Top 11 Commercial Producer Certifications

Certifications are important for commercial producers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. They can help establish credibility and show employers that an applicant has obtained the necessary skills and training to produce quality work. Certifications also provide proof of one’s commitment to their profession and can help open up job opportunities with more prestigious clients. Having certifications may even give applicants an edge over other applicants when it comes to salary negotiations or promotions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Commercial Producers and explains how they can contribute to a commercial producer's career growth.

What are Commercial Producer Certifications?

Commercial producer certification is a professional designation earned by individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of commercial production. This certification is usually obtained through a rigorous training program that covers all aspects of commercial production, from pre-production planning to post-production delivery. The primary benefit of obtaining this certification is that it can help individuals stand out from their peers, as employers will recognize them as having expertise in the commercial production process. Additionally, certified producers may be eligible for higher wages or more desirable positions within their organization. Certification also serves as an indication of commitment to the craft and dedication to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Finally, having this certification demonstrates an individual's ability to successfully manage projects on time and within budget, which is a key factor for any successful business venture.

Pro Tip: Before you pursue commercial producer certification, research the various requirements and regulations in your state to ensure that you are meeting all necessary standards. Make sure you understand the scope of coverage and any restrictions associated with the certification before signing up.

Related: What does a Commercial Producer do?

Top 11 Commercial Producer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Commercial Producers today.

1. Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) is a professional designation program offered by The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. It is designed to provide insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to better serve their clients.

The CISR designation consists of five core courses, which cover topics such as personal lines, commercial lines, customer service, risk management, and agency operations. Each course requires passing an exam in order to receive credit. Upon completion of all five courses, the individual will receive the CISR designation.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all five courses and exams required for the CISR designation. Most individuals take one or two classes per year in order to complete the program within two years.

To get the CISR designation, individuals must first become members of The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. Membership costs $75 per year and includes access to online study materials, textbooks, webinars, and other resources needed to complete the program. Once membership is established, individuals can register for each course separately at a cost of $185 per course plus any applicable taxes or fees.

In total, it typically costs around $1125-$1300 to get the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation depending on applicable taxes and fees in your area.

2. Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of insurance.

The CPIA program consists of four courses and exams that cover topics such as commercial and personal lines, risk management, claims handling, and customer service. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. Once all four courses are completed, the candidate must pass an exam administered by AICPCU to receive the CPIA designation.

To get started on the path to becoming a Certified Professional Insurance Agent, you must first register with AICPCU and pay the registration fee. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you are taking courses online or in-person. After registering, you will be able to access your course materials online or through printed textbooks.

The total cost of obtaining the CPIA designation can range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on how you choose to complete the program. This includes tuition fees for each course as well as any additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing textbooks.

Once all four courses have been completed and passed, you will receive your CPIA certificate from AICPCU. This certificate is valid for two years before needing to be renewed by completing continuing education credits every year thereafter.

3. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) is a professional certification that provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of risk management principles and techniques. The CRM designation is offered by the Global Risk Management Institute (GRMI), which is an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of risk management.

The CRM program consists of four courses, each focusing on different aspects of risk management. The first course covers the fundamentals of risk management, including topics such as identifying and assessing risks, developing strategies for managing risks, and implementing risk management plans. The second course focuses on financial risk management, while the third course covers operational and legal aspects of risk management. Finally, the fourth course focuses on strategic planning for managing risks.

In order to become certified as a CRM, individuals must complete all four courses and pass an exam administered by GRMI. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess knowledge in all areas covered by the courses. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all four courses and pass the exam.

The cost for obtaining a CRM certification varies depending on the country in which you are taking the exam; however, it typically costs around $1,500 USD for all four courses plus the exam fee.

4. Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and property-casualty insurance education. The CPCU designation is recognized as the highest level of achievement in the field of property-casualty insurance. It is earned after completing eight rigorous courses, passing examinations for each course, and meeting other requirements.

To get the CPCU designation, individuals must complete eight courses covering topics such as insurance operations, finance and accounting, law and regulations, ethics, personal lines insurance, commercial property and liability insurance, risk management and business management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time to complete.

The cost to earn the CPCU designation varies depending on the number of courses taken at one time. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,000-$2,500 total to complete all eight courses. In addition to the course fees there are also exam fees for each course which range from $65-$125 per exam.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all eight courses required for the CPCU designation; however some individuals may be able to finish in less time depending on their schedule and availability of classes.

5. Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU)

Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) is a professional designation offered by The Institutes, a provider of risk management and insurance education. It is designed to provide an understanding of commercial underwriting principles and practices. The AU program includes three courses: Principles of Commercial Underwriting, Commercial Property/Casualty Underwriting, and Commercial Liability Underwriting.

The AU program typically takes about one year to complete, depending on the student's individual learning style and pace. Students can choose to take the courses in any order they prefer or can opt for an accelerated version that allows them to complete all three courses within six months.

To get the Associate in Commercial Underwriting designation, students must successfully pass all three exams with a score of 70% or higher. The cost for each course varies depending on the delivery method chosen (online vs. classroom). Online courses range from $400-$500 per course while classroom courses range from $700-$800 per course.

6. Associate in Risk Management (ARM)

Associate in Risk Management (ARM) is a professional designation offered by the Insurance Institute of America (IIA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, measure, manage, and control risks. The ARM designation is recognized as the industry standard for risk management professionals.

The ARM program consists of four courses: Principles of Risk Management, Risk Financing, Enterprise Risk Management, and Commercial Property & Liability. Each course can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The total program takes approximately three months to complete if taken online or six months if taken in a classroom setting.

To obtain the ARM designation, you must successfully complete all four courses and pass the associated exams. You must also have two years of experience in risk management or related fields prior to applying for the designation.

The cost of obtaining the ARM designation varies depending on how you choose to take each course. Taking all four courses online costs approximately $2,000 while taking them in a classroom setting costs approximately $3,000.

7. Associate in Reinsurance (ARe)

Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) is an entry-level professional designation offered by The Institutes, a leading provider of insurance and risk management education. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful reinsurance professionals. The ARe program consists of three courses that cover the fundamentals of reinsurance, including underwriting, pricing, and claims management.

The ARe program typically takes approximately 3-6 months to complete. To get started, applicants must first pass a series of exams that demonstrate their understanding of the material covered in each course. Once these exams are passed, applicants will receive their ARe designation and be eligible for employment in the reinsurance industry.

The cost for the ARe program varies depending on which institution you choose to take it from. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500-$3,500 for tuition and materials. This cost does not include any additional fees such as exam fees or travel expenses.

Overall, obtaining an Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) designation is a great way to start your career in the reinsurance industry. It provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful reinsurance professional while also providing employers with assurance that you have a basic understanding of this complex field.

8. Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)

Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) is a professional designation awarded by The Institutes, a leading provider of insurance and risk management education. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of insurance and risk management.

The AAI designation requires the successful completion of five courses covering topics such as insurance fundamentals, personal lines insurance, commercial lines insurance, life and health insurance, and ethics. To obtain the AAI designation, candidates must pass all five exams with a minimum score of 70%. In addition, candidates must have three years of experience in the insurance industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete the courses required for the AAI designation. However, this timeline can vary based on an individual’s study habits and prior knowledge of the subject material.

To get started on earning your AAI designation, you will need to register with The Institutes online or by mail. You will then be able to purchase course materials from The Institutes or through one of their approved providers. After completing each course exam, you can submit your scores to The Institutes for review and approval.

The cost for obtaining your AAI designation varies depending on which course materials you choose to purchase. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 for all five courses plus any additional fees associated with registering with The Institutes or taking exams at approved testing centers.

9. Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU)

Certified Professional Liability Underwriter (CPLU) is a professional designation program offered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). The CPLU designation is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of professional liability underwriting.

The CPLU program requires applicants to pass a series of examinations that test their understanding of professional liability underwriting principles, practices, and procedures. Applicants must also meet certain educational and experience requirements before they can apply for the certification.

The CPLU program consists of four courses: Professional Liability Underwriting Principles, Professional Liability Underwriting Practices, Professional Liability Underwriting Procedures, and Professional Liability Underwriting Law. Each course must be completed successfully in order to receive the designation.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete all four courses and obtain the CPLU designation. The cost varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 for all four courses.

10. Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)

Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a professional designation awarded by The American College of Financial Services. It is the highest level of certification for life insurance professionals, and it recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an in-depth knowledge of life insurance products, services, and strategies.

To obtain the CLU designation, individuals must complete a series of courses offered by The American College of Financial Services. The program consists of eight courses that focus on topics such as life insurance principles, estate planning, retirement planning, and financial planning. To be eligible to take the exam for the CLU designation, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the life insurance industry or related field.

The cost to obtain the CLU designation varies depending on which program you choose. Most programs range from $1,500 to $3,000. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking each individual course and taking the exam.

In total, it can take up to two years to complete all eight courses and pass the exam for the CLU designation. However, some students may be able to complete it in less time depending on their experience level and how quickly they can study and retain information.

11. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a comprehensive insurance education program. This program is designed to help insurance agents, brokers, and other professionals stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. The CIC designation is recognized by many state insurance departments as a sign of expertise in the field of insurance.

The CIC program consists of five courses that cover topics such as personal lines, commercial lines, life and health insurance, agency operations, and risk management. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study and must be completed within two years. After completion of all five courses, students must pass an examination in order to earn their CIC designation.

To get the CIC designation, you must first complete the required five courses and then take the exam. You can find information about how to register for the courses at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research website (www.scic.com). The cost of each course varies depending on whether you take it online or in person; however, most courses range from $400-$600 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $150 when you take the exam at a testing center or $125 if you take it online.

In total, it typically takes between six months and one year to complete all five courses and obtain your CIC designation; however, this time frame may vary depending on individual circumstances such as work commitments or other obligations.

Do You Really Need a Commercial Producer Certificate?

The short answer is, it depends. Depending on the type of business you are operating and the amount of risk associated with it, a Commercial Producer Certificate may be required. In some cases, such as for insurance agents who sell commercial lines of insurance, a Commercial Producer Certificate is required in order to sell those products. If you are selling consumer-based products such as auto or home insurance, then a Commercial Producer Certificate is not necessary.

Before deciding whether or not to obtain a Commercial Producer Certificate, it’s important to understand the risks associated with your business and the regulations that govern your particular industry. For example, if you are selling commercial lines of insurance in a state that requires licensing, then obtaining a Commercial Producer Certificate would be necessary in order to legally operate your business. On the other hand, if you are selling consumer-based insurance products in a state that does not require licensing, then there would be no need to obtain this certificate.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to obtain a Commercial Producer Certificate should depend on your individual circumstances and the regulations governing your industry. If you have any questions about what types of licenses may be required for your specific business situation, it is best to contact an experienced professional who can help guide you through the process.

Related: Commercial Producer Resume Examples

FAQs About Commercial Producer Certifications

Q1: What is a commercial producer certification?

A1: A commercial producer certification is a credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully produce commercial projects. The certification typically covers topics such as project management, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management.

Q2: How do I get certified as a commercial producer?

A2: To obtain a commercial producer certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited institution. You may also need to complete additional coursework or training in order to qualify for the exam.

Q3: Is there any cost associated with getting certified?

A3: Yes, there are usually fees associated with taking the exam and obtaining certification. These fees vary depending on the institution offering the certification program.

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a commercial producer?

A4: The time required to become certified depends on the individual's level of experience and preparation for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months before an individual is fully certified.

Q5: What benefits do I get from becoming a certified commercial producer?

A5: Becoming a certified commercial producer comes with many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher pay, and greater respect within the industry. Additionally, many employers prefer candidates who hold this credential when hiring new employees.