Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions | Registering for an IIA of IL Course | Questions on CISR Program | Questions on CIC Program
General Questions
How do I know how many CE hours I have?
You can check your CE record online with the Illinois Division of Insurance by clicking here.
How often can I take the same class over?
Education credit will not be given to a producer for a repeated course unless two (2) years have passed since the credit was last given for the course.
How many C.E. hours do I need each year?
As of January 1, 2010, the current number of hours required at every two year renewal has been decreased from 30 to 24. It is also required that three (3) of those 24 hours must be an ethics course taught in classroom (as opposed to self-study).
May I carry over continuing education credit?
Yes. You may accumulate a maximum of 36 credit hours. Education credit hours will be applied in the order the Division receives them.
How long does it take for my CE hours to show on my license?
Most CE classes take about four (4) weeks to show on your license. You can check your CE by clicking here.
Didn't find your question here, contact IIA of IL at education@iiaofillinois.org or (800) 628-6436 or visit the Illinois Division of Insurance website.
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Registering for an IIA of IL Course
How do I register for an IIA of IL education course?
You may register for a class on-line by clicking here or downloaded copies of registration forms can be found at www.iiaofillinois.org/education. Registration forms may be faxed to (217) 793-6744. Credit cards are accepted (MasterCard/Visa/American Express). You may also mail your registration form with a check (we recommend you fax a copy first). Checks must be received at least 2 weeks prior to the class.
Will I get a confirmation?
A confirmation letter advising your registration details will be emailed following input of your registration. Please provide a valid email address on the registration form. Registrations received within one week of the class may not receive a confirmation.
How far in advance can I register for a class?
We advise that you register as far in advance as possible, as some classes fill up quickly. The Department of Insurance advises that you complete all of your continuing education hours at least 4 weeks prior to renewal date.
All classes are on a first come/first paid basis. Many classes have a limited number of spaces available.
All dates and location are subject to change.
We cannot guarantee availability of space and materials on late registrations. Some classes may have a late registration fee.
How much notice do you need to cancel a class?
The more notice the better. However, we understand that last minute situations do come up. Please contact the IIA of Illinois office at (800) 628-6436 if notice in writing cannot be given. However, all cancellations are subject to the cancellation policy.
Is there a cancellation fee?
Not necessarily. View the cancellation policy for more information.
Didn’t find the answer to your question here, contact IIA of Illinois at education@iiaofillinois.org or (800) 628-6436.
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Questions on CISR Program
Can anyone register for a William T. Hold Seminar?
Yes, anyone is welcome to attend a William T. Hold Seminar. However, you must be a dues paying member of The National Alliance in order to use the course as an update for your CISR designation.
Can anyone register for a Dynamics of Service Course?
Anyone can attend a Dynamics of Service Course. Restrictions apply when using this course as an update for your CISR designation. Click here for more information.
Do I have to take the test?
Anyone can attend classes without taking the exams. To attain the CISR designation, however, you must take and pass all five of the exams. Also, if you are participating in CISR OnLine, you must take and pass the exam to earn Illinois CE credit.
What happens if I fail a test?
You can repeat any course and retake the exam. In addition, you can continue attending any of the other courses. We are dedicated to the success of our course participants. Remember, to obtain the designation you must successfully complete the course and exam within the original three (3) year time frame.
Can I take the course online?
Yes, the five core CISR classes are offered online. Click here for more information.
Is there an order to which I must take the classes?
No. You can take the courses in any order that best suits your unique needs.
Is there a time limit for earning the CISR designation?
Yes. You must successfully complete the entire series of CISR exams within three calendar years following your first exam. If, for example, you pass your first CISR exam in June 2009, you must complete the entire series of classes and exams by December 31, 2012.
Once I earn the designation, am I CISR 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. That's why we ask that you take at least one continuing education session every year to maintain your CISR designation (see How do I update my CISR designation FAQ for courses that count). No exams for classroom courses are required for CE credits. However, you must take the exam if you choose to update with CISR online.
How do I update my CISR designation?
• Any one of the five CISR courses (classroom or online – if you update online, you must take and pass the exam)
• A William T. Hold Seminar
• An entire 2 ½ day CIC institute or CRM course earns two years of update credits.
• A Dynamics of Service Program – counts as one update credit if you are a dues-paid CISR.
• Eight consecutive hours of a CIC institute or CRM course – counts as one update credit for dues-paid CISRs.
• Dynamics of Selling, Dynamics of Sales Management, or Dynamics of Personal Insurance – counts as two update credits for dues-paid CISRs.
Didn't find the answer to your question here, visit The National Alliance website or call them at (800) 633-2165.
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Questions on CIC Program
Can I take the course online?
No, courses are only offered in a classroom setting.
Do I have to take the test?
Only if you are trying to obtain the CIC designation.
What happens if I fail a test?
You must retake the course and attempt the test again, all within the five year time-limit.
How do I obtain my CIC Designation?
You must take all five CIC institutes (or four institutes and one CRM course), and pass all five examinations within five calendar years.
Is there a time limit to complete the CIC Designation?
Yes, you have five years from the date you take and pass your first CIC institute.
How do I know when I have to complete my CIC Designation?
Contact The National Alliance at (800) 633-2165. They can tell you over the phone.
Do I have to take the courses in any particular order?
No. You can take the courses in any order that best suits your unique needs.
What is the conferment ceremony?
The conferment ceremony is public acknowledgement of your earning the CIC designation. You gather with other recent designees to celebrate achieving this professional milestone. During the conferment, new designees are presented with their gold CIC lapel pin by the president of The National Alliance, National Alliance board members, or other distinguished representatives of The National Alliance.
How do I update my CIC designation?
Once you attain the CIC or CRM designation and experience the recognition, prestige, and career fulfillment that come with it, you must attend at least one of the following programs annually:
• Any one of the five core CIC Institutes
• Any one of the Certified Risk Managers Courses
• A James K. Ruble Graduate Seminar *
• A Dynamics of Selling Program **
• A Dynamics of Sales Management Program **
• A Dynamics of Personal Insurance Program **
• An Employee Benefits – Health Insurance Program **
(NOTE: no exams are required.)
*You must be dues-paid member of the Society to register.
**You must be a dues-paying member of the Society to receive your annual update credit.
I forgot to take a class to update my CIC designation, now what?
Contact The National Alliance at (800) 633-2165 to state your case.
Who can attend a James K. Ruble Graduate Seminar?
Only dues paid members of CIC and CRM are eligible to attend Ruble Seminars.
Don’t find the answer to your question here, click here or contact The National Alliance at (800) 633-2165.
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