CISR - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can anyone register for a William T. Hold Seminar?
Can anyone register for a Dynamics of Service Course?
Do I have to take the test?
What happens if I fail a test?
Can I take the course Online?
Is there an order to which I must take the classes?
Is there a time limit for earning the CISR designation?
Once I earn the designation, am I a CISR for life?
How do I update my CISR designation?

Can anyone register for a William T. Hold Seminar?
Yes, anyone is welcome to attend a William T. Hold Seminar. 

Can anyone register for a Dynamics of Service Course?
Anyone can attend a Dynamics of Service Course.

Do I have to take the test?
Anyone can attend classes without taking the exams. To attain the CISR designation, however, you must take five of the nine basic courses and pass the exam at the end of each. See the nine basic classes by clicking here.

What happens if I fail a test?
You can repeat any course and retake the exam. In addition, you can continue attending any of the other courses. We are dedicated to the success of our course participants. Remember, to obtain the designation you must successfully complete the course and exam within the original three (3) year time frame.

Can I take the course online?
Yes, the nine core CISR classes are offered online.  Click here for the IIA of Illinois CISR course schedule. 

Is there an order to which I must take the classes?
No. You can take the courses in any order that best suits your unique needs.

Is there a time limit for earning the CISR designation?
Yes. You must successfully complete the entire series of CISR exams within three calendar years following your first exam. If, for example, you pass your first CISR exam in June 2018, you must complete the entire series of classes and exams by December 31, 2021.

Once I earn the designation, am I a CISR for life?
No. The insurance industry changes at a rapid pace. To remain current, it is necessary that you update your knowledge on a regular basis. That's why we ask that you take at least one continuing education session every year to maintain your CISR designation (see How do I update my CISR designation FAQ for courses that count). No exams are required for CE credits or to update your designation. However, attendance verification during the courses is required for both CE and designation credit.

How do I update my CISR designation?
• Any one of the nine CISR courses (classroom or online – if you update online, you must take and pass the exam)
• A William T. Hold Seminar
• An entire 2 ½ day CIC institute or CRM course earns two years of update credits.
• Dynamics of Service
• Eight consecutive hours of a CIC institute or CRM course – counts as one update credit for dues-paid CISRs.
• Other update options are available through the National Alliance, click here.

Didn't find the answer to your question here, contact the IIA of IL Education department at education@iiaofil.org.

Return to top  |  Return to CISR page