Explore Institutes Designations
What is a Designation?
Designations are multi-course programs designed to deepen your knowledge of risk management and insurance and help you stand out, grow in your career, and lead with confidence.
With a designation, you can:
- Gain practical, respected skills specific to each program
- Learn on your schedule, with most programs ranging from 3 months to 2 years
- Gain credibility by earning a professional diploma and credential
- Join a trusted community of risk management and insurance professionals
Designation Topics
Your path should reflect your role, interests, and where you want to go next. Not sure where to begin?
Start by browsing programs tailored to your job, or you can also view all designations:
Try Popular Designations for Free!
CPCU Sample Course
Try The Institutes Designations' CPCU® for free with the CPCU Sample Course. In just 30-60 minutes, you’ll start developing the leadership skills you need to maximize the insurance value chain in areas such as risk management, insurer operations, critical thinking, and data literacy so you can create a competitive edge for your organization.
AINS Sample Course
Try The Institutes Designations' Associate in Insurance (AINS®) for free with the AINS Sample Course. In just 10-30 minutes, you’ll start developing the skills you need to understand why insurance exists, how it is evolving, and why it's so important for families and organizations.
ARM Sample Course
Try The Institutes Designations' Associate in Risk Management (ARM™) for free with the ARM Sample Course. In just 30-60 minutes, you’ll start developing the skills you need to understand the evolution of risk treatment, the risktech ecosystem, how to manage supply chain risk, and the organizational culture’s influence.
Success Stories Start Here
“Huge thanks to The Institutes Knowledge Group for creating a platinum standard that actually challenges thinking — not just memorization. Knowledge isn’t meant to be carried. It’s meant to be applied — humbly, consistently, and with integrity.”
Milan Krstic CPCU, ARM, PRC, AINS, AIS
82% of program completers believe Institutes designations added value to their current role.
77% of students said that earning their designation has helped them achieve their career goals.
The Learning Experience
All designation programs are fully online and self-paced, built to fit any schedule. They range from 2-5 core courses, with some including an elective or concentration component. There’s also a required free ethics course, which takes as few as 3 hours and can be completed at any point.
You’ll take a timed, proctored online exam after each designation course, with exam prep resources built right into your course experience.
Along the way, you’ll have access to tools that make studying efficient and effective, from downloadable outlines and practice quizzes to a simulated exam that reflects the structure and style of the real one. You can easily stay on track by monitoring your course completions and results in your personal Progress Tracker.
Registering for Exams
You can purchase your virtual exam whenever you're ready. Just be sure to select your desired exam window during checkout. Once the window begins, your exam will appear in your account and can be completed any time before 11:59 p.m. ET on the final day of the exam window.
Study Resources
Every course comes with a full suite of study tools designed to help you learn efficiently and test with confidence. From printable outlines and practice quizzes to the QuizMe app and a simulated exam, you’ll have everything you need to stay on track. Plus, our Facebook group lets you connect with peers to share tips.
Exam FAQs
Still have questions about your exam? Our Exam FAQs cover everything from format and scoring to rescheduling and tech requirements. It’s your go-to resource for feeling confident and prepared before exam day.