A new credential developed by The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and The Institutes Agent & Broker Group is expected to expand the pool of skilled employee benefits professionals.
The Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC) designation, created through The Institutes Designations, is designed for individuals with less than two years of experience in insurance brokerage. It offers foundational training for early-career professionals such as consultants, account managers, client service representatives, and business development associates.
According to The Council, the program responds to an ongoing need for qualified professionals who can handle complex employee benefits matters as the brokerage industry continues to face a talent shortage.
Council president and CEO Joel Wood said that over the past 20 years, the organization has steadily increased its investment in the benefits segment, resulting in significant growth in members’ participation in that market.
"With Council member firms currently advising, in some capacity, on two thirds of all employer-sponsored health plans in the US, this new EB designation addresses a critical need - developing, upskilling and career-pathing the next generation of benefits professionals," Wood added.
The collaboration between The Council and The Institutes builds on a long-standing partnership focused on workforce development in commercial insurance.
"Solving the tremendous challenge we face in bridging the talent gap is going to require creativity, collaboration and leadership from all facets of our industry," said John Howard, chair of the council's board of directors, and immediate past chair of The Institutes Board of Trustees.
He added that both organizations are committed to elevating the brokerage profession and supporting career advancement within member firms.
Pete Miller, president and CEO of The Institutes, said the initiative provides professionals with tools that help them build competence and confidence early in their careers.
“Through our continued collaboration with The Council, we’re proud to offer a program that equips early-career professionals with the kind of foundational knowledge that supports long-term success - and delivers lasting value,” said Miller.
The PEBC designation complements The Institutes’ Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) credential, introduced the previous year for early-career property and casualty professionals.
Two learning formats are available for the new program. The PEBC Hybrid offers instructor-led virtual sessions taught by faculty from the University of Wisconsin School of Business, while PEBC On-demand provides a self-paced pathway with video content, interactive exercises, and simulated exams. Corporate packages are also available for firms seeking to implement in-house training on a larger scale.
