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Business & Office

How to become a Benefits Administrator

From HR coordinator: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
1–3 years
Typical pay
$58k–$80k
Starting from
HR coordinator

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from HR coordinator and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Work in HR support first

    Benefits sits inside HR and hires from it far more often than from outside.

    Course that covers thisThe Essentials of Human Resource ManagementUdemy · around $19.99
  2. Learn the plan mechanics

    Eligibility, enrolment, COBRA, FMLA and 401(k) rules. Errors here cost people money.

  3. Run an open enrolment

    The annual crunch. Doing one cleanly is what qualifies you for the role.

  4. Certify

    CEBS is the specialist credential; SHRM-CP is the general one.

    CEBS or SHRM-CP

  5. Destination

    Benefits Administrator

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