CIC Q&A
What is the CIC Program?
The Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation program is a nationally recognized educational program designed for insurance agents and practitioners. Insurance Agents & Brokers has been conducting the CIC Program for 25 years throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. This program is for the experienced and dedicated person who realizes the importance of lifelong professional continuing education. The program consists of five institutes, which offer practical and relevant knowledge to keep you more competitive in meeting the changing needs of clients and the industry. At the end of each institute there is an examination. If you wish to earn the designation, you must successfully pass all five examinations with a minimum grade of 70%. The CIC designation identifies individuals who are committed to pursuing the highest standard of professional conduct and personal growth!
Who should attend the CIC Program?
You must be a licensed agent, broker, adjustor or solicitor, or have at least two years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or have served for at least two years as a full-time insurance faculty member at an accredited college or university.
Are the CIC programs applicable to CPAs?
Click here for specific information on how CIC programs benefit CPAs.
Who are the instructors?
The National Faculty roster is comprised of highly experienced instructors with national reputations and expertise. You will benefit from their knowledge at each program.
How is the CIC Program structured?
Five institutes make up the CIC Program:
- Agency Management
- Commercial Casualty
- Commercial Property
- Life & Health
- Personal Lines
Each institute offers 20 hours or 2 ½ days of classroom instruction followed by an optional two-hour exam. The institutes can be taken in any order.
The topics of each institute are carefully selected and meet National standards applicable to all states. The program allows for flexibility to allow for each state’s adoption of unique insurance coverages and regulations. Optional topics are also offered to supplement the mandatory topics for each institute. Following are the topics of each institute:
Agency Management
- The Agency as an Organization
- Agency Operations
- Human Resource Management
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities of Insurance Agents
- Marketing and Sales Management
- Financial Management
- Group Discussion
- Agency Planning Case Study
Commercial Casualty
- Workers Compensation
- Commercial General Liability
- Business Automobile Coverages
- Commercial Umbrella/ Excess Liability Coverages
- ·Essentials of Legal Liability
Commercial Property
- Commercial Property Coverages
- Commercial Property Causes of Loss Forms
- Commercial Property Endorsements
- Time Element Coverages
- Commercial Inland Marine Coverages
- Businessowners Policies
Life and Health
- Essentials of Life Insurance
- Essentials of Health, Disability Income and Group Insurance
- Applications of Life & Disability Income Insurance
- Personal and Business Needs
- Annuities
Personal Lines
- Personal Automobile Coverages
- Personal Residential Coverages
- Related Vehicle and Trailer Coverages
- Personal Umbrella/Excess Coverages
What benefits are there to attending a CIC program?
- You can be assured you are attending a high quality, carefully structured continuing education program.
- You will leave each program with current, comprehensive and technical knowledge applicable to your everyday work.
- You will receive a complete, comprehensive notebook filled with current information, forms and ideas to use for future reference.
- You will benefit greatly from the experience of our dedicated instructors who share their knowledge and insight into the ever-changing insurance field.
- You will experience unlimited networking potential with over 53,000 insurance professionals enrolled in the CIC program.
How do I earn the CIC Designation?
You must successfully complete all five institutes and pass all five examinations within five calendar years. Once you have successfully completed all five exams, you will have earned the right to use the designation and attend special programs designed exclusively for CIC designees. Special Conferment Ceremonies are conducted annually to recognize those who have earned the designation throughout the year.
Is there a time limit for earning the CIC Designation?
Yes. You must successfully complete the entire series of CIC examinations within five calendar years following your first examination.
Must I take an examination?
No. Anyone can attend classes without taking the examination. You will earn state approved Continuing Education credit if you do not take the examination. If you are working towards the CIC designation, the examination is required. An exam briefing is held at each institute to assist you in studying. You will receive complete study materials when you arrive to each program. The materials will not be sent prior to the seminar.
Should I prepare before attending the Institute?
It is always to your benefit to review some material before an institute. The material presented at an institute is advanced. Consistent with the Society’s eligibility requirement, it is assumed that you already have a basic understanding of coverages. The Society recommends reviewing the applicable policies and endorsements that are pertinent to the agenda of the Institute. In addition, reference material can be found in the FC&S Bulletins and the P&M Analysis Service. However, there is no specifically prescribed study material since each Institute and examination are unique and based upon current lecture and notebook material presented at the program.
If I fail an examination, may I continue the program?
Yes. You may repeat any course and retake the exam. You may not earn CE credit if repeating a course in the same licensing period. Also, because there is not a particular order in which to attend the CIC institutes, you may continue to attend any of the other institutes offered.
Once I earn the CIC Designation, am I a CIC for Life?
No. The insurance industry changes at a rapid pace. To remain current, it is necessary that you update your knowledge on a regular basis; therefore, you must attend at least one continuing education session annually to maintain your CIC designation. No further examination is required.
Is there an option for maintaining the CIC Designation after retirement?
Yes. Please view the attached Emeritus Statement from the National Alliance regarding the requirements.
How should I start the CIC Program?
There is not a special order to take each institute. If you are more familiar with one topic than another, you may want to begin there.
What are my options for the annual update requirement?
Attending any of the following will satisfy your annual update requirement:
- Any of the five CIC Institutes (No examination required)
- James K. Ruble Graduate Seminars – Formerly called Advanced Coverage Ruble Seminars, these programs are offered only to dues paid members of the Society of CIC.* This update option is especially designed to move you beyond a mere knowledge of policies to an in-depth understanding of specific risks and exposures. You will learn the latest coverages, trends and techniques for minimizing insurance gaps and you will view developments through the eyes of a risk manager.
- Dynamics of Selling – A unique sales program designed exclusively for the insurance industry. This program is designed for those new to selling insurance as well as those who have been selling for years. If you are new to selling insurance, this program will help you maximize your time and effort and increase your sales. If you have been selling for years, this program is just what you need to enhance your sales techniques.
*Please contact the Society of CIC at 800-633-2165 for more information on becoming a member.
Where can I attend the CIC programs?
Courses are offered in convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware through Insurance Agents & Brokers. Because this is a national program, you may attend and/or take the examination in any state you prefer. Contact the IA&B Member Service Center at (717) 795-9100 or register on line at www.iabgroup.com . For classes in other states, contact the Society of CISR at 800-633-2165 for a National Schedule.
