CISR Online
To keep our community safe and healthy, all classroom programs scheduled before June 1st have been postponed.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. To do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus without disrupting your learning and professional development, we’ve transformed all of our designation programs and courses into engaging and easy-to-use online learning options.
These are the times clients and colleagues need you the most.
CISR courses are known for preparing front-line professionals to analyze risks, policies, forms, and claims data and communicate that understanding clearly to their clients, carriers, and colleagues. There are no prerequisites for taking a CISR self-paced course or the NEW live instructor-led online course.
Same great faculty, high-quality curriculum, convenient online formats.
Our online insurance and risk management courses include policies and forms currently used in the field and guide you through real-world scenarios to give you a deep understanding of what clients are facing today. Our CISR instructor-led courses are taught by the same expert faculty with the ease of a webinar.
Online Self-Study
- Online, self-study options – Complete at the convenience of your computer at home, any time of day, at your own pace
- Courses are accessible by computer, tablet, or cell phone—24/7 with a 60-day period to complete
- Enjoy the easy-to-use learning environment—navigate freely
- You’re in charge—the courses are self-directed! Stop and start your sessions anytime—your place will be saved
- You’ll find helpful interactive Knowledge Check exercises with great feedback
- There are self-quizzes to check comprehension—passing is required
NEW Online Instructor-Led
- Live, instructor-led webinars – Interact and chat with your instructor, study real-world scenarios, and attend a Ruble Seminar
- Same tested, high-quality curriculum
- Interaction with and instruction by the same expert faculty—with the ease of a webinar
- Convenience—use your computer, tablet, or cell phone
- Extended study period for exam-takers
- Instructive quizzes, optional reading assignments, and exercises
Distance-learning options are easy to use and engaging
Watch the below video for a quick walk through of a self-paced online course
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY




How to Earn Your Designation
Take five of the nine CISR courses and pass their exams within 3 calendar years after you pass your first CISR exam.
Earn the Prestigious Distinction Consecutively
Earn the respected CISR Elite distinction after achieving your CISR designation. By choosing to attend the four remaining CISR courses and passing the exams within a three-year period, you’ll achieve this advanced status.

How to Keep Your Designation
After earning the CISR designation, you must meet an annual update requirement. Choose from the list provided, classroom or online. Please note that online, self-paced courses require completion of all quizzes and review tests.
- Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) is an insurance professional designation. The CIC program was started by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research in Austin, Texas in 1969 by founder Dr. William T. Hold. Some CIC courses can be used to fulfill state continuing education requirements for licensing as an insurance agent. The CIC program is for agency owners, producers, agents, CSR’s, brokers, and insurance company personnel. There More course
- Certified Risk
Uncertainty that may be either positive or negative arising from a given set of circumstances. Common definitions also include: 1) chance or probability of loss, 2) uncertainty concerning loss, 3) possibility of a variation of outcomes from a given set of circumstances, and 4) difference between expected losses and actual losses. More Manager (CRM) course
- Certified Personal Risk Manager (CPRM) course
- MEGA Seminar
- William T. Hold Seminars-Self-Paced Online (4-hour)
- Ethics-Self-Paced Online (4-hour)
- Insuring Flood Exposures-Self-Paced Online (4-hour)
- Certified School Risk
Uncertainty that may be either positive or negative arising from a given set of circumstances. Common definitions also include: 1) chance or probability of loss, 2) uncertainty concerning loss, 3) possibility of a variation of outcomes from a given set of circumstances, and 4) difference between expected losses and actual losses. More Manager (CSRM) course
- Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) course
Try something new. Keep earning CE and continue your professional development.
The knowledge and skills you develop in any one of our online courses or designation programs can be put to use immediately, helping you thrive even in uncertain times. Whether you’re new to your career or a seasoned professional, The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is here to help you keep learning and succeeding.
29% of surveyed CSRs expressed an interest in advancement opportunities in agency management. —CSR Profile
CISR Agency
- Legal & Ethical
Pertaining to standards of right conduct or practice arising out of ethics. See Business ethics. More Requirements
- The Insurance Agency
- The Insurance Industry and Marketplace
- CommunicationProcess of exchanging information using a shared set of symbols and a means of transmission; can range from very informal to very formal and from interpersonal to impersonal. More and Technology
- Agency Workflow Concepts
- Agency Workflow Steps
- Account Management
- Errors & Omissions
Gain confidence with commercial casualty exposures and coverages and learn the CGL policy inside and out.
This CISR Commercial Casualty I Course strengthens your ability to have productive, confident interactions with your commercial customers in the area of commercial casualty exposures and coverages. You’ll improve your understanding of legal liability and what creates liability exposures. The focus of this course is the Commercial General Liability
- Essentials of Legal Liability
- Commercial General Liability
- Additional Insureds
One objective of this course is to clarify who is and who is not an insured in specific situations as defined by the Business Auto Coverage Form.
This course, like Commercial Casualty I, expands your ability to have a confident relationship with your commercial customers in the area of commercial casualty exposures and coverages. In Commercial Casualty II, the focus is the BusinessIncludes trade, profession, or occupation. More Auto
A land motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer designed for use on public roads, but does not include “mobile equipment.” More Policy, the Workers Compensation Policy, and Excess Liability
Legal responsibility or fault. More Policies. You will improve your understanding in each of these vital areas.
Topics:
- Business Auto Exposures and Coverages
- Workers Compensation & Employers Liability Insurance Policy
- Commercial Umbrella and Excess Liability Policies
Those who completed the Insuring Commercial Casualty Exposures course (which was available prior to Commercial Casualty I and Commercial Casualty II), may choose either Commercial Casualty I or Commercial Casualty II as part of their five courses to earn the CISR designation, but not both.
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
An effective risk management program adds value to an organization and helps it achieve its goals.
Insurance professionals need training in the risk management process for two reasons. First, insurance is an integral part of their client’s overall risk management program. Second, services provided by carriers, agencies, and brokerages are often significant items in the organization’s total cost of risk.
In this course, we’ll cover each of the five powerful steps in this process, which protects not only the organization’s assets, but also its mission and brand.
Topics Include:
- Introduction to Risk Management
Process of managing uncertainty of exposures that affect an organization’s assets and financial statements using five steps: identification, analysis, control, financing and administration. More
- Risk Identification
Process of identifying and examining exposures of an organization; the first and most important step of the risk management process. More
- Risk
Uncertainty that may be either positive or negative arising from a given set of circumstances. Common definitions also include: 1) chance or probability of loss, 2) uncertainty concerning loss, 3) possibility of a variation of outcomes from a given set of circumstances, and 4) difference between expected losses and actual losses. More Identification Methods
- Risk Analysis
The assessment of the potential impact of various exposures on an organization; a step of the Risk Management Process. More
- Risk Control
Any conscious action or inaction to minimize at the optimal cost, the probability, frequency, severity, or unpredictability of loss; a step of the Risk Management Process. More
- Risk Financing
The acquisition of internal and external funds to pay losses at the most favorable cost; a step of the Risk Management Process. More
- Risk Administration
Implementation and monitoring of the Risk Management Process; a step of the Risk Management Process. More
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
Gain a grasp of the types of commercial property, be able to identify parties with an insurable interest, and understand the difference between direct and indirect loss.
Commercial property insurance is one of your business customers’ greatest concerns. You’ll improve your cross-selling abilities with up-to-date knowledge of commercial property coverage and reduce E&O exposures. Insuring Commercial Property gives you the skills to address these issues with greater ease and confidence.
Topics:
- Fundamentals of Commercial Property Insurance
- Building and Personal Property
All tangible property not classified as real property. See Real property. More Coverage Form
- Causes of Loss
A reduction in value. More Forms
- Basics of Time Element Insurance
- Basics of Commercial Inland Marine Insurance
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
Identifying the right personal automobile policy and being able to modify it appropriately are skills valued by clients and their families.
After taking the CISR Insuring Personal AutoA land motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer designed for use on public roads, but does not include “mobile equipment.” More Course, you’ll be able to assist your clients in identifying their exposures and more effectively advise them of policy limitations or exclusions that may apply, including ways to provide the needed coverage.
Topics:
- Introduction to the Personal Auto Policy
- Personal Auto Policy Definitions and Liability
Legal responsibility or fault. More Coverage
- Medical Payments/Personal Injury Protection
As related to property, the safeguards, equipment and measures provided by the building owner or occupant to minimize hazards. More
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage
- Coverage for Damage to Your Auto
- Coverage for a Rented Vehicle
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
Updated and revised 16-hour course.
Executive Strategies (2 hours)
Learn what executive-level strategies to use to determine an insurance company’s structure. Understand what regulations and compliance requirements are unique to the insurance business. Learn the role of executive-level decision-making in lines of business, geographic territory, personnel structure, delivery systems, and technology.
Actuarial Practices & AccountingProcess to help quantify an organization’s assets, liabilities, stakeholder equities, and cash flows at a point in time. More (2 hours)
Learn how actuarial practices support the financial viability of an insurance company and the role they play in reports to state insurance departments and financial regulators. Learn about the work of actuaries in the insurance industry, as well as accounting processes and profitability ratios.
Product Development (2 hours)
Learn to explain how insurance product development relates to the livelihood of an insurance company. Identify sources of new insurance product development, discuss modifications of existing insurance products, and learn about creating insurance coverage for emerging industries.
AgencyA relationship, express or implied, wherein one party (principal) delegates authority to another person (agent or proxy) to undertake certain activities for the principal. The agent’s limit of authority and discretionary power depends upon the agreement between the parties. https://youtu.be/s_hHkK95lbA More/Policyholder Services (2 hours)
How can an insurance company improve its agency/policyholder services and meet policyholder needs and expectations? Examine a variety of services that affect policyholders, including the appointment of insurance agencies, product delivery methods, and the provision of around-the-clock customer service.
UnderwritingThe process by which the cost of the coverage is determined. Insurers (and self- funded plans) seek assistance from actuaries. More (4 hours)
Explain the importance of underwriting to an insurance company. Learn about the value of underwriting. Identify differences in company philosophies and analyze company guidelines. Discuss the use and types of reinsurance methods. Examine the purpose, function, and role of the loss control and safety specialist. Understand the purpose of a premium audit, the auditor’s responsibilities, types of audits, and the impact of those audits.
Claims (4 hours)
Understand the steps in the claims process and the purpose and functions of each. Understand how a claims department interacts with other departments within a company. Discuss claim investigation and evaluation, claim payment, and claim reserving practices.
Nothing hits home more than a personal lines loss. Client retention depends on developing relationships and learning to identify the specific exposures each client contends with.
The CISR Personal Residential Course helps you develop the expertise to guide your customers through the often complex and confusing process of purchasing homeowners insurance. More importantly, you will be able to provide practical information that will help clients make decisions for protecting their most valuable assets and their financial future in the event of a loss. Topics:- Personal Residential Concepts
- Homeowners Policy Property Coverages
- Homeowners Policy Liability
Legal responsibility or fault. More Coverages and Policy Conditions
While Personal Lines business may be your primary focus, cross-selling life and health products is a proven revenue generator and client retention tool. Grow your skills and grow your value for your future and for your agency’s!
This course helps build a better understanding of what your clients need to know about life and health insurance. Explaining the benefits of having the proper life and health insurance is key to the financial wellbeing of your clients’ families and businesses.
Be better prepared to answer questions about analyzing the need for and placement of life insurance. Health insurance includes a diverse assortment of policies, from medical expense coverage to vision care and dental coverage, plus a variety of delivery systems and health plans designed to manage the high cost of care.
Topics:
- Introduction to Life Insurance
- Term and Permanent Life Insurance
A policy that offers lifetime protection by combining a cash value with death benefits. More
- Common Characteristics of Life Insurance Policies
- Health Care Policies
- Federal Regulation and Consumer Driven Health Plans
- Medicare
A federal government medical insurance plan originally for individuals age 65 and older or disabled. The age requirement has been raised based on year of birth. More
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
Get ready to learn about the property and liability coverage provided—or not provided—by the homeowners policy for recreational vehicles.
The CISR Personal Lines — Miscellaneous Course addresses the coverage exclusions and limitations in the most current ISO Homeowners 3 – Special Form and the ISO Personal AutoA land motor vehicle, trailer, or semi-trailer designed for use on public roads, but does not include “mobile equipment.” More Policy for exposures created by clients’ business activities and their ownership or use of recreational vehicles and watercraft.
Clients may not be aware they are lacking the proper insurance coverage for these activities until after a loss occurs. After completing this course, you’ll know the coverage gaps and when an appropriate endorsement is available to provide the needed insurance protection. You’ll also know the right questions to ask your clients to help you identify these exposures so you can tailor an appropriate insurance and risk management program that meets their needs. Learn how to analyze the important coverages offered through personal umbrella and excess liability policies.
Topics:
- Business
Includes trade, profession, or occupation. More Activities of Personal Lines Clients
- Recreational Vehicles
- Watercraft
- Personal Umbrella/Excess Liability
Legal responsibility or fault. More
It is recommended that students taking CISR Personal Lines Miscellaneous have already taken CISR Personal Residential or have a working knowledge of the Homeowners Policy Form.
State CE credit is approved in all states. To determine specific credits for your state go to the CE Guide.
To keep our community safe and healthy, we are continuing to postpone classroom courses. Check back for updates.
If you’re concerned about completing your annual update requirements or have questions about your status or the timeline for receiving designations or credits, please contact us by phone, chat or email.