Cpcu

tarobhap

Expert
29
I was wondering if anyone has information about CPCU certification.

I want to get study material, self paced if possible.

Any recommendations, sites to visit, or advise. Any help would be great.

Thanks guys.
 
Here you go: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU®)

I completed mine back in 2010 after starting in commercial claims but finished when I was in sales. Good overview of the insurance industry, terms, and policy forms. I think the test have gotten easier in order to encourage more people to complete it.

It makes the most sense for someone looking to move up within the corporate level. Now that I am an independent agent though, it has helped me identify certain endorsements for clients as well interpreting all of the ratios and financials used in th industry.
 
I'm probably going to catch some grief for this, but have you looked at the CIC programs? CPCU is great if you work for a big, national broker, but CIC is more 'user friendly' and quicker to obtain in my opinion for an independent.
 
im doing both, but from what i heard cpcu is more underwriting back end stuff and cic is more agency running and upfront knowledge
 
Not to be "that guy" but I will be on this. These certifications are great if you need the motivation or resources to educate yourself. However if you think this certification is going to matter to the consumer on first glance without an explanation of what it is then you are mistaken... Do it for the right reasons. it will not sell more policies for you. Surround yourself with veterans in the industry and ask your Underwriters questions. No need to spend the money on a fancy acronym that only your co workers and competition recognize if you already have the potential to learn it all yourself with your own resources.
 
Not to be "that guy" but I will be on this. These certifications are great if you need the motivation or resources to educate yourself. However if you think this certification is going to matter to the consumer on first glance without an explanation of what it is then you are mistaken... Do it for the right reasons. it will not sell more policies for you. Surround yourself with veterans in the industry and ask your Underwriters questions. No need to spend the money on a fancy acronym that only your co workers and competition recognize if you already have the potential to learn it all yourself with your own resources.

SOOOOOO totally agree! Back when I was underwriting (I eventually became senior management of a carrier) I started my CPCU, but realized not the best return for the 'opportunity cost of time'

I'm now on the Broking side, and while my clients don't necessarily care about the initials, feel the CIC courses are a quick / easy way to stay up to date and meet people in the industry.
 
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i agree with scott, but i think it matters to like 10% of the consumers who are educated and make a lot of money. they will be looking for someone who is already credited to handle their business.

i think designations are there to show that you know your stuff.
but without it you need to prove you know your stuff.
 
BigDaddy University - The Best Way to Study!

I've used this same instructor for my ChFC studies. Scott Wasserman, CPA, ChFC, CFP is a VERY good instructor and made complex topics easy to understand. I *think* he's with State Farm.

Yes, the courses I took were on financial planning, but since he has a line of DVD lectures for CPCU, I thought it would be worthwhile for you to pursue them. They might not all be available yet, but I'd start with what he's got and continue from there.
 
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I was wondering if anyone has information about CPCU certification.

I want to get study material, self paced if possible.

Any recommendations, sites to visit, or advise. Any help would be great.

Thanks guys.



At my old company they had all of the Marketing Reps and Underwriters going through a CPCU designation program at an organization called The Institutes. I made it through one of the required courses and passed the test right before I switched jobs. They can send you text books or online study materials, you study at your own leisure, and schedule the test at a center near you when you are ready.

I tried to post the link for the site, but I'm new and have to have 20 posts in the forums before I can do that. If you just type The Institutes into google, it was the first link that came up for me.

Good Luck!
 
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