Employee Benefits Manager Certification

Stop Fearing ERISA Audits. Master the Rules of Benefits Compliance.

Approved for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits
Dennis Hartin Dennis Hartin
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.

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

What's Included

The Employee Benefits Manager Certification course includes the following:

  • 📊

    Course access and recordings

    Access your course and any included recordings through your customer dashboard
  • 📚

    Course materials

    Includes PDFs of the presentation and any additional resources provided by the expert presenter
  • 🎓

    Certificates and exams

    • Certificate of attendance included with all courses
    • Certification courses include one exam attempt
    • Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and digital credentials
  • 🎯

    Class experience

    • Live sessions are small and focused to support questions and discussion
    • Self-paced on-demand courses allow you to move through the material on your own schedule

Who Should Attend

  • Human resources professionals
  • Business owners
  • Benefits professionals
  • Financial officers
  • Senior executives
  • Employee relations staff
  • Chief executives
  • Executive directors
  • Program directors
Course Certificate Example

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Your Instructor

Dennis Hartin
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.

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Employee Benefits Manager Certification
5 Sessions 90 Minutes Each
January 26-30, 2026 | 12:00-1:30 PM ET
$1200
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Self-Paced | On-Demand Recording
$600
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Or call directly: 914-331-8883
Employee Benefits Manager Certification
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5 Live Sessions 90 Minutes Each

$600.00
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Live Sessions with Recordings
$600
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📞 Let's Talk
Or call directly: 914-331-8883

What You'll Receive:

  • ✔️ On-demand access for one year
  • ✔️ PDF slides + course resources & links
  • ✔️ Certificate of completion
  • ✔️ One certification exam

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
45%
(9)
35%
(7)
20%
(4)
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J
Justyna P.

Good

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Lorencita G.

Fun

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Miriam J.

Excellent

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Katie C.

He was very knowledgeable and I appreciated the materials put together.

T
Tia L.

Excellent. Favorite part was the fringe benefits.

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