The Institutes Designations Journey

Where to start? Explore programs and courses that align with your goals and interests on the Plan My Education page. We have courses focused on in risk management, underwriting, information technology, claims, customer service, and for agents and brokers.  

You can complete designation courses in any order, but we recommend starting with core courses to build your knowledge base. Most students also find that our recommended course order works well for them.

How long will it take me to complete a designation?

Completion time ranges from a few months to a few years, depending on the designation and your schedule. Check the Designation Requirements on your designation page for more details.

We recommend that you use The Institutes’ course materials. A recent analysis found that  students who purchase our study materials score two to five percentage points better on their exams than those who purchased materials elsewhere. With a 70 percent score needed to pass, and average test scores of 74 percent, those extra points can make the difference between passing and failing!

Institutes course materials are regularly updated to include the latest trends and technology and give you the skills and knowledge that you need. When course updates occur, students typically have one or two testing windows to complete exams on the expiring content. After that, exams are offered on new material only. Because new content affects exam questions, you put yourself at a disadvantage by using old materials. We encourage you to knock out your exam during the testing windows before the outdated material is replaced.

If you are  not able to order materials online, call Customer Success or use our Order Form.

Congratulations! Some of the courses you already completed may count toward other programs and give you a head start to completing additional designations. Check your Progress Tracker to find out more.

WHEN CAN I START USING THE DESIGNATION AFTER MY NAME?

It takes 48 hours for your designation to be reflected in your online account. Once it is reflected there, you may start using it.

DO DESIGNATIONS EVER EXPIRE?

No, designations do not expire. Once earned, you can use your credentials indefinitely.

Some designations do require yearly CE to maintain an active standing. An inactive status does not mean that your designation has expired but that you will not be publicly recognized by The Institutes as a designation holder. 

WHEN WILL MY DIPLOMA COME IN THE MAIL?

You’ll receive your diploma approximately eight to ten weeks after passing your final exam.

CAN I ORDER A FRAME FOR MY DIPLOMA?

Yes. The Institutes offer customized certificate and diploma frames from Church Hill Classics. Click here for more information on frames.

CAN I REQUEST A TRANSCRIPT FOR COURSES AND PROGRAMS I HAVE COMPLETED?

You can fill out the Transcript Request Form and send it to The Institutes to receive an official transcript.

If you have questions about whether to pursue a designation versus an MBA, why our students choose The Institutes Designations programs, or where to begin, we’ve got the answers! Download our guide, “Take Your Career to the Next Level,” to learn why a designation is worth the investment.