Why are the certification requirements changing?
The association conducted a comprehensive Practice Analysis study in 2006 and 2007 to update the bodies of knowledge for all designations. The certification requirements are changing to maximize alignment with the updated bodies of knowledge.
What is a Practice Analysis?
The Practice Analysis is a study WorldatWork conducted to determine the frequency and significance of the tasks performed by a practitioner. The purpose is to identify a body of knowledge upon which to construct content and testing specifications for a certification program.
What is changing?
All certifications are moving to a single set of required exams that map to the updated bodies of knowledge. Elective exams are being phased out of the program.
Will the elective courses be discontinued?
No. Once the certification changes are final, former elective courses will still be offered as educational seminars without accompanying exams. These seminars will earn recertification credit and will be offered to anyone seeking specialty education in a given area of total rewards.
When are the changes effective?
The new requirements are effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Is there a transitional period?
Yes, from Oct. 8, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009, certification candidates can pursue their designations under either the old or the new requirements.
Will I lose credit for any exams I’ve passed that are not part of the new requirements?
No. Grandfathering rules have been established to award credit for exams passed under the prior certification rules to the new rules. The online Certification Status Program will display your current progress toward all designations under the transitional requirements. Please note: The online Certification Status Program does not recognize the original CBP requirements. If you wish to complete your CBP under the original certification program, please contact Customer Relationship Services to compare your progress under the new and old rules and determine the optimal path for finishing your designation.
How will my elective exams earn credit under the new requirements?
For elective exams that are currently complete or that you pass before Jan. 1, 2010, you will earn credit for up to three of the newly announced requirements for the CCP and up to two for the CBP. Your elective credit will not, however, earn credit toward an exam that has always been required.
CCP Candidate Example: If you have passed the C6 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for C12, C17 or T4.
CBP Candidate Example: If you have passed the B5 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for T4 or B12.
GRP Candidate Example: If you have passed the GR5 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for GR17.
How long will exams passed under the old requirements be honored?
Mapped elective exams passed prior to Dec. 31, 2009 will count for all candidates currently pursuing certification. Candidates who begin the certification process after Jan. 1, 2010, will pursue certification under the new rules.
What will happen to the value of my certification?
The value of the certification will be enhanced by the changes. The changes allow us to both recognize the significant achievements of everyone who has earned the designations to date, and enhance the value of the designations in the future. The requirements increase the validity and relevancy of the requirements by aligning them with the defined bodies of knowledge and competencies identified by practitioners. The requirements also allow us to assure all stakeholders who rely upon the designations that credential-holders have all met the same requirements.
Will we still have certificates?
The certificate programs will still be available throughout 2009. With the changes to the certification program going into effect Jan. 1, 2010, the certificates will also be redesigned. WorldatWork Society is evaluating the certificate program and will communicate any changes.
If I have started the process toward certification already, do I have to complete my certification in 2009? No. Grandfathering rules have been established to credit each exam you have passed toward your certification, with no time limit to complete the program.
CCP
What is changing about the CCP?
The CCP is moving to a required regimen of nine exams. Elective courses will still be offered, but their exams are being phased out of the CCP requirements and will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2009.
Why are Variable Pay (C12), Strategic Communications in Total Rewards (T4) and Market Pricing (C17) now required?
The Practice Analysis Study sought to identify knowledge domains and job tasks relevant to at least 50% of practitioners. Variable pay, strategic communications and market pricing all fell well above this threshold. In most cases, certification candidates self-selected these courses anyway prior to the changes. The changes help us to ensure to stakeholders that all designees have met the defined level of mastery in these content areas that have been identified as important to the majority of practitioners.
Why isn’t Performance Management (C11) required?
Performance Management is important to compensation professionals and will remain part of the certification requirements, but will be covered in different courses and exams. Aspects of the C11 course that met the threshold for inclusion in the compensation body of knowledge are now incorporated into the C4: Base Pay course and the C12: Variable Pay course, and there will be slight title changes to these courses. For individuals seeking a deeper and more strategic understanding of performance management, WorldatWork will continue to offer a two-day seminar without an exam and various other products.
Why aren’t other electives important to compensation practitioners required?
The goal of the certification changes was to align the requirements with the updated bodies of knowledge and to develop a uniform set of requirements for all individuals who pursue the designations. The uniform requirements help assure stakeholders that all designees have met the same requirements, which is not possible under the elective model.
The practice analysis study told us that many elective courses and exams were very important to some practitioners but not to the level that they should be required of all certification candidates. Competency areas that were performed by fewer than 50% of practitioners were removed from the certification requirements. These topical areas will continue to be covered in educational offerings, but will fall outside of requirements for the certifications.
What if I really want to use some of the electives that are being discontinued for my CCP?
You have until Dec. 31, 2009 to pass any elective exams that were allowed under the old certification requirements. These exams will continue to earn credit toward the CCP, subject to the three-elective maximum permitted under the old rules.
Can I continue under the old rules for the CCP during the transition period?
Yes. The core requirements did not change, so the new and old requirements are essentially the same, except for the elective exams no longer being available after requirements formally change in 2010.
What is changing about the Canadian CCP?
Changes to the Canadian CCP are identical to changes to the U.S. CCP, except that Regulatory Environments for Compensation Programs (C1) will not be required for the Canadian CCP. The Canadian CCP will require eight exams. To see the new requirements, click here.
Does the Certification Status Program track progress under the Canadian CCP requirements?
Yes. The online certification status program now tracks designation progress for all certification candidates. Canada-based certification candidates can view their certification status towards all Society designations by clicking here. If you need any assistance accessing your certification status, please contact Customer Relationship Services at 877/951-9191.
Does the B1 – Canada exam I took under the pre-2010 Canada CCP requirements still earn credit?
Yes, but only if you are continuing under the pre-2010 nine-exam requirements. The B1 – Canada exam does not earn credit under the new 8-exam Canada CCP requirements. If you would like to continue under the old requirements, please contact a Customer Advisor at 877/951-9191 to discuss your remaining curriculum path. If you wish to switch to the new requirements, you can view your current certification status online by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact a Customer Advisor or send an email to certification@worldatworksociety.org.
CBP
What is changing about the CBP?
The CBP is moving to a required regimen of seven exams. Elective courses will still be offered, but their exams are being phased out of the CBP requirements and will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2009.
Why are fewer exams required?
Requirements for the CBP are being streamlined to transfer content covered in the nine former requirements to seven exams.
How can I earn my CBP now with the changes to fewer exams?
To earn credit for seven exams, you must successfully pass the exams for T1, B1, B2, B3 and B3A. These are required. You must also take B12 and T4, or the equivalent for transfer credit with T2, T3, B5, T6, T11 or T12.
I’ve met the nine-exam requirements for the CBP under the old rules, but the online Certification Status Program is indicating that I still need to take the B3A exam. Do I need to take B3A for the CBP if I am following the old rules?
No. The online Certification Status Program recognizes B3A as a requirement now because it is mandatory for those operating under the new seven-exam rules. If you have met the CBP requirements under the old rules, please contact a Customer Advisor at 877-951-9191 to review your status and process your certification. Please note that exams T4 and T12 may be used only once toward either the CCP or CBP requirements under the old certification requirements.
Why aren’t Accounting and Finance (T2) and Quantitative Methods (T3) required anymore?
Finance, accounting and quantitative analysis are important competencies for benefits professionals and are being incorporated directly into the courses and exams where they have the greatest relevance. We have chosen to redesign to align the content this way. This change will allow the certification program to highlight these competencies in the context in which benefits practitioners typically encounter them. Benefits practitioners today rely on partnerships with specialists who help them in their work. These specialists include accountants, attorneys, 401(k) administrators, actuaries and health-care accountants, to name a few.
The key concepts of the T2 and T3 courses have been integrated into other courses (B1, B2, B3, B3A) to the extent that they apply to benefits professionals. Some additional concepts, as determined by the Practice Analysis, have also integrated to the remaining courses to enhance the content and value of the CBP.
I already took T2 and T3. Will I still get credit?
Yes. During the transition period and beyond, certification candidates who passed T2 and T3 under the prior certification requirements may earn mapped credit for up to two exams under the new requirements. Visit the online Certification Status page to see how your credit has been applied.
Can I still take Accounting and Finance and Quantitative Methods after 2010 for my CBP? No. If you have already passed T2 or T3 prior to 2010, they will count toward your CBP (assuming exams T1, B1, B2, B3 and B3A are all passed). After Jan. 1, 2010, T2 and T3 will be redesigned and offered with only compensation-related content. Individuals who take these exams for the first time after 2010 will only earn credit toward the CCP.
Why are Health and Welfare Programs (B3A), Strategic Communications in Total Rewards (T4) and Outsourcing/Working with Service Providers (B12) now required?
The Practice Analysis Study found that the competencies covered by these exams were performed by the majority of benefits practitioners.
Is the new B12 outsourcing exam equivalent to the prior T12 course?
The prior T12 exam earns credit toward the new B12 requirement. Once the T12 course and exam are discontinued, the new B12 exam will earn credit only for the CBP, not the CCP.
Why is the B1 Fundamentals course changing to a regulatory course?
The Practice Analysis Study identified regulatory compliance as a key competency for benefits professionals. Under the prior curriculum, this content was woven across several courses and topical areas. As part of the process of mapping the new benefits requirements to the updated body of knowledge, the B1 course consolidates regulatory concepts into one course that maps to the regulatory knowledge domain for benefits.
Why is the new B2 Retirement Plans course focused so much on defined contribution plans?
Responses to the Practice Analysis Survey confirmed that fewer and fewer benefits professionals are actively involved in managing defined benefit plans. While plans continue in many companies, the competencies identified for benefits professionals were related more to working with the service providers who administer DB plans. The survey found that benefits practitioners had a much higher level of responsibility for defined contribution plans and as such, the certification focuses more heavily on competencies related to designing and administering DC plans.
Can I continue under the old rules for the CBP during the transition period?
Yes, but with the move to seven exams, the new requirements are more advantageous for all CBP candidates. Please view your progress toward the CBP under the 2010 requirements and contact our Customer Relationship Services Department to map a curriculum plan that makes the most sense for you.
What if I really want to use some of the electives that are being discontinued for my CBP?
You have until Dec. 31, 2009 to pass any elective exams that were allowed under the old certification requirements. These exams will continue to earn credit toward the CBP, subject to a two-elective maximum if operating under the new rules.
Is the B5 exam going to be available in 2009 even though the course is being retired?
Yes, it will be available to the customer throughout 2009.
GRP
What is changing about the GRP?
The GRP is moving to a required regimen of eight exams. The GR5 Performance Management exam is being phased out of the GRP requirements and will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2009.
Why does Market Pricing (GR17) replace the Performance Management (GR5) requirement in 2010?
The Practice Analysis Study confirmed that the majority (more than 50%) of compensation practitioners responding had responsibilities related to market pricing. The GR17 course and exam will continue to evolve over time to recognize commonalities across borders in job pricing.
Performance Management was identified as important to compensation practitioners worldwide and will remain part of the certification requirements; it will be covered in the GR4 Base Pay and GR6 Variable Pay courses. For individuals seeking a deeper understanding of performance management, WorldatWork will continue to offer a two-day seminar without an exam and various other products.
WLCP
What is the status of the WLCP?
The WLCP designation remains unchanged at this time. The existing requirements map well to competencies identified for the profession. As the profession evolves, the association reserves the right to modify requirements as applicable.
Multiple Certifications
What if I am pursuing multiple designations?
Candidates pursuing multiple designations must meet the individual requirements for each designation. Just as in the former program, certain exams are required for more than one certification (T1: Total Rewards Management and T4: Strategic Communication in Total Rewards are required for both the CCP and CBP). These passed exams will earn credit and count toward each designation for which they are required.
If I am pursuing my CBP under the old nine-exam requirements, can I still earn credit for T4 and/or T12 if I have already used them for my CCP? No. Dual T4 or T12 credit for the CCP and CBP is not available under the old requirements. Under the original dual CCP/CBP requirements in effect before the 2010 certification changes, elective “T” exams T4, T6, T9, T11 and T12 may only be used once toward either the CCP or the CBP.
Can I get dual CCP/CBP credit for T4 and/or T12? Yes, T4 and/or T12 may be used for both CCP and CBP certification if you are pursuing this dual certification under the new rules. This provision was built into the new certification requirements to accommodate candidates who have not yet finished the CBP program by 2010. After 2010, individuals who passed the T4 and/or T12 exam for their CCP are permitted to use these exams for their CBP. For this reason, T4 and/or T12 may be used for both the CCP and CBP only if you are pursuing your designation under the new CBP requirements.
If I am pursing my designations under the new requirements, how long will I be able to earn dual CCP/CBP credit for T4 and/or T12? Under the new rules for the CCP and CBP, T4 is required for both, so it may be used for both designations indefinitely. The online Certification Status Program recognizes this dual credit. The T12 exam earns dual credit under the new rules only until T12 is retired Dec. 31, 2009. After that date, the Vendor Management/Outsourcing exam will be available only in a benefits version (B12), which will earn credit toward the CBP only.
My Certification Status Program Report
What will I find when I log in to My Certification Status?
The listing on the Certification Status report shows your individual progress toward all WorldatWork Society designations, based on the requirements and elective courses available during this transitional period. Because the elective exams are still available in the certification program through Dec. 31, 2009, you may choose to use them until that date to earn credit toward certification. Current elective courses marked with an asterisk (*) in the report will be required in 2010.
Will the report show something different in 2010?
Yes. Starting Jan. 1, 2010, the report will only show your progress under the new rules, with only the required exams among the list of those to be completed. For those who are already on the path to certification, grandfathering rules will be acknowledged to transfer credit from current elective exams to new required exams.
CCP Candidate Example: If you have passed the C6 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for C12, C17 or T4.
CBP Candidate Example: If you have passed the B5 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for T4 or B12.
GRP Candidate Example: If you have passed the GR5 exam, you will earn credit under the new requirements for GR17.
Pricing
Will the pricing be different in 2010, especially for courses where the exam is going away?
It is undetermined at this time, especially for the courses that will no longer be part of the certification program and therefore no longer have an exam. Pricing for all courses is carefully considered and any changes in pricing will be communicated to customers.
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