CRIS® - Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist
Short Summary
CRIS – Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist
The CRIS – Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist designation is a specialized credential awarded by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), designed for insurance professionals, brokers, and risk managers serving the construction industry. It equips candidates with targeted expertise in construction-specific exposures, insurance policies, and risk transfer strategies. CRIS holders are recognized for their ability to identify, mitigate, and insure against the unique risks faced by contractors and construction firms.
The program consists of five core courses: Commercial Liability Insurance for Contractors, Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction, Property Insurance for Contractors, Workers Compensation for Contractors, and Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs, and Miscellaneous Lines. Each course is self-paced and delivered online, with open-book exams and optional CE credit. Candidates typically complete the designation within 6–12 months. Annual reaccreditation requires six hours of continuing education, which may be fulfilled through IRMI courses or approved industry events.
Earning the CRIS signals specialized competence in construction risk management and insurance placement. Designees are often employed as producers, underwriters, CSRs, or in-house risk managers, and are valued for their ability to eliminate coverage gaps, improve safety outcomes, and enhance client trust. The CRIS complements broader credentials such as CIC, ARM, or CPCU, and is especially relevant for professionals working with general contractors, subcontractors, and construction-focused insurance agencies.
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Course Description
The CRIS designation, developed by the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), is designed to provide insurance professionals with specialized knowledge in construction risk management and insurance. It addresses the complex and unique exposures faced by contractors, subcontractors, and construction firms.
The designation is ideal for:
- Insurance agents and brokers serving construction clients
- Underwriters focused on contractor risks
- Risk managers and insurance buyers within construction firms
- Claims professionals and consultants working with construction-related losses
By earning the CRIS designation, professionals demonstrate a commitment to industry-specific expertise, which enhances credibility and improves client service in a high-risk, high-liability sector.
📚 Topics Covered in the CRIS Curriculum
The CRIS program consists of five core courses, each focusing on a critical area of construction insurance:
- Commercial Liability Insurance for Contractors
Covers general liability, contractual liability, and additional insured issues. - Workers’ Compensation for Contractors
Focuses on job site injuries, multi-state exposures, and subcontractor coverage. - Commercial Auto, Surety, CIPs, and Miscellaneous Lines
Includes auto liability, pollution liability, professional liability, wrap-ups (CIPs), and surety bonds. - Contractual Risk Transfer in Construction
Teaches how to structure contracts to shift risk appropriately between parties. - Property Insurance for Contractors
Covers builder’s risk, inland marine, and equipment coverage.
Each course includes an online exam and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher.
🎯 Specialization Options
While the CRIS designation itself is a focused specialization in construction risk, IRMI offers renewal and elective courses that allow professionals to deepen their expertise in areas such as:
- Construction site safety (e.g., MindForge’s Field Safety courses)
- Advanced contractual risk transfer
- Emerging risks in construction technology and design
These courses can be used to maintain the designation annually and to stay current with evolving industry practices.
Cost Breakdown
💰 CRIS Designation Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
| Core Courses (5 total) | $149 each | $745 total for all five required courses |
| Optional CE Credit (per course) | $17 | For state insurance CE credit; optional |
| Application or Enrollment Fee | $0 | No separate application fee required |
| Textbooks or Materials | Included | All course materials are digital and included in the course fee |
| Final Exam Fees | Included | No additional fee for exams; included in course registration |
| Digital Badge & Directory Listing | Included | Issued via Credly Acclaim upon completion |
| Renewal Requirement (Annual) | 1 course or 6 CE hrs | Typically $149 per year to maintain active status |
📊 Estimated Total Cost
- Without CE Credit: $745
- With CE Credit for All Courses: $745 + ($17 × 5) = $830
This makes the CRIS designation a cost-effective way to gain specialized expertise in construction insurance and risk management.
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Prerequisites
The CRIS program is ideal for:
- Insurance agents and brokers serving contractors and construction firms
- Commercial lines underwriters focused on construction risks
- Risk managers and insurance buyers within construction companies
- Claims professionals and consultants handling construction-related losses
- Customer service representatives (CSRs) supporting construction accounts
No prior license, designation, or coursework is required. The courses are considered basic to intermediate level, making them suitable for both newcomers and experienced professionals looking to specialize.
Renewal Requirements
To maintain your CRIS designation in good standing, you must complete:
- 6 hours of approved continuing education (CE) every 12 months
This requirement ensures that designees stay current with evolving construction risk and insurance practices.
✅ Acceptable Renewal Options
You can fulfill the 6-hour CE requirement in any of the following ways:
- Complete an online reaccreditation course through the IRMI + WebCE Learning Center
- Attend an IRMI conference (in-person or virtual) with qualifying sessions
- Watch on-demand IRMI conference sessions
- Take a core course from another IRMI certification (e.g., AFIS or MLIS)
- Attend a pre-approved third-party educational event
You are not limited to construction-specific topics—you may choose from a broad catalog of IRMI-approved courses.
💰 Renewal Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost |
| Annual CE Course (typical) | $149 |
| Optional CE credit add-on | $17 |
| Renewal Fee | $0 |
Estimated Annual Renewal Cost: $149–$166
Time to Complete Course
⏳ Typical Time to Complete the CRIS Designation
- Total Courses Required: 5 core courses
- Access Period per Course: 12 months from the date of purchase
- Maximum Time Allowed: You must complete all five courses within 5 years of starting the program
- Average Completion Time: Most professionals complete the designation in 3 to 6 months, depending on their schedule and pace
Each course is self-paced and delivered 100% online through the IRMI + WebCE Learning Center, allowing you to study and test on your own time.
🧠 Tips for Efficient Completion
- Set a goal to complete one course per month to finish in under half a year
- Use the open-book format to your advantage by taking notes as you study
- Schedule weekly study blocks to stay on track
Exam Details
📝 CRIS Exam Details
📚 Number of Exams
- Five exams total — one for each of the five required core courses.
🧪 Exam Format
- Online and open-book
- Multiple-choice questions (typically 25–50 per exam)
- Administered through the IRMI + WebCE Learning Center
- Exams are untimed, and you may pause and resume as needed
⏱️ Duration
- Most professionals complete each exam in 30 to 60 minutes
- You can take the exam at your own pace within the course access period
📆 Testing Window
- You have 12 months to complete each course and its exam from the date of purchase
- All five courses and exams must be completed within 5 years to earn the designation
✅ Passing Score
- A minimum score of 70% is required to pass each exam
- Unlimited retakes are allowed at no additional cost
Certifying Body
The certifying body for the CRIS (Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist) designation is the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI).
🏛️ About the Certifying Body
- Name: International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI)
- Website: irmi.com – CRIS Program
- Delivery Platform: IRMI + WebCE Learning Center
- Digital Credentialing: Issued via Credly Acclaim, allowing designees to display a verified badge on LinkedIn, resumes, and email signatures
🎯 IRMI’s Role in the CRIS Program
IRMI developed the CRIS designation to address the specialized insurance and risk management needs of the construction industry. The program is designed for:
- Insurance agents and brokers
- Underwriters and adjusters
- Risk managers and insurance buyers in construction firms
- Consultants and legal professionals focused on construction risk.
IRMI is widely respected in the insurance industry for its niche certifications, technical publications, and industry-leading conferences.
