The Integrity of CPCU
The Canons and Rules in the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct are essential for maintaining the integrity and reputation of the CPCU designation. They provide a consistent framework for ethical behavior, promote accountability, and protect the interest of the public, as well as ensure your commitment to act ethically.
The CPCU Canons
Below is a brief overview of each of the nine canons. If you are interested in learning more, you can view the full Canons and CPCU Code of Professional Conduct.
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Canon 1 – Put People First
CPCUs should always prioritize the public’s well-being, avoid improper actions, and focus on growing professionally. No matter the client interaction, fairness for all insureds is key. Fair treatment for all insureds, including third-party liabilities, ensures optimal fulfillment of insurance purchasers' needs.
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Canon 2 – Keep Learning
CPCUs need to maintain their expertise by staying current in their field and keeping up with new trends and changes in an ever-evolving world. CPCU in Good Standing, our continuing education program for CPCUs, ensures designation holders stay updated on risk management and insurance knowledge and best practices. This is done through courses and events from The Institutes and our affiliates, including the CPCU Society and CEU. CPCUs can also earn credit from other qualifying activities.
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Canon 3 – Be Fair and Honest
CPCUs should operate with good-faith and high integrity, steering clear of any interactions or scenarios that hinder fair competition. They must always put the customer first and stay informed on laws and codes to ensure no unjust harm is done to others.
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Canon 4 – Enhance Risk Management and Insurance
CPCUs should carry out their job responsibilities and actively support initiatives to improve the insurance field. By doing so, they’re not just benefiting the public, but also boosting the overall effectiveness of the insurance landscape.
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Canon 5 – Elevate Professionalism
CPCUs are expected to uphold professionalism and ethics by following the Rules of Professional Conduct, which includes encouraging skill development, championing ethics, and teaming up with regulators for transparency.
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Canon 6 – Maintain Ethical Relationships
CPCUs should establish ethical relationships with customers, colleagues, and members of other professions. They must keep all information obtained by or entrusted to them confidential, disclose it only when legally required, and refrain from unauthorized legal practices unless legally qualified.
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Canon 7 – Educate the Public
CPCUs play an important role in making sure the public knows what risk management and insurance services are available to meet their needs. CPCUs must give unbiased information, stay in the loop on laws, and meet the needs of those they serve.
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Canon 8 – Uphold the Designation
CPCUs must uphold the CPCU designation’s integrity by following guidelines set by The Institutes. These guidelines include never misrepresenting knowledge, honoring the integrity of the CPCU designation, upholding high ethical standards, and more.
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Canon 9 – Maintain the Integrity of the Code
CPCUs must follow the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct, which includes deterring unethical candidates, reporting alleged violations promptly to The Institutes, and refusing unethical business practices.
Helpful Resources
The Institutes offer several resources and opportunities to help you uphold the Canons and make a lasting impact as a CPCU. Collectively, we can elevate the risk and insurance disciplines and ensure that CPCU continues to be the standard in leadership and high ethical standards.
CPCU Society
The CPCU Society offers unlimited free monthly webinars, local chapter events, leadership conferences, and more to help you find community with other risk and insurance professionals, and provide opportunities for ongoing continuing education.
CPCU in Good Standing
Every CPCU commits to ongoing professional education as part of the CPCU Code of Conduct. CPCU in Good Standing is a reporting program that tracks continuing education and showcases your commitment to your career and the risk and insurance field.
Topic Courses
Looking for something quick? Our topic courses are a great opportunity to gain new skills and continue your education. You'll find bite-sized courses in underwriting, claims, reinsurance, and more — plus, you can complete them in as little as one hour.