The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation is a professional credential earned by individuals who specialize in risk management and property and casualty insurance. The required coursework is designed to provide professionals with in-depth information on concepts relating to their line of work, from risk management principles to complex policy and coverage analysis.

Continuing Education for CPCU

Risk management and insurance is continuously evolving, and as leaders in their field, CPCUs must be at the forefront of emerging trends. After earning your designation, the CE for CPCU program provides a way for you to stay up-to-date on the latest knowledge, while also providing an outlet to showcase your educational efforts.Risk management and insurance is continuously evolving, and as leaders in their field, CPCUs must be at the forefront of emerging trends. After earning your designation, the CE for CPCU program provides a way for you to stay up-to-date on the latest knowledge, while also providing an outlet to showcase your educational efforts.

Is a Designation Worth It?

The Institutes' interactive, online CPCU offers learning opportunities that fit your schedule and help you retain critical concepts, including relevant conversational content, case studies that reflect evolving real-world challenges, and a simulated exam. As a new student, CPCU 500 is a great starting point. You will learn about risk management fundamentals with an emphasis on managing risk data, modeling outcomes, and applying new risk technologies. Plus, this course includes a printable workbook with key points and review questions that can help you better prepare for your exam!

Advancing your career goals starts here

At The Institutes, we provide educational support, resources and leading research to help those in risk management and insurance better serve the public. Our knowledge solutions are tailored to your area of focus and experience level and include designations like the CPCU®, certificates and professional development programs, online courses and continuing education opportunities.

The Institutes and our affiliates

We work on a global scale as the leading provider of education and research. Through our affiliates, we are able to help learners succeed, with risk management and insurance professional development offerings aimed at every stage of their career. As you start a new career, there’s no better time than now to set yourself up to be the super hero of your career. Develop the skills necessary to star in a rewarding career as you build industry knowledge, take control of your career path, and accelerate your success with the all-new Professional Risk Consultant™ (PRC) designation.

How To Earn The CPCU Designation

To earn the CPCU designation, an individual must pass a minimum of eight of the eleven courses listed below (the four foundation courses, one elective course, plus three courses from either the Personal or the Commercial concentration).

  • Foundation Courses
  • Commercial Lines Concentration
  • Personal Lines Concentration
  • Elective Courses

Candidate Services

The Institutes' interactive, online CPCU offers learning opportunities that fit your schedule and help you retain critical concepts, including relevant conversational content, case studies that reflect evolving real-world challenges, and a simulated exam.

How can I find out where a test center is located?

CPCU has a list of testing centers where you may take your exam. Be sure to choose your Licensing Authority/Sponsor name from the drop down menu for an accurate list. Your exam’s Candidate Information Bulletin will also have a list of locations where your exam is administered.

Can I cancel and/or reschedule my test appointment via the scantron Web site?

Many test appointments can be cancelled and/or rescheduled through the scantron Web site. Typically we allow you to schedule 1 day prior if space is available and we require 2 business days to reschedule your exam without penalty. Check your Candidate Information Bulletin for your program’s particular rescheduling rules.

How long will it take for my eligibility or authorization to test to be downloaded into the system so that I can schedule an appointment to test?

Please note that not all Licensing Authorities/Sponsors require eligibility to take their exam, therefore, you may be able to test immediately. For those programs requiring eligibility, the files are downloaded and test appointment scheduling is available within 24-48 hours of receiving authorization from the licensing authority.

Why would my local test center tell me that they don’t schedule appointments?

The testing centers’ primary purpose is to administer exams. Candidates should visit our website or contact our Candidate Service Center to schedule an exam appointment. Test center staff are not able to schedule appointments for their test center under any circumstances.

How do I obtain the appointment date and time I want to take my exam?

When you go to our website or speak to a representative from our Candidate Service Center you will be asked to provide your preferred test date. The first available time slot on that date will be offered to you. If your preferred appointment date is not available, a Candidate Service Center representative will work with you to identify a convenient appointment date.

My appointment is scheduled for today, however the testing center is closed. What should I do?

In rare cases weather or an emergency forces a test center closure. If this happens you will be contacted by the CPCU rescheduling department within 24-48 hours to reschedule your appointment.

How far in advance must you schedule an exam?

Exam sessions are available at least 6 weeks in advance. You will have the best opportunity to schedule your preferred date if you contact us 4-6 weeks prior to your preferred date.

When should I plan to arrive at the testing center?

You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the test is scheduled to begin.

What type of identification must I bring to the test center?

ID requirements vary by Licensing Authority or Sponsor. It is the examinee’s responsibility to review the ID requirements for the exam you are taking before making your appointment. Please refer to your Candidate Information Bulletin for their specific ID requirements.

Can my exam be taken on my PC, or do I have to go to one of your centers to test?

All exams must be administered at a scantron Test Center unless specifically mandated by your exam’s Licensing Authority/Sponsor.

Are there lockers? Can I keep my purse with me?

Yes, there are lockers. However, because the only item allowed into the testing area is identification, we encourage test takers to leave personal items at home or locked securely in your car’s trunk.

I am on medication. May I bring drinks/food into the testing room?

Food and drinks are not permitted in the testing rooms. Some of the exams that we administer do allow you to take a break. The exams that do not offer break time will allow you to leave the testing area to get a drink or take medication. However, the amount of time designated for that exam is not stopped when you are away from your computer.

How crowded are the testing rooms? I need to be in a quiet environment.

A typical Test Center seats 10 candidates. Test center proctors provide a quiet and comfortable environment for all test takers. Noise reducing earplugs are available for an even quieter environment. Your Test center proctor would be glad to assist you if you have questions.

Testing Center Hours:

Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm

* Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

** open on selected Saturdays -ONLY