PIA has been leading the way in insurance education since 1931. We help agents maintain a competitive advantage in the industry, as well as comply with all license requirements. PIA offers a nationally recognized designation program (CPIA) as well as state-recognized CE Licensing classes (currently webinar-only). Discounts are also available for initial licensing classes through our partnerships with the providers linked below. Click the link below to access both CPIA and standard CE courses on our calendar.
GENERAL CE COURSES
PIA, through our partnership with FISCE, offers nearly 150 insurance CE courses online each year. Each is approved by the relevant state insurance department(s) for meeting licensure requirements. On successful completion of each course, PIA will file your earned CE credit with the state. Certain classes also make Utica professional liability policyholders eligible for credits on their policy premiums (type "Utica" in the calendar search bar for available courses). The course listing is searchable for number of hours earned per course, topic, date, or course type (generic CE or CPIA). Course costs vary based on number of hours offered, course type or membership status (members receive a discount). See individual course listings for specifics.
CPIA DESIGNATION COURSEWORK
The Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) Designation is the first-of-its kind, hands-on, how-to training on sales and marketing topics and techniques. It is nationally recognized as the mark of professionalism, commitment to professional training and results, and exceptional technical knowledge.
To earn the CPIA designation, candidates are required to participate in a series of 3, one-day Seminars. Seminars are designed to enhance the ability of producers, sales support staff, and company personnel to efficiently create and distribute effective insurance programs. Participants leave with actionable ideas that can produce results immediately. To register for CPIA courses, simply click the "CE Webinars and Classes" link above, then search under "CPIA" in the Education Calendar.
Required classes to earn designation (each class is offered multiple times during the year):
Position for Success - CPIA 1
During this workshop, participants focus on internal and external factors affecting the creation of effective business development goals. Factors discussed include:
Current state of the insurance marketplace;
Competitive pressures;
insurance carrier underwriting criteria; and
Consumer expectations.
Implement for Success - CPIA 2
During this workshop, participants learn:
Specific tools for analyzing consumer need
How to utilize risk identification techniques to gather pertinent prospect information;
Skills necessary to assimilate information gathered into customized coverage recommendations;
How to prepare a complete submission; and
Tips for preparing and presenting a comprehensive insurance proposal.
Sustain Success - CPIA 3
This workshop focuses on fulfilling the implied promises contained in the insuring agreement. Participants will:
Review methods of providing evidence of insurance coverage;
Discuss policies and procedures for controlling errors and omissions including policy review and delivery, endorsements, claims-processing, and handling of client complaints; and
Learn how to calculate the lifetime value of a client and techniques for generating referrals.
The CPIA Designation qualifies as an approved E&O Loss Control Seminar by Utica National Insurance
MAINTAINING THE CPIA DESIGNATION
The Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation stands for professionalism, commitment to professional training and results, and technical knowledge. To maintain the right to use the CPIA designation, designees must update on an annual basis.
The CPIA update requirement can be satisfied by:
Participating in any one of the three core CPIA Seminars (CPIA 1/2/3);
Participating in any one of the specialized topics CPIA Seminars (offered periodically by PIA); or,
Maintaining a CPIA Program Membership annually at the Ruby, Sapphire, or Diamond level.