Deciding on a Designation
The Plan My Education page that can be found in the top navigation of this website is a resource for information about what educational programs and courses are suited for you, based on your experience level as well as your interest in risk management, underwriting, information technology, claims, customer service, or as an agent or broker. Knowing your goals and area of interest will determine the best designation and courses to take.
You can take designation courses in any order but we recommend starting with core courses to make sure you build a knowledge base before you move ahead. Most students also find that the recommended course order we suggest works well for them.
How long will it take me to complete a designation?
You can find the average time frame to complete a designation listed under Designation Requirements on each designation’s page. However, the average completion time typically ranges from a few months to a few years depending on the designation and your schedule.
Studying and Course Materials
For your best success, we recommend that you use The Institutes’ course materials. A recent analysis found that, on average, 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 industry trends and technology in an effort to keep you on top of the most relevant skills and knowledge that you need for success.
When course updates occur, we allow our students two testing windows to take the 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 We encourage you to knock out your exam during the two testing windows before outdated material is replaced.
If you are having trouble using the site to order materials you will find an order form that can be used here: Order Form
Using questions from the SMART Online Practice Exam, the SMART QuizMe app lets you take your Institutes studies wherever you go. Purchase the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
I Earned My Designation—Now What?
Read this helpful article for more information on how to leverage your new designation as well as how to identify other Institutes courses that can help you keep your career moving forward. You may find that some of the courses you already completed count toward other programs, giving you a head start toward 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 six to eight weeks after passing your final exam.
CAN I ORDER A FRAME FOR MY DIPLOMA?
Yes. The Institutes are offer customized certificate and diploma frames from Frames4Diplomas.com. For more information on frames, click here.
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.
Leveraging Your New SkillsCPCU
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What happens after I pass my final CPCU designation exam?
After you pass, you can immediately begin using CPCU after your name, and your diploma will be mailed to you. You will be invited to attend The Institutes’ CPCU Conferment Ceremony during In2Risk, presented by The Institutes CPCU Society. If you passed your last exam by June 15, you will be recognized that same year. If you passed after June 15, you will be recognized at the following year’s ceremony.
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What are my ongoing commitments as a CPCU?
All CPCUs are bound by the CPCU Code of Professional Conduct. Accordingly, they commit to pursuing continuing education (CE) and are expected to complete and report 24 hours of CE every two years to maintain current CPCU status. You can report your CE using the CE for CPCUs Reporting Tool in your Institutes account. Any credits earned through The Institutes, CEU and select CPCU Society offerings, are automatically reported. You can learn more on our CE for CPCUs page.
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Is there a professional society for CPCUs?
The Institutes CPCU Society is a global not-for-profit membership association dedicated to enriching the careers of nearly 18,000 highly motivated risk management and insurance professionals. It provides you with the knowledge you need to get ahead as well as complimentary learning opportunities that count toward CE for CPCUs credit. Most of all, the CPCU Society connects you with the people and programs that will help you achieve your professional goals.
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Am I eligible to join The Institutes CPCU Society while completing CPCU courses?
Yes! The CPCU Society offers half-priced dues for individuals in the process of completing the CPCU designation. In addition to educational offerings, you’ll have access to a network of close to 18,000 members who have been in your shoes. Learn more.
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Am I able to waive any CPCU courses by completing courses or a professional degree or designation elsewhere?
Yes. You can see what courses and programs can be waived by viewing the CPCU Equivalency Chart below and by filling out the Academic Credit Request form to request Institutes designation credit for certain college/university degrees and professional designations you already hold.
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Do courses from other programs count towards CPCU?
View the CPCU Equivalency Chart below to see what courses count towards CPCU.
Existing Credit
Exam Credit Earned in CPCU
CPCU Exams Passed CPCU 1 CPCU 510 CPCU 2 CPCU 553 or CPCU 555* CPCU 3 CPCU 551 CPCU 4 CPCU 552 CPCU 5 CPCU 520 CPCU 6 CPCU 530 CPCU 7 or 9 CPCU 560 CPCU 8 CPCU 540 Institutes Programs and Courses Completed API CPCU 555 AINS 21 and 22 CPCU 553* AINS 21 and 23 CPCU 557* Advanced Degrees/Professional Designations Masters in Financial Services, CLU, ChFC, CFP, FFSI, or CEBS CPCU 556 MBA, Masters in Finance CPCU 540 Masters in Risk Management and Insurance CPCU 500 Law Degree CPCU 530 *This credit will be automatically applied to the concentration you choose
Note: Because of the dynamic nature of The Institutes courses and programs, waivers granted are subject to continuous review and may change without notice at any time.
Please see The Institutes’ Waiver Request Form and The Institutes’ International Education Exemption Application for any qualifications or restrictions on these waivers and to see waivers granted for completion of additional non-Institutes’ degrees and designations.
Refer to your Progress Tracker to determine the various routes to earning your CPCU designation.