CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor
Short Summary
CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor®
The CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor designation is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance. It is designed for insurance agents, brokers, underwriters, CSRs, and other professionals seeking advanced expertise and career distinction.
To earn the CIC, candidates must complete five of seven specialized courses and pass a two-hour, essay-style exam for each. Topics include:
- Agency Management – Strategy, ethics, and operations
- Commercial Property – Coverage forms, valuation, risk control
- Commercial Casualty – CGL, auto, workers’ comp
- Commercial Multiline – Cyber, crime, EPLI, inland marine
- Personal Lines – Auto, homeowners, umbrella
- Life & Health – Life insurance, annuities, benefits
- Insurance Company Operations – Underwriting, compliance, product development
CIC courses are available online or in-person and must be completed within
To maintain active status, designees must complete an approved update course annually and pay membership dues. After 15 years, tenured CIC status allows updates every other year.
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Course Description
🎯 Purpose of the CIC Designation
The CIC is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance (formerly The National Alliance). It’s designed to:
- ✅ Validate advanced knowledge in insurance and risk management.
- ✅ Elevate professional credibility for agents, brokers, CSRs, and underwriters.
- ✅ Support career growth through practical, real-world education.
- ✅ Signal a commitment to continuing education and ethical practice.
Often referred to as “The Insurance Professional’s Designation®”, CIC is a mark of excellence for those who go beyond licensing to master the business of insurance.
📚 Topics Covered in CIC Courses
To earn the designation, candidates must complete five of the following seven courses and pass a two-hour, essay-style exam for each:
| 🏫 Course Name | 🔍 Focus Area |
| Agency Management | Strategic planning, profitability, tech utilization, ethics |
| Commercial Property | Coverage forms, endorsements, valuation, risk control |
| Commercial Casualty | CGL, Business Auto, Workers’ Comp, endorsements |
| Commercial Multiline | Cyber, Crime, Inland Marine, EPLI |
| Personal Lines | Auto, Homeowners, Umbrella, coverage gaps |
| Life & Health | Life insurance, annuities, employee benefits |
| Insurance Company Operations | Underwriting, compliance, product development |
Each course includes ~16 hours of instruction and can be taken in-person or online.
🧭 Specialization Options
While CIC itself is a generalist designation, candidates can tailor their learning by selecting courses that align with their career focus:
- Agency-focused professionals often choose Agency Management + Personal Lines.
- Commercial brokers may prioritize Commercial Property, Casualty, and Multiline.
- Life & Health agents can include the Life & Health course for deeper expertise.
After earning the CIC, designees can pursue advanced learning through the James K. Ruble Graduate Seminars or stack CIC with other credentials like CRM or CPRM.
Cost
🧮 Total Estimated Cost to Earn CIC
- Five courses × ~$470 average = ~$2,350
- No additional fees for exams or materials
- Annual update cost (after earning designation): ~$185/year
🧭 Optional Add-Ons
- Travel & Lodging: If attending in-person, expect additional costs.
- Graduate Seminars: Optional advanced learning for CIC designees.
For official pricing and registration, visit the CIC program page..
Prerequisites
✅ CIC Prerequisites
🎓 Educational Requirements
- No formal education required
You do not need a college degree to pursue the CIC.
💼 Professional Experience
- Recommended: At least 2 years of full-time experience in insurance or risk management
This includes roles like:
- Licensed agents, brokers, and adjusters
- Customer service representatives (CSRs)
- Insurance company personnel
- Claims professionals
- Full-time insurance faculty with 2+ years of teaching experience
While experience is recommended, it’s not mandatory—motivated newcomers can begin CIC coursework immediately.
🧠 What You’ll Need to Earn the Designation
- Complete five CIC courses (out of seven available)
- Pass a two-hour, essay-style exam for each course
- Finish all requirements within five calendar years
For more details, visit the official CIC program page.
Renewal Requirements
To maintain active status of the CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor designation, designees must meet the following renewal requirements:
🔄 Renewal Requirements for CIC
📚 Annual Update Requirement
- Complete one approved course every calendar year
This can be:
- A CIC course (even if already completed)
- A CRM, CPRM, or James K. Ruble Graduate Seminar
- Other approved update options listed by the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance
💵 Annual Dues
- Pay annual membership dues to the Society of CIC
- Estimated at ~$120–$150 per year, depending on provider and location
These requirements ensure that CIC designees stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and evolving coverage forms.
Average Time to Complete Course
⏳ Duration Breakdown
| 🏫 Component | 📅 Time Commitment | 📝 Notes |
| Each CIC Course | ~2 days (16 hours) | Includes instruction and optional exam |
| Total Courses Required | 5 courses | Must be completed within 5 calendar years |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours per course | Essay-style format; taken after each course |
You can take courses in-person or online, and many professionals complete the designation in 12–24 months, depending on availability and workload.
Exams
Here’s a complete breakdown of the exam details for the CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor designation:
📝 CIC Exam Overview
| 📌 Category | 📋 Details |
| Number of Exams | 5 exams (one per course) |
| Format | Closed-book, essay-style |
| Duration | 2 hours per exam |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Testing Window | Online exam window opens the week after each course; typically Monday–Thursday |
| Proctoring | Must be completed with a disinterested third-party proctor and submitted to the National Alliance |
🧠 Additional Notes
- You must complete all five exams within five calendar years of passing your first CIC exam.
- Exams are no longer administered in-class; they are taken online during the designated window following each institute.
- You can take courses in any sequence and choose from in-person, online, or webinar formats.
Designation Provider
The certifying body for the CIC – Certified Insurance Counselor designation is the:
🏛️ Risk & Insurance Education Alliance
(formerly known as The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research)
- This organization has been the official issuer of the CIC designation since its inception in 1969.
- It is nationally recognized for delivering high-quality insurance and risk management education.
- The Alliance also certifies other designations such as CRM (Certified Risk Manager), CPRM (Certified Personal Risk Manager), and CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative).
