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Introduction to the CIC Designation
The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, also called the CIC insurance certification, is a well-regarded professional certification in insurance created for insurance professionals (insurance agents) who want to broaden their expertise. Earning the CIC designation demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous professional growth within the insurance industry.
History and Evolution of the CIC Designation
The CIC designation was founded by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research—also known as the Society of CIC—in 1969 to raise the standards of insurance education. Over time, it has become one of the most respected certifications, offering in-depth coverage of property and casualty, life and health insurance, and risk management.
Why is the CIC Designation Important?
For insurance professionals, achieving the CIC designation bolsters both credibility and technical knowledge, often leading to better career options, promotions, and higher earning potential. The CIC insurance designation salary varies depending on factors like experience and job role, but those who hold this certification generally earn more than their peers without it. It’s also a valuable tool for agency owners and managers, helping them improve employee skill sets, enhance customer service, and stay compliant with industry best practices.
Professionals highlight their dedication to continuing education and exemplary performance by attaining designations such as the CIC insurance certification. Advanced training equips employees to provide accurate risk assessments, boost client retention, and deliver reliable advice. The CIC in insurance is especially beneficial for anyone seeking to advance in an insurance career while growing their practical skills.
Requirements for Obtaining the CIC Designation
Individuals pursuing the CIC designation must meet specific academic and work-related prerequisites, complete various CIC classes, and pass a detailed exam. Although some people refer to this achievement as a CIC license, it’s important to remember that it is a professional certification rather than a state-issued license.
Education and Experience Prerequisites
- A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary, though a college degree is not required.
- Industry experience helps, but it isn’t compulsory to start the CIC program.
- A basic grasp of insurance principles is recommended for the best results.
Examination Process
Candidates complete five of the seven CIC courses on core insurance subjects:
– Personal Auto and Personal Residential policies
– Policy coverages, exclusions, and limitations
– Personal Umbrella or Excess Policies
2. Commercial Casualty (including workers’ compensation and employment practices liability)
– Commercial General Liability concepts and coverage
– Additional Insured concepts and endorsements
– Business Automobile coverages and endorsements
– Workers Compensation and Employers Liability
– Coverage forms and endorsements
– Causes of loss forms and endorsements
– Time element coverages and endorsements
4. Agency Management
– Strategic planning to prepare for the CIC
– Talent acquisition and development
– Client acquisition and development
– Technology utilization
– Ethical responsibility
5. Insurance Company Operations
– Executive planning
– Actuarial practices and accounting
– Product development
– Agency/policyholder services
– Underwriting
– Claims
6. Commercial Multiline
– Commercial Inland Marine concepts and coverages
– Crime coverages and endorsements
– Cyber exposures and coverage
– Employment Practices Liability Insurance
– Excess Liability / Commercial Umbrella coverages
7. Life and Health Insurance
– Life insurance concepts
– Health insurance concepts
– Business life concepts
– Employee benefits
The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) program is divided into five CIC institutes, each with 20 hours of instruction. In order to earn the CIC designation, candidates must:
- Complete five 16-hour CIC courses and pass the associated exams within five years.
- Achieve a minimum score of 70% on each two-hour, essay-style exam.
- Note that each exam includes 17 to 21 questions, with a total of 200 points possible.
Maintaining the CIC Designation
Those who have earned the designation must take an approved update course each year to remain active. These courses keep insurance professionals current with the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in claims management, agency operations, and technology utilization.
If a designee does not fulfill these continuing education requirements, they lose the designation and must repeat the necessary CIC classes to regain their certification.
Comparison: CIC vs. Other Professional Designations
Insurance professionals often compare the CIC to other certifications when deciding which is best for their goals. Below are brief comparisons with other well-known designations in the insurance industry.
CIC vs. CPCU
Though similar to other insurance designations like the CPCU, it differs in its scope, number of exams, and content focus:
- The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation covers a broader range of topics, including risk management and financial analysis.
- CPCU involves eight exams, whereas CIC only requires five.
- CIC focuses more on sales and service, making it ideal for agents and brokers. CPCU is a better fit for underwriters and risk managers.
CIC vs. CRM
The CIC insurance certification differs from the CRM designation, primarily in its broader content focus and applications:
- The Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation zeroes in on risk assessment and mitigation, while CIC offers a broader survey of insurance principles.
- CRM works well for those specializing in risk management, whereas CIC is suitable for general insurance professionals.
CIC vs. CISR
The CIC designation is different from the CISR designation in its target audience and overall length:
- The Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation targets customer service representatives, whereas the CIC is more advanced and aimed at insurance professionals and managers.
- CISR requires fewer courses and exams.
Advice on Designations for Insurance Agencies
If you’re an insurance professional or agency evaluating which insurance designation to pursue, here are several key suggestions:
- Match the Designation to Your Career Path – The CIC is an excellent choice if you want a firm grounding in insurance sales, underwriting, and agency management, including areas like business insurance and commercial multi-line policies.
- Stay Committed to Ongoing Training – While a designation is invaluable, continuing education keeps you informed about changes in the industry, from new cyber exposures to emerging crime coverages.
- Explore Total CSR’s Training Platform – Total CSR offers hands-on skill-building beyond standard designations, giving insurance professionals practical training.
- Promote Teamwide Education – Agencies can boost efficiency and client satisfaction when multiple team members hold designations.
- Consider Additional Certifications – Total CSR’s insurance agency training platform has numerous designations and training modules tailored to different agency needs, including strategic planning and product development.
- Maintain an Edge with Specialized Expertise – Insurance professionals specializing in particular markets—such as high-net-worth clients or complex commercial insurance—often stand out from the competition.
Total CSR provides far more than designations. The platform includes:
- Thorough training for new hires
- Focused skill-building for account managers
- Advanced education tailored to agency requirements, covering business auto policy and commercial property
- Specialized courses on ethics, customer service, and risk management
Ready to see what Total CSR can do for your agency and its ethical responsibility? Book a Customized Demo today to discover how Total CSR can help your agency thrive in the insurance industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certified Insurance Counselor
After completing each course, candidates must pass a proctored exam. These exams are in essay format, testing the ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. The passing score is typically 70% or higher.
CICs must complete yearly updates by attending a 16-hour class to maintain the professional designation. Failure to complete these updates can result in losing the right to use designation.
The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research suggests having two to three years of experience working in the insurance industry before starting the CIC program.
Yes, CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) courses can be used to fulfill state continuing education requirements for insurance professionals.
You must complete all five courses within 5 years to earn the designation.
Course fees: Each CIC course costs between $420 and $475. With five required courses, the total course fees range from $2,100 to $2,375.