The DCPAS Employee Benefits Training (EBT) program structure and course material are designed to strengthen knowledge of various HR concepts and practices, as well as develop and enhance competencies specific to the Employee Benefits Advisor (EBA). Training is conducted in a virtual classroom setting and emphasis is placed on the core competencies required within the employee benefits functional area.

The EBT Program is comprised of three (3) levels of Federal Employee Benefits Training. Designed for Federal Human Resources (HR) professionals, these training levels are presented by expert DCPAS Employee Benefits Advisors (EBAs). The three levels are: 1) The Basic Benefits Course (Level I); 2) The Benefits Intermediate Course (Level II); and 3) The Advanced Benefits Workshop (Level III). 

• The Basic Benefits Course (Level I):

  An entry level course introducing Federal benefits and retirement programs, governing regulations, and their practical application. The Basic course develops core HR competencies critical for the effective performance of Federal HR professionals. Limited to 25 participants per session, it is conducted over a five-day period.

• The Benefits Intermediate Course (Level II):

  The intermediate course is for HR professionals with at least one year of benefits experience. This course builds on the Basic Benefits Course through a comprehensive review of Title 5 of the United States Code (U.S.C.) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), coupled with engaging, thought-provoking case studies and exercises. The course material also strengthens interpersonal, team-building, and consultative skills. Limited to 25 participants per session, it is conducted over a five-day period. Prerequisites: Basic Benefits Course.

• The Advanced Benefits Workshop (Level III):

  The focus of the workshop is to sharpen the skills of experienced HR professionals who encounter the challenges of complex issues. This workshop includes exercises requiring utilization of advanced analysis and research from Title 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to resolve various multifaceted HR matters. Participants are partnered or assigned to a group, fostering group discussion to exchange ideas and HR perspectives. Limited to 25 participants per session, it is conducted over a three-and-one-half day period. Prerequisites: Basic Benefits Course and the Benefits Intermediate Course.

• FERS Eligibility Workshop:

  This two-hour workshop will provide information on the evolution of the federal retirement system with the focus on coverage determination for FERS, FERS-RAE, and FERS-FRAE using determination tables in accordance with Chapter 10 of the CSRS and FERS Handbook. There are no prerequisites to attend this course.

Current Training Offerings

• Basic Benefits Course - February 12-16, 2024
• Basic Benefits Course – February 26 - March 1, 2024
• Basic Benefits Course - March 11-15, 2024
• Basic Benefits Course - March 25-29, 2024
• Basic Benefits Course - April 22-26, 2024
• Benefits Intermediate Course (BIC) - April 8-12, 2024
• Benefits Intermediate Course (BIC)- May 13-17, 2024
• Benefits Intermediate Course (BIC) - June 24-28, 2024
• Benefits Intermediate Course (BIC) - July 15-19, 2024
• Advanced Benefits Workshop (ABW) - May 6-9, 2024
• Advanced Benefits Workshop (ABW) - July 29 - August 1, 2024
• Advanced Benefits Workshop (ABW) - August 12-15, 2024
• Advanced Benefits Workshop (ABW) - September 9-12, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - February 20, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - March 19, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - April 30, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - May 21, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - June 11, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - July 23, 2024
• FERS Eligibility Workshop - August 20, 2024