Credentials FAQs

The process for all IIBEC credentials is the same and begins with the application (specific to each credential) and can be completed online through the IIBEC User Portal. Once an application is submitted online, it will be reviewed and upon approval, you will be eligible to take the exam (specific to each credential). Credentials are earned upon successfully passing the exam(s). It is highly recommended to review the PDF Handbook for the credential program prior to applying. Credential Handbooks & Study Guides can be found under the Credentials tab at www.iibec.org.

Each credential program has an information page under the Credentials tab on www.iibec.org where the pdf handbook and sample test questions are included. Applicants must submit the credential application electronically using the IIBEC User Portal by logging in to the portal and selecting Apply for Certifications under the Certifications tab.

Yes. IIBEC membership is not required to hold an IIBEC credential, but members receive substantial member savings on the credential application fee, exam fee, and renewal fees that make IIBEC membership financially prudent. The vast majority of credential holders are also members of IIBEC. Please note, only active members of IIBEC are listed on the IIBEC International Member Directory and receive extensive member benefits and services.

No.  You may pursue IIBEC credentials in the order you choose, provided you meet the requirements outlined in each application.

The RBEC credential will be awarded to those who have earned the RRC, RWC, and REWC credentials. All three consultant credentials (RRC, RWC, and REWC) must be achieved prior to earning the RBEC.

No. IIBEC credentials are earned by individuals and remain with that individual regardless of employer or employment status.

An approved application is valid for 2 years. If the credential is not achieved within this timeframe, a one-time application extension form and fee can be submitted to extend the application for an additional 2-year period.

IIBEC credential requirements vary by program for experience requirements. Please consult the appropriate credential handbook or https://iibec.org/credentials/ for further information.

Typically, client contacts are preferred for projects. If client contacts are unavailable or unable to verify your work if asked, supervisors may be listed as contacts.

For these consultant applications, you will list your projects and note which categories of experience apply to each project. You may claim more than one point per project by marking more than one category. These points (from projects) are totaled, along with points earned from higher education and professional credentials, to make up the application point system.

Yes. IIBEC cannot operate on the assumption that your projects from one application qualify toward subsequent applications. Therefore, you will need to re-enter project information (if applicable).

Yes. An applicant will receive credit for years of college completed.  Education must be substantiated by a certified transcript for the institution.

You may send a copy or photo of your diploma if available. If unavailable, a certified copy of your transcripts should be sent to IIBEC by either mail or email to spatterson@iibec.org.

Both online and in-person education qualifies. Education must be technical in nature and not sales oriented or product specific. IIBEC, AIA, CSI, BURSI or other external education courses are acceptable.

No. In-person and online education are counted equally and acceptable.

No. Both IIBEC education and education from outside organizations can be used if the content is technical (not sales or product-oriented), earned within the last 10 years, and supported by documentation (typically a certificate of attendance).

There are not any required courses for any credential. Continuing education requirements of the application may be fulfilled through already earned CEHs, if available. There are, however, recommended courses for each credential, which are outlined in each credential handbook and located here: https://iibec.learnupon.com/store (Click on All Categories).

Yes. The required number of CEHs must be satisfied and come from at least 3 different continuing education programs (in-person or online). A maximum of 16 credits is allowed per program.

Yes. As long as the CEHs are within the 10-year timeframe, you may use the same CEHs across multiple credential applications.

CEHs must be self-reported through the IIBEC User Portal. Log in to your portal and select Report CEH Credits under the Certifications tab. You can upload CEH documentation such as certificates or transcripts in this section as well.

Once your exam registration form and payment are complete, Meazure Learning will contact you within 5-7 business days to schedule your exam at a testing location that is most convenient for you. Meazure Learning Testing Locations: https://www.assessments.meazurelearning.com/test-site-cities/

Only the CBECxP is offered for remote testing at this time. Please refer to the CBECxP Handbook for further information regarding remote testing.

All other IIBEC exams are available at a Meazure Learning testing facility. https://www.assessments.meazurelearning.com/test-site-cities/

A thorough review of the Credential Handbook & Study Guide is recommended. In particular, the references listed and the exam section/objective breakdown are beneficial for exam preparation.

The committee of subject matter experts systematically compiled a list of objectives that relate to the responsibilities, knowledge, and skills associated with acceptable performance relating to the credential exam. This list provides the organizational framework for the exam. The percentage of questions on the exam from each section is indicated as well.

Technical references and publications listed are meant to serve as a guide to illustrate the types of materials used during exam development; this is not a recommendation or suggestion to purchase all publications listed. The most useful tool in preparation for the exam is the list of skills, knowledge and responsibilities identified by the exam development task force as noted in the Handbook. It is recommended that the applicant review this list as it relates to one’s experience/skill set and then prepare accordingly with the courses and/or publications which may be helpful to the individual. IIBEC offers several relevant courses on LearnUpon: https://iibec.learnupon.com/store

Exam Preparation Suggestions:

• Review of the Credential Handbook and Study Guide
• Recommended courses on LearnUpon: https://iibec.learnupon.com/store
• Review list of references/publications and exam objectives located in the Handbook

Although not required, education offered by IIBEC on LearnUpon highlights programs that may be useful for anyone pursuing an IIBEC credential. Candidates can search LearnUpon by credential program to review recommended courses: https://iibec.learnupon.com/store

You will receive an official IIBEC packet in the mail containing your new credential certification, a credential card, and other important information within two weeks of passing your exam. You may begin using your credential effective immediately upon passing the exam. You may print a downloadable credential certificate, which includes your credential number, by clicking on Renew/View my Certification from the Certifications tab in the IIBEC User Portal. Please allow up to 7 business days for this information to be updated into your account. A digital credential badge will also be issued that can be used on your company website, email signature, and social media platforms.

You will be eligible to retake the exam after a mandatory waiting period of 4 months. The exam fee and registration form must be completed and paid each time you retake the exam. Please remember your application must be valid and not expired at the time of retesting eligibility.

You can access a copy of your credential certificate by downloading the document from your IIBEC User Portal. Login and select Renew/View my Certification from the Certifications tab in the Portal. Select the credential and click Print. A PDF of the certificate will be downloaded.

An annual renewal fee and annual continuing education hours are required for each program. Please consult the program handbook and credentials information page for further renewal requirement details. All credential holders are encouraged to self-report CEHs via the IIBEC User Portal.

Log in to your IIBEC User Portal during the renewal window (opens 90 days prior to the expiration date) and complete the following steps:

• Select View/Renew My Certifications under the Certifications tab in your User Portal
• Select the certification that you are renewing (green dot will appear) and select Renew.
• Complete the online renewal process and payment for each credential.
• Each credential must be renewed individually. Please follow the above steps to renew each certification if you have multiple IIBEC certifications.

Log in to your IIBEC User Portal and select Report CEH Credits under the Certifications tab. Please upload supporting documentation (certificate of attendance) for each entry.

Yes. IIBEC policy accepts continuing education from 18 months prior to the credential expiration date and 3 months after (“grace period”) the credential expiration date.

Example: If you are renewing your credential for 2025 and have a current expiration date of 12/31/24, then you are eligible to claim CEHs from July 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025 to satisfy your 2025 continuing education renewal requirements and a new expiration date of 12/31/25.

The system automatically pulls CEHs in your account within the allowable date range when completing the online certification renewal process.

Log in to your IIBEC User Portal and select View My Credit History under the Certifications tab. Once in the My CEU Credit History section, select Download Transcript to view a more detailed list of your continuing education.

Credentials are marked inactive after the 3-month grace period following your expiration date. Once a credential is marked inactive, you may reinstate your credential by the end of the year. To reinstate, please log in to your User Portal, select View/Renew My Certification, select your certification to reinstate (green dot), and select Renew. Follow the steps for reinstatement. Each certification must be reinstated individually using this process. An additional reinstatement fee will be added. Your certification will be re-activated once renewal payment, reinstatement fee, and CEHs are complete.