Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA)

The CPIA Program Office's Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) Designation is the first-of-its kind, hands-on, how-to training. To earn the CPIA designation, candidates are required to participate in a series of three, one-day Insurance Success Seminars.

These Seminars are designed to enhance the ability of producers, sales support staff and company personnel to efficiently create and distribute effective insurance programs. Participants leave with ideas that will produce increased sales results immediately.

The CPIA Seminars have been rated very highly by graduating producers, agency owners, and by participating company representatives. The format and nominal cost to attend each module have made them particularly useful and popular. Check out the current schedule of upcoming Seminars.

The CPIA Designation qualifies as an approved E&O Loss Control Seminar by Utica National Insurance.

Our 2025 CPIA Seminar Series schedule is as follows:

CPIA 1 (Position for Success)

May 7, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 2 (Implement for Success)
May 14, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 3 (Sustain Success)
May 21, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 1 (Position for Success)
September 4, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 2 (Implement for Success)
September 17, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 3 (Sustain Success)
September 24, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 1 (Position for Success)
November 6, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 2 (Implement for Success)
November 19, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CPIA 3 (Sustain Success)
December 3, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Position for Success - CPIA 1 – Course objectives:
During this workshop, participants focus on internal and external factors affecting the creation of effective business development goals. Factors discussed include:
  • current state of the insurance marketplace;
  • competitive pressures;
  • insurance carrier underwriting criteria; and
  • consumer expectations.
Implement for Success - CPIA 2 – Course objectives:
During this workshop, participants learn: 
  • specific tools for analyzing consumer need
  • how to utilize risk identification techniques to gather pertinent prospect information;
  • skills necessary to assimilate information gathered into customized coverage recommendations;
  • how to prepare a complete submission; and
  • tips for preparing and presenting a comprehensive insurance proposal.
Sustain Success - CPIA 3 – Course objectives:
This workshop focuses on fulfilling the implied promises contained in the insuring agreement. Participants will: 
  • review methods of providing evidence of insurance coverage;
  • discuss policies and procedures for controlling errors and omissions including policy review and delivery, endorsements, claims-processing, and handling of client complaints; and
  • learn how to calculate the lifetime value of a client and techniques for generating referrals.

MAINTAINING THE CPIA DESIGNATION

Candidates have 3 years to complete the core CPIA Seminar series. Upon completion of the series, candidates will be awarded the CPIA designation. Diplomas are prepared and distributed on a quarterly basis.

The designation requires an annual update. This requirement can be satisfied through participation in any 1 of the 3 core CPIA Seminars, participation in any of the Special Topic CPIA Seminars, or by maintaining Ruby, Sapphire, or Diamond level membership in the CPIA Program.

MEMBERSHIP

For insurance professionals who seek to keep marketing and sales skill building top of mind, the CPIA Program Membership offers innovative, practical, actionable solutions. Unlike insurance coverage education providers, we’re solely focused on growing revenue and customer relationships.

CPIA Program Membership is structured to build strong marketing and sales skills among insurance agency producers, support staff, and insurance company personnel. CPIA Program membership also means access to a nationwide network of professionals who are focused on increasing personal and agency production.

A variety of member benefits packages are available to best suit your / your organization’s needs:

RUBY MEMBERSHIP - $199 per person, annually - Insurance professionals who join the CPIA Program as at the “Ruby” level will receive the following:

  • Satisfies CPIA Designation Annual Update - This level of membership satisfies the annual update requirement for keeping your CPIA designation.
  • Online Membership Networking Directory - Access to member-only resources, including a directory of other members searchable by a variety of criteria.
  • Online Member Community - Engage with other members and share best practices, industry news, advocacy efforts, and professional resources.
  • Professional Development Insights - Email communiques with sales tips, management advice, and marketing resources. Publications include: Quik Sales Tips (12/year) Marketing Muscle (6/year); and Bright Ideas (6/year).
  • Education Program Discounts - Enjoy discounts on select CPIA seminars.

SAPPHIRE MEMBERSHIP - $499 per person annually - The CPIA Program “Sapphire” level provides all the benefits of RUBY MEMBERSHIP, plus:

  • RoughNotes-Pro – Enjoy access for one producer to: PF&M; Coverages Applicable; PL & CL Risk Evaluation Systems, which include comprehensive coverage checklists and questionnaires; Insurance Marketplace; and InAction newsletter and Rough Notes Magazine.

DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP - $750+* annually - The CPIA Program “Diamond” level provides all the benefits of RUBY MEMBERSHIP, plus:

  • RoughNotes Advantage-Plus - Enjoy group access to: PF&M; Coverages Applicable; PL & CL Risk Evaluation Systems; How to Insure training classes; Insurance Words and their Meaning; Business Building Letters; Blog Content and Digital Media Content; Insurance Marketplace; and InAction newsletter and Rough Notes Magazine.
*Diamond Membership pricing is based on number of employees.

For more detailed information, visit The CPIA Program Office or contact our Executive Director, Donna Gray.