master or your instructor who will note the time of your call.  You will be given an extension of time to submit your exam based on the estimated time your technical problem will take to be resolved.

Q:  What if I do not achieve a passing grade?  Will I be allowed to re-take the exam? 

A:  Yes.  Once your exam is graded, it will be returned to you with comments.  You make re-take the exam as often as needed.

Q:  Will this course count toward continuing education credits in my home state?

A:  Yes.  Most states allow 15 CE credits or attending the class (12 in IL).  CE credits will automatically be filed in your state after completion of the class.  IF YOU ARE IN A STATE THAT HAS NOT YET CERTIFIED THE COURSE FOR CE CREDITS, YOU MAY STILL TAKE THE CLASS AND OBTAIN THE DESIGNATION.  NAABC will notify you of the reduction of tuiition for students in those states.  (Please contact NAABC to determine whether the course offers CE credits in your state.)

Q: Are there any other "perks" associated with obtaining the CBC designation?

A: Yes. You receive a complimentary 12-month membership in NAABC and the listing on their public access "Member Directory"; a free banner ad or credit toward web construction; and a listing on the “Chartered Benefit Consultant Directory” which is linked to the HSA web sites several pro-consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) organizations.  

Q:  What is the tuition for this course?

A:  The normal tuition is $499.  However, if we receive your registration at least seven days prior to the first day of the class, you will receive a $100 discount on your tuition.  . 

Q:  If I miss the deadline for the discount, must I pay the normal tuition all at once?

A:  No. You may register by paying one-half the tuition.  NAABC will bill your credit or debit card for the other half within 30 days after you register. 

Q:  My prime carrier is offer a training class on HSAs.  Besides getting an advance designation, why should I consider taking your class?

A.  While the professional agent should be encouraged to receive as much education in Health Savings Accounts and the entire CDHP market as they can, there is a difference in the source of such training.  Typically, insurance education is provided by either insurance carriers (product-specific oriented – theirs!) or by Continuing Education Providers (where this course is just one of many).  The National Association of Alternative Benefit Consultants (NAABC) offers what is considered the most comprehesive generic training inthe insurance industry.

Category	Carrier Training	CE Company Training	NAABC Training
Is HSA and/or CDHP training offered?	Usually and more will offer as time goes on.	Some but more courses will be offered.	Yes.  NAABC ONLY offers training in CDHP.
Are CE credits offered? If so, how many?	Usually, 3 CE hours	Ranges from 3 to 8 hours by state.	The CBC course = 15 hrs The Intro to CDHP course = 3 hrs
Is (are) the course(s) free?	Usually yes – in order to train you to sell their product	Never	No.  Because our training is “generic” and not tied to selling a specific product, we must charge  tuition.
How are courses offered?	Usually, seminar only	Seminar, self-study and some “on-line”.	Via seminar and webinar
Is a discount available for future courses	N/A	Not usually	Yes.  Anyone taking the Intro course is afforded a discount when entering the CBC course
Is an advanced designation offered?	No.	No.	NAABC offers the “Advanced CBC” designation training  course to students with a CBC prerequisite.
Are you provided assistance in recruiting prospective sales?	Not directly.  Only thru the knowledge obtained.	No	Yes.  All CBC grads automatically become NAABC members and listed on a public access directory as a “CBC”