Earning the CIC & CISR Designations
How Becoming a CIC or CISR Can Help the Careers of Agency Personnel
May 31, 2009
Insurance agencies are the lifeblood of the insurance industry. The agents, brokers, and clerical staff who operate these agencies know that their ability to service their customers is directly linked to their overall product knowledge.
It is possible for front-line insurance professionals to increase their knowledge by obtaining one or more insurance designations, with the most common designations among agency personnel being the CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and the CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative).
CIC and CISR Designations: Similarities & Differences
A shared characteristic among the two designations is that both programs require potential CICs and CISRs to complete five separate modules or "institutes." Unlike many other designations, the CISR and CIC courses can be taken in a traditional classroom setting. Both sequences include two courses in Commercial coverage. The CIC and CISR designations also require coursework in agency management. Both designations have continuing education requirements that must be met in order to remain active.
The most obvious difference between the two designations is found in how they are earned. Certified Insurance Counselors undergo 100 hours of classroom training, while Certified Insurance Service Representatives study for just 40 hours. Another major difference between the two designations is that CICs take a course in Life & Health Insurance while CISRs do not. The CISR program can be completed online, but the CIC program is offered in a classroom-only format.
Requirements for Becoming a CIC or CISR
Insurance professionals who are interested in becoming Certified Insurance Counselors can do so by completing the following courses:
- Insuring Commercial Casualty Exposures
- Insuring Commercial Property
- Insuring Personal Residential Property
- Insuring Personal Auto Exposures
- Agency Operations
The Certified Insurance Counselor's sequence currently includes the following roster of institutes:
- Personal Lines
- Commercial Casualty
- Commercial Property
- Life & Health
- Agency Management
Benefits of Becoming a CIC or CISR
It has been said that designations don't matter to customers, but this may not be entirely true. Designees are often viewed as more experienced and more knowledgeable, which are two of the most highly sought-after characteristics of insurance agents among shoppers. Insurance professionals can also use their advanced studies as a selling point when attempting to win the business of big clients for their agencies.
Career seekers and career changers who are CICs and CISRs will be looked upon more favorably by Human Resources professionals than candidates who have not invested in advanced insurance training. The knowledge that is gained by CICs and CISRs is also highly transferable, and can be used by claims representatives, marketing representatives and even underwriters. A job applicant with a designation can often negotiate a higher salary than one without.
Where to Take CIC and CISR Courses
CIC and CISR courses are offered throughout the year by the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research (NAIER). The NAIER schedules dates for classroom instruction and testing in locations nationwide, with the majority of classes taking place in major metropolitan areas.
The courses, or "institutes" range from $359 to $399 and require advance registration. The NAIER has developed an interactive website where registrants can view the course schedule and sign up for classes.
These seminars are often held at hotels; attendees may qualify for group discounts on hotel rates if they decide to stay overnight for an NAIER event. (Check with the hotel and the NAIER for more information on potential discounts).
CIC and CISR: The Return on Investment
Insurance professionals who desire to pursue the CIC or CISR designations will invest a significant amount of time and money, however the return on investment will be evident almost immediately.
Students who enroll in the institutes offered by the NAIER will become more effective insurance consultants after just one course. Those who complete the CIC or CISR sequence will position themselves for new careers, promotions, and higher pay. Interested parties should contact the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research for more information.
