How You Benefit as a CPCU Society Member

If you’re looking for a few good reasons to join the CPCU Society, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find a quick overview of the many valuable perks you’ll enjoy as a member. Of course, simply by joining the Society you immediately increase your professional visibility and bolster your reputation as a dedicated insurance professional. But in addition, CPCU Society membership gives you the tools and opportunities needed to:

·         Excel in Your Specific Area of Interest
Join one or more of our 14 Interest Groups, which reflect the diverse interests of our members. Each interest group provides an ongoing forum where members can discuss mutual interests, needs, and concerns, and participate in special educational events. Joining an interest group also gives you access to the interest group’s newsletter to keep you up to date.

·         Network with Your Peers
Meet with CPCUs and other professionals at the Society’s chapter meetings and exclusive educational events, and expand your list of industry contacts. We also offer the ultimate networking venue—our CPCU Society Job Network, where job seekers can post their résumes and search jobs, and employers can browse résumés to find the ideal candidate.

·         Access the CPCU Society Membership Directory
Exclusive to CPCU Society members, the online Membership Directory provides immediate access to up-to-date information on fellow CPCUs. This information is to be used only by members of the CPCU Society, and not for the purpose of soliciting business.

·         Volunteer and Grow Your Leadership Skills
As a CPCU Society member, you can teach and conduct seminars, lead chapter and national meetings, join a committee or task force, and participate in projects at the chapter and CPCU Society level to hone your leadership skills.

·         Speed Your Professional Development
Use your CPCU credits to earn an M.B.A. from Walden University, Boston University, or Drexel University; earn continuing education credits with our many technical insurance, career development, and career management programs; and earn CPD certification through our voluntary incentive program. Also, attend the CPCU Society Center for Leadership, the specialized career and leadership-training event designed by and for insurance industry professionals.

·         Access the CPCU Society's Job Network
The CPCU Society’s Job Network is the industry’s premier source for top P/C insurance companies and job seekers looking to connect. Society members enjoy free access to the Job Network where they can post résumés, build career profiles, and review current job postings.

 ·         Say "Yes" to More Speaking Opportunities
You know how important it is to get involved in speaking engagements, but it’s hard to find the time to research and prepare presentations. The CPCU Society Speakers Bureau offers nine prepared speech kits you can use or customize at local meetings, conferences, and other events. Speeches address the most pertinent issues in the insurance world today like workers compensation and small businesses. Each kit includes a speech, press release, handout materials, public speaking tips, and evaluation form. To order a kit e-mail Mary Drager, executive assistant, or call (800) 932-CPCU, ext. 2726.

·         Access Members-Only Publications
Check out CPCU News for bi-monthly updates on what your peers, the CPCU Society, and local chapters are doing, and browse the online version of our CPCU eJournal for a more in-depth look at the issues and trends affecting the insurance industry. And find out the very latest Society news with our monthly e-newsletter, CPCU e-LINK.

·         Save with Special Insurance Rates
Take advantage of attractive group rates on a variety of insurance plans, including long-term disability, supplemental hospital benefits, excess major medical, personal accident, term life, and long-term care insurance.

·         Subscribe to Industry Publications and Save
Receive substantial discounts on leading industry publications, including A.M. Best, IRMI Publications, Risk & Insurance, American Agent and Broker, and Insurance Executive Technology.

·         Purchase Discounted Business Services
Get competitive rates on conferencing, e-mail, and fax services through A+ Conferencing. Also, save with reduced Credit and Debit Card Processing rates for your agency through First National Merchant Solutions.

·         Build Credit with the CPCU Mastercard®
Enjoy a low annual rate and a multitude of travel privileges with our no annual fee CPCU Society Platinum Plus MasterCard from Bank of America.

Join Today!
To join the CPCU Society, please contact the Society’s Member Resource Center at (800) 932-CPCU, and select option 4.

Continuing Professional Development

Online Education for CPCUs at Every Level
The CPCU Society and American Institute for CPCU have created the joint Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, which recognizes professionals who keep their knowledge current and their skills sharp through career-enhancing activities. By participating in this advanced program, you will set yourself apart as a progressive CPCU who is committed to lifelong learning. Our CPD program is ideal for CPCUs at every career level, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals. For more information or to get started in the program, click on the links below:
Qualifying for Recognition Applying for CPD Online Download CPD Application (pdf) Providing Documentation Qualifying Automatically Requalifying & Renewing Promoting Your CPD Program Participation Qualifying for Recognition To qualify for CPD status, you must earn 60 points every two years. Points are awarded for a variety of activities—passing exams or courses, teaching, writing, conducting research, serving in industry organizations, serving as graders or on IIA/AICPCU Exam Review Committees, attending chapter meetings, CPCU Society Center for Leadership courses, workshops, and more. The CPD application lists a wide variety of activities with corresponding point values. Applying for CPD—Introducing Our New Online CPD Application! The CPCU Society and American Institute for CPCU are constantly striving to serve its members more efficiently, and we believe that you will be very satisfied with this new online service! Now, it is easier and more convenient than ever to track the extra activities and educational events in which you participate to maintain your CPD status. Simply log into your record, and bring up the CPD application. You can scroll down and see the various categories and points awarded for each activity. Follow the prompts and fill in your activity information. The convenience of this application is that you can fill it in, online, as you complete the various activities. Once you have acquired 60 CPD points, and it is within 30 days of your date of expiration, you simply click the “Submit” button, and your application is automatically sent to the American Institute for CPCU, where it will be processed. You will still receive a congratulatory letter from the American Institute after you have been CPD qualified. If you would like a copy of your application for your records, be sure to print it out prior to submission. You will also be informed of your new expiration date, which is approximately two years after your qualified date. Please read the specific directions prior to filling out your online CPD application. You can also download a copy of the CPD Application (pdf) to complete and return by mail. For information regarding qualifying activities or questions about point values, or to check the status of your submitted application, e-mail Chris Quay at the American Institute for CPCU, or call (610) 644-2100, ext. 7667. Providing Documentation You're no longer required to submit documentation for activities qualifying you for CPD recognition. Approximately 5 percent of CPD applications will be audited randomly each year, however, so you should save records relating to CPD activities. Qualifying Automatically Automatic qualification is granted to all CPCU candidates after passing their final CPCU exam, and is also granted to any CPCU who accumulates enough CPD credits through IIA programs, such as passing two associate level exams in one semester. If you're a new CPCU designee, your qualification is automatic and you do not need to submit an application for the first 2 years. Requalificating & Renewing When the expiration of your qualification period approaches, you will receive an e-mail notifying you of same. Promoting Your CPD Program Participation CPD qualifiers are recognized in a variety of ways: CPD qualifiers may download a news release template (doc) to send to their company newsletter, local chapter newsletter, local newspapers, and other selected publications. Read these tips on how to get the best results from your CPD news release. CPD qualifiers receive special badge ribbons at Annual Meeting and Seminars. Chapters may request CPD stickers for chapter meeting badges. A CPD logo may be requested for use on business cards and stationery. Send an e-mail to the Society's Member Resource Center or call (800) 932-2728 to request a camera-ready logo for use on business cards and stationer. If you're not CPD qualified, don't wait—participate!