Get started with one of our most popular designations.
CPCU
Gain the confidence and professionalism you need to stand out with CPCU, the most trusted credential in risk and insurance.
Associate in Insurance (AINS)
Master insurance basics with the online AINS® and build your insurance skills faster than you can stream your favorite new show.
Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
Gain a holistic and strategic understanding of risk assessment and treatment, all while making a real-world impact.
“I definitely think my designations propelled me past other colleagues who weren’t demonstrating that same level of commitment and dedication to continuing education.”
Andrea McGee CPCU, AIC, AINS
25+ professional designations offered by The Institutes
100+ courses to help you further your insurance and risk management education
150,000+ insurance practitioners worldwide involved with The Institutes
Not ready to buy? Try a free micro-course
CPCU Micro-Course
Try CPCU for free by sampling the core courses in the program and learn about risktech, common insurer goals, and more.
Online CPCU Micro-Course
Free Micro-Course
Online CPCU Micro-Course
- Topics
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- Building Your Foundation
- Risk Management and Insurance in Action
- The Vital Role of Risk Management and Insurance
- The Evolving Insurance Industry
- Solving Business Problems with Critical Thinking
- The Effect of Data Analytics on the Insurance Value Chain
- Innovating Across the Insurance Value Chain
- Average Completion Time
- 30-60 Minutes
AINS Micro-Course
Try AINS for free and learn why insurance exists, how the industry is evolving, and why it’s so important for families and organizations. Plus, completing this micro-course provides credit to the first assignment in AINS 101!
Online AINS Micro-Course
Free Micro-Course
Online AINS Micro-Course
- Topics
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- Introduction to Insurance
- Common Types of Insurance
- Types of Insurers
- How Risk Management Has Evolved
- Average Completion Time
- 10-30 Minutes
ARM Micro-Course
Gain an introduction to how to evaluate your team’s enterprise risk management needs by sampling the online ARM designation.
Online ARM Micro-Course
Free Micro-Course
- Topics
- Average Completion Time
You have questions? We have answers.
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What is a designation?
We offer a range of designations from foundational knowledge to topics specific to your unique role. Designations are online and/or textbook-based self-study programs made up of multiple courses, and include required exams. They typically take several months to a year to earn, and you’ll gain a diploma once all requirements are met.
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What is a certificate program?
A certificate program is a multi-course program designed to give students a deep understanding of a narrow topic or subject area. Compared to a designation program, our certificate programs provide key knowledge in niche risk management and insurance topics, take a shorter time to complete, and offer a certificate of completion once all requirements are met.
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What's the difference between a topic course and a micro-course?
Topic courses are short, online courses designed to provide knowledge on emerging trends, insurance fundamentals, and more in just a few hours. These courses are designed to be simple enough to complete in a few hours and use interactive features, knowledge checks, and videos to help you easily retain knowledge.
Micro-courses are free samples of our most popular courses and typically take 30-60 minutes. They are meant to give you an idea of the structure and content of a designation before you decide to purchase.
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What options do I have for taking my exam?
You can take your exam virtually or in-person at a Prometric or on-site employee testing center. In-person and virtual exams are timed – you have 65 minutes to complete 50 questions, with limited exceptions*.
*Exceptions include ACSR exams (25-30 questions, 45-60 minutes), CAS exams (75 questions, 100 minutes), and segmented exams (15-40 questions, 45 minutes). Foreign language exams vary in length.
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How do testing windows work?
We offer exams in four testing windows throughout the year:
- January 15 – March 15
- April 15 – June 15
- July 15 – September 15
- October 15 – December 15
You can take your exam any time during these windows. This allows students to test in a timely fashion and take three weeks off in between to take a break, order new materials, and prepare for their next exams. Plus, enjoy a discounted exam price when you order your exam before a testing window opens.
You might also be interested in
Insurance Essentials
.Gain a basic understanding of foundational risk management and insurance concepts and operations.
Introduction to Risk Management and Insurance
.Confidently serve your customers with an understanding of basic risk management and insurance principles. Build a foundation in insurance functions and regulation, the risk management process, and the claims and underwriting decision processes.