A new certification, the Professional Employee Benefits Consultant (PEBC) designation, is being launched by The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers in partnership with The Institutes Agent & Broker Group. Designed to address the ongoing talent shortage in the insurance brokerage industry, the credential targets early-career professionals working in employee benefits, including consultants, account managers, and business development associates.
For insurance claims adjusters, the introduction of the PEBC signals a growing emphasis on formalized training and professional development across adjacent roles. Claims professionals frequently interface with benefits brokers during employment-related insurance disputes or complex claims involving group policies. Improved knowledge and consistency in the brokerage workforce may lead to more efficient collaboration and clearer policy interpretations.
The PEBC curriculum is delivered through two tracks: instructor-led hybrid sessions via the University of Wisconsin School of Business, and a flexible on-demand format featuring interactive exercises and video content. For firms seeking scalable solutions, corporate packages are also available.
The initiative complements The Institutes' Professional Risk Consultant (PRC) credential for property and casualty professionals, reflecting a broader industry trend toward credentialing as a strategy to improve service quality and address the insurance talent gap.
