As an insurance agent, you are required to complete a certain amount of continuing education credit hours every year. An excellent way to do this is with a professional designation. At Big "I" Kentucky, we are proud to offer insurance designation programs for Certified Risk Managers (CRM) and Commercial Lines Coverage Specialists (CLCS). Getting a designation will not only improve your practical knowledge in a specific field but will also increase value you provide to your insurance company.

CRM Designation

What is a CRM Designation?

The CRM designation is a program offered by the National Alliance available in both in-person and online courses. These courses are designed to provide you with a solid foundation about today's highest risk management priorities - identifying, analyzing, controlling, financing, and administering operational risks. Completing your CRM designation will give insurance professionals the skills to proactively aid their organization in navigating risks and teaching them how risks can impact their business.

Who Can Become a Certified Risk Manager?

Many different professionals deal with risk management such as insurance agents, financial professionals, accountants, attorneys, and loss control specialists. According to the National Alliance, if one of these describes you, you may want to pursue your CRM designation if you:

• have at least 2 years of full-time experience in the insurance industry or in risk management
• have taken a CRM course through the UACRM program, or
• have served as a full-time risk management or insurance faculty member at an accredited college or university.

What are the Requirements to Become a Certified Risk Manager?

To complete this professional insurance designation, you must complete 5 core courses. These courses are:

• Principles of Risk Management
• Analysis of Risk
• Control of Risk
• Financing of Risk
• Practice of Risk Management

Each course lasts 2 days with an optional exam at the end. Once you have earned your CRM designation, you must complete a certain amount of continuing insurance education hours that are separate from standard risk management training.

CLCS Designation

What is a CLCS Designation?

Commercial Lines Coverage Specialists protect businesses against potentially disastrous losses caused by accidents, natural disasters, lawsuits, and more. Earning your CLCS designation shows you have expertise in commercial lines coverage. Offered by the National Underwriter Company, this is the most complete professional designation available for insurance professionals looking to become experts in commercial lines coverage. Completing this program will not only distinguish you from your peers but will also allow you to provide more value to your company.

Who Can Become a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist?

The Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation program is designed for new insurance producers, agents, managers, CSRs, and corporate staff. This course will provide the fundamental knowledge necessary to begin working in the insurance industry.

What are the Requirements to Become a CLCS?

To earn your Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation, you must complete 5 different program modules. They are:

• Business Auto
• Commercial General Liability
• Commercial Property
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance Principals

Finishing this course will earn you 9 CE hours. Once you have done this course once, there are no annual updates required.