87% Risk Managers would consider a designation when selecting an agent or broker
74% Risk Managers indicate their agent or broker has either their ARM or CPCU
58% Risk Managers agree a designation makes an agent or broker more valuable
Design your ARM to CPCU Pathway today
There are just three steps to complete on the path to earn your ARM and CPCU designations.
- Earn your ARM,
- Select your CPCU Track (selecting either the Commercial or Personal Track), and
- Choose an elective.
Arrange your courses around your schedule – with our 100% online delivery, our courses are accessible when you want, where you want.

Risk managers need their brokers to understand their business along with the risks and challenges they face, not just sell them insurance. Become the consultative partner your clients demand by earning your Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and CPCU designations.
- Develop the tools to succeed in a rapidly evolving risk management landscape.
- Master the skills to holistically analyze existing risks and anticipate emerging ones.
- Discover strategies for managing and treating your clients’ risks.
- Build your mastery of cyber risk, financial data and statement analysis, and legal aspects of risk management.
- Implement corporate finance principles to protect your clients.
The 100% online ARM to CPCU path lets you personalize your studies in either Commercial or Personal lines while earning both designations in as little as two years.
Complete and pass 3 courses to earn your Associate in Risk Management.*
- ARM 400: Risk in an Evolving World
- ARM 401: Holistically Assessing Risk
- ARM 402: Successfully Treating Risk
*Complete Ethics 312 to meet the CPCU ethics requirement.
Choose your track and add your CPCU courses:
- CPCU 410: Speaking the Insurance Language
Commercial Track
- CPCU 551: Addressing Commercial Property Risk
- CPCU 552: Addressing Commercial Liability Risk
- CPCU 553: Understanding Personal Insurance and Finance
Personal Track
- CPCU 555: Developing Personal Insurance Solutions
- CPCU 556: Planning Personal Financial Strategies
- CPCU 557: Understanding Commercial Risk
Customize your learning journey and choose one of the courses below relevant to your career goals.
- AIDA 181: Big Data Analytics for Risk and Insurance
- CYB 301: Managing Cyber Risk
- AIC 300: Claims in an Evolving World
- AU 60: Commercial Underwriting Principles
- ARe 144: Reinsurance Principles and Practices
Your Next Steps
We recommend starting your studies with ARM 400: Risk in an Evolving World. You do not need to select
your CPCU concentration or elective until you are ready. Learn more about and register for each ARM course in the program below.
To learn more about, select, and register for your CPCU and Ethics courses visit the Progress Tracker.
Additional Resources
Try it for Free
Get a head start by sampling an online risk management course.
Sample a Risk Management Course

Free Mini Course
Mastering Holistic Risk Management
- Topics
-
- The Evolution of Risk Treatment
- The Risktech Ecosystem
- Assessing and Treating Supply Chain Risk
- Organizational Culture’s Influence
- Identifying Catalysts for an ERM Program
- Average Completion Time
- 30-60 Minutes
100% Online Learning
Case studies, videos, and simulated exams help you retain critical knowledge.
ARM for Today’s Busy Professional
Stay Ahead of Risk with ARM
Change the way you think about risk with the Associate in Risk Management (ARM™) designation from The Institutes.
Study Options and Pricing
Choose the study option and exam format that work best for you.
Study Options
Choose the course materials that work best for you, then complete your exam virtually or in person.
ONLINE + COURSE BOOK
Get unlimited access to all online content, plus a printed course book to supplement your learning.
Package includes:
- Online course
- Assignment-level quizzes
- Unlimited practice exams
- A simulated, timed credentialing exam
- Printable workbook*
ONLINE ONLY
This package includes unlimited access to online content, as well as:
- Online course
- Assignment-level quizzes
- Unlimited practice exams
- A simulated, timed credentialing exam
- Printable workbook*
*All CPCU core courses now include a printable workbook as an additional exam-prep tool.
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers
-
Does earning the ARM and CPCU designations give me credit towards other designations at The Institutes?
Yes! After earning the ARM, you may have earned credit towards:
- CPCU
- Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF)
- Associate in Insurance Data Analytics (AIDA)
- Associate in Insurance (AINS)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
- Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI)
- Associate in Reinsurance (ARe)
After earning the CPCU you may have earned credit towards:
- Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB)
- Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF)
- Associate in Insurance Services (AIS)
- Associate in Personal Insurance (API)
- Associate in General Insurance (AINS)
- Associate in Marine Insurance Management (AMIM)
- Associate in Premium Auditing (APA)
-
Do the courses in the ARM to CPCU programs earn CE credit?
Most courses in both programs qualify for CE credit.
-
Tell me about exam windows and what is the best strategy to selecting a window
Each exam window is open for 60 days. You may take your exam anytime during that time period.
We recommend you create a study plan to complete the course work first, then add two to three weeks for review and to complete the practice exam to be confident you are prepared. After creating this schedule, you should be able to select your exam window. If your projected completion date falls between exam windows, we recommend selecting the next exam window to not rush your studies.
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Are there study groups or online classes available for courses in the ARM to CPCU programs?
For select designations and courses, instructor-led classes are available both in-person and online.
Find out if this designation has classes available near you.
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Can I take a sample course before enrolling in a full course?
Yes! If you would like to preview a course, we offer a mini course that includes a few assignments from your selected program. Our mini-courses can be completed in 30-60 minutes depending on the program.
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Are there networking opportunities for me as I progress through and complete the ARM to CPCU pathway?
Yes! The CPCU Society offers a variety of benefits for members including study groups, networking events, podcasts, webinars, an Agent and Broker interest group, and hosts an annual conference, In2Risk, concluding with CPCU conferment.
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I am not sure I’m ready for a designation, are there other options or programs at The Institutes for me?
Absolutely. The Institutes is home to a variety of options including topic courses, continuing education courses, employee benefits courses, and a Producer Accelerator program.
We want to help you succeed! If you have questions give us a call or send us an email.
Email: CustomerSuccess@TheInstitutes.org
U.S. and Canada: (800) 644-2101
Outside the U.S.: (610) 644-2100