What an API can do for you
“Never give up on the best career move. It is worth every minute of every study hour. It will be the most rewarding experience of your life.”
William Belejack CPCU, API, AIS
89% of those surveyed said that an Institutes designation was a good addition to their resume
77% of Institutes designees think earning a designation prepared them for their long-term career goals.
87% of Institutes designation completers recommend The Institutes' courses.
API at a Glance
The first step towards earning your API designation is to complete and pass the exam for this core course.
- API 28: Personal Insurance: Underwriting and Marketing Practices
Identify a specific track in which you want to build your expertise and complete those required courses within that concentration. Concentration courses cannot be combined outside of your chosen specialty track.
CPCU - Focus
General
- AINS 101: Increasing Your Insurance IQ
- AINS 102: Understanding Personal Insurance
- API 29: Personal Insurance: Portfolio Management
Complete the following course offered at no-cost, to acquire the decision-making tools to maintain ethical standards and preserve the public’s trust.
- 311: Ethical Decision Making in Risk and Insurance
If you are interested in CPCU, complete Ethical Guidelines for CPCUs.
Still Wondering if API is Right for You?
Here are some final facts to help you decide if this is the right designation for your role as well as your future career goals.
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Who should take API?
- Agents
- Brokers
- Agency principals
- Customer service representatives
- Claim adjusters
- Line of business managers
- Personal lines underwriters
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Does earning this designation give me credit toward others?
Completing this program may earn you credit toward:
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Are there public classes available for this designation?
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.
Additional Resources

My Courses
When you're working toward your educational goals, it's important to stay focused and create a schedule that works for you.
That’s why you can quickly and easily access your online courses online, anytime, so you can get what you need to develop the skills your role requires.
Within your online course you will have access to:
- Course assignments
- Glossary of key terms
- Practice exams and more

Is a Designation Worth It?
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.
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