Paul Sanchez
Becoming a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a nationally recognized and highly respected insurance professional designation. The CIC certification program was started by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research in Austin, Texas, in 1969. The course to become certified is offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research and is said to provide agents with practical and real-world education that will help them become successful. The CIC program is for agents, brokers, underwriters, etc. who have at least two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry. To earn the designation, participants must score 70% or better on a two-hour, essay-style exam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Certification | Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) |
| Administering Organization | The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research |
| Prerequisites | Licensed agent, broker, adjuster, or solicitor; or two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or as a risk management practitioner; or two years as a full-time insurance faculty member at an accredited college or university |
| Course Format | Five courses, 16 hours each, with a 2-hour exam at the end of each |
| Number of Courses Required | Five courses, or four courses and one Certified Risk Managers (CRM) course |
| Course Topics | Agency Management, Commercial Casualty, Commercial Multiline, Commercial Property, Personal Lines, Life and Health, and Company Operations |
| Course Completion Deadline | Five calendar years |
| Minimum Passing Score | 70% |
| Course Rate | $420 to $475 per course |
| Annual Update Requirement | One course every year |
What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible to attend CIC institutes and obtain the CIC designation, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a licensed agent, broker, adjuster, or solicitor.
- Have at least two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or as a risk management practitioner.
- Have served as a full-time insurance faculty member at an accredited college or university for at least two years.
The CIC program is recommended for insurance professionals with at least two years of full-time insurance or risk management experience. If you are a part-time insurance agent, you will need to transition to full-time work before you can obtain your CIC certification.
The CIC program is designed for agency owners, producers, agents, brokers, and agency and company personnel.
The CIC courses include:
- Commercial Multiline
- Insurance Company Operations
- Agency Management
- Commercial Casualty
- Commercial Property
- Personal Lines
- Life & Health
The CIC designation must be updated annually to remain current. CIC designees can choose from various course options to fulfil their annual update requirements. Update courses must be completed by the end of the participant's birth month each year.
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Coursework
The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) program is a nationally recognized and highly respected insurance professional designation. The program is recommended for licensed agents, brokers, and adjusters, as well as insurance professionals with at least two years of full-time insurance or risk management experience. To earn the CIC designation, participants must complete and pass five CIC courses within five calendar years, choosing from the following:
Agency Management
This course covers the internal operations and factors necessary to run an agency. It includes key topics such as strategic planning, talent management, technology, client acquisition and retention, and ethics.
Commercial Casualty
The Commercial Casualty course covers Commercial General Liability, Inland Marine, Ocean Marine, Business Auto, and Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability coverages.
Commercial Multiline
The Commercial Multiline course covers Commercial Inland Marine Concepts & Coverages, Crime Coverages & Endorsements, Cyber Exposures and Coverages, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and Excess Liability/Commercial Umbrella Coverages.
Commercial Property
The Commercial Property course covers ways to maximize coverage for various types of commercial property accounts.
Life and Health
The Life and Health course provides essential background knowledge for property and casualty agents to succeed in the life and health insurance market.
Personal Lines
The Personal Lines course addresses the insurance needs of individuals, families, and family members, and explains the complexities of state-specific personal lines forms.
Company Operations
The Company Operations course covers Executive Strategies, Regulation & Compliance, Actuarial Practices & Accounting, Product Development, Agency/Policyholder Services, Underwriting, and Claims.
Each course consists of 16 hours of instruction, followed by a two-hour examination. The rate per course is $420 to $475, and participants have a total of five years to complete the necessary coursework and tests. The CIC program is offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research and is available online or in-person.
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Examinations
To become a Certified Insurance Counselor, you must pass five exams within five calendar years. Each exam is a two-hour, 17-21 question essay-style exam, and you must score 70% or higher to pass. The exams are given at the completion of each of the five institutes, which are:
- Agency Management
- Commercial Multiline
- Commercial Casualty
- Commercial Property
- Personal Lines
- Life and Health
- Company Operations
You must choose any five of these institutes, complete the coursework, and pass the corresponding exam. You can complete the exams for each institute online or in person.
The coursework for each institute is 16 hours in length, split into two days of instruction. The courses cover a range of topics, including strategic planning, talent management, insurance types (such as commercial property, personal lines, and life and health), and insurance company operations.
It is important to note that while you have five years to complete the necessary coursework and exams, failing even one of the institute exams can delay receiving your Certified Insurance Counselor designation. Therefore, thorough preparation is essential.
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Maintaining certification
Maintaining your Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation is an important part of staying current in the insurance industry. Here are the key steps to maintaining your CIC certification:
Complete Annual Update Courses
To keep your CIC designation current, you must complete an annual update course. This course can be chosen from a number of options, including:
- James K. Ruble Seminar
- PROFocus Series Seminar
- Dynamics of Sales Management
- Dynamics of Company/Agency Relationship
- Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) course
- Certified Risk Manager (CRM) course
- Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) course
These courses provide ongoing education and ensure that CIC designees stay up-to-date with industry developments and maintain their professional excellence.
Update Designations Annually
CIC designees are required to update their designations annually. This involves completing any one of the above-mentioned yearly update options and paying the necessary dues. By staying current with their designations, CICs demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and their career in the insurance industry.
Stay Informed About Industry Changes
The insurance industry is constantly evolving, with changes in regulations, policies, and risk management issues. CIC designees should stay informed about these changes to ensure their knowledge remains current and they can provide the best service to their clients. This can include staying up-to-date with industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in ongoing professional development opportunities.
Maintain Ethical Standards
Maintaining ethical standards is an important part of being a CIC. This includes understanding the relevance of professional ethics in the workplace and complying with legal and ethical duties. CICs should be aware of how unfair trade practices can influence ethical behavior and the potential consequences of missteps, such as Errors and Omissions.
Seek Additional Certifications
CIC designees who wish to further their education and expertise may consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the Certified Risk Manager (CRM) or Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) designations. By earning multiple designations, CICs can enhance their knowledge, credibility, and career prospects in the insurance industry.
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Benefits of CIC status
The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation is a nationally recognised and highly respected professional credential for insurance agents. The CIC status comes with several benefits, including:
- Enhanced expertise and industry recognition: CIC status demonstrates a strong commitment to the insurance industry and continuing education. It showcases your expertise, credibility, and comprehensive knowledge of insurance practices, setting you apart from your peers.
- Increased earning potential: Professionals with the CIC designation can earn 30% more than their non-designated counterparts. This is due to the enhanced product knowledge and trusted advice that CIC status confers, leading to greater career opportunities and earning potential.
- Flexibility: The CIC program offers flexibility in terms of course format and completion time. Courses are available in both live classroom and online webinar formats, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your needs. Additionally, you have up to five years to complete the necessary coursework and exams.
- Practical education: The CIC curriculum provides practical, real-world education that can be immediately applied to your insurance practice. The courses cover a range of relevant topics, including agency management, commercial multiline, commercial casualty, commercial property, personal lines, life and health, and company operations.
- Annual update options: To maintain your CIC status, you are required to complete one annual course. This ensures that your knowledge stays up-to-date and that you remain informed about the latest industry trends and changes.
- Networking opportunities: By pursuing the CIC designation, you will have the chance to connect with other insurance professionals and build a valuable network. With over 300 courses conducted each year in major cities across the US and Puerto Rico, you'll have numerous opportunities to expand your professional connections.
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Frequently asked questions
A Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional certification for insurance agents. The CIC program is nationally recognized and is recommended for insurance professionals with at least two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or risk management.
To become a CIC, you must complete five CIC courses and pass five exams within five calendar years. The courses include Agency Management, Commercial Casualty, Commercial Multiline, Commercial Property, Personal Lines, Life & Health, and Insurance Company Operations.
The CIC designation demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the insurance industry. It can help you stand out from your peers and lead to more career opportunities and higher earning potential. The knowledge gained from the CIC courses can also help you better serve your clients and stay up-to-date with industry changes and risk management issues.
To maintain your CIC designation, you must complete one course per year. You can choose from a variety of course options to fulfill your annual update requirements.
